Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 생일 | saeng'il | [sʰɛŋiɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [sʰe̞ŋiɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
|
| 생신 | saengsin | [sʰɛŋɕʰin] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [sʰe̞ŋɕʰin] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
honorific |
| 탄신 | tansin | [tʰa̠nɕʰin] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term is used to refer to the anniversary of someone's birth. When speaking informally to friends or those younger than you, you can say 생일 축하해 to mean 'Happy birthday'. To show respect to elders or superiors, the polite phrase 생신 축하드려요 is used.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 생일 is composed of 생 (birth) and 일 (day).
Which one should you use?
While 생일 is the standard term, 생신 is the honorific form used for people much older or in higher social positions, such as a grandparent or a teacher. 탄신 is a highly formal or reverent term reserved for the birthdays of historical figures, deities or extremely respected public figures.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
생일 is the general term. Use the honorific 생신 when referring to the birthday of an elder or superior. For a highly formal or reverent tone, such as when discussing historical figures, use 탄신. When addressing a person by name in a formal context, it is customary to add the honorific suffix nim after their name.
How do you pronounce it?
saeng'il
When do people say it?
Use the honorific 생신 for elders and add nim to a person's name to show proper respect.
Did you know?
- Traditionally, Koreans counted the day of birth as the first day of life and the first day of the lunar year as another birthday, meaning a baby could be one year old at birth.
- In Korea, the first birthday, called 돌 (dol), is a major milestone often celebrated with a ceremony where the child picks an object to predict their future career.
- It is a traditional custom to eat 미역국 (miyeok-guk), a seaweed soup, on your 생일 because it is the same soup mothers eat after giving birth.
Examples in context
- 난 생일 파티에 못 갔어.I couldn't come to the birthday party.This sentence is useful for mentioning a birthday party with 생일.Tatoeba #8729107 by Eunhee, translation #1120650 by ellasevia
- 올해 생일파티 할 계획이야?Are you planning to have a birthday party this year?This sentence is useful for asking about plans for a birthday party with 생일.Tatoeba #13755288 by qlTmalffk, translation #9738092 by CK
- 내 생일은 오늘부터 한달 후야.My birthday is one month from today.This sentence is useful for stating when a birthday occurs with 생일.Tatoeba #8361903 by Eunhee, translation #251417 by Swift
- 생일 축하해요!Happy birthday!
- 새로운 모험과 행복이 가득한 한 해를 축하합니다!Cheers to another year of adventures and happiness!
- 생일 축하합니다! 즐거운 하루 보내세요!Happy birthday! Have a joyful day!
- 고객님의 생일을 진심으로 축하드리며, 더욱 행운이 가득한 한 해가 되기를 기원합니다!We sincerely celebrate your birthday and wish a year filled with even more luck!
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about an upcoming celebration.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은아, 너 내일 생일이지?Jieun-a, neo naeil saengil-iji?Jieun, it's your birthday tomorrow, right?
- 지은 Ji-eun응, 맞아. 내일이야.Eung, maja. Naeir-iya.Yes, that's right. It's tomorrow.
- 도현 Do-hyeon생일 축하해 줄게!Saengil chukha-hae julge!I will celebrate your birthday!
- 지은 Ji-eun고마워, 도현아!Gomawo, Dohyeon-a!Thanks, Dohyeon!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “birthday” translations and entries 생일, 생신, 탄신, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
