Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “celebrate” in Korean! Whether you’re planning to visit South Korea, have Korean friends, or simply want to learn a new language, understanding how to express celebration is essential for effective communication. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to say “celebrate” in Korean, along with some tips, examples, and even regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Celebrate” in Korean
In formal situations or when speaking to someone of higher status or authority, it is important to use appropriate language and expressions. Here are a few formal ways to express the concept of celebration in Korean:
1. 축하하다 (Chuk-ha-ha-da)
The most common and general term for “to celebrate” in Korean is 축하하다. This formal verb is widely used in various contexts such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and other significant events.
Example: 회사에서 경조사를 축하했습니다. (Hwae-sa-e-seo gyeong-jo-sa-reul chuk-ha-haet-seum-ni-da.)
(We celebrated a colleague’s special occasion at the office.)
2. 맞이하다 (Mat-i-ha-da)
For celebrations that involve welcoming or receiving someone or something, you can use 맞이하다. This word is often paired with the specific event being celebrated.
Example: 새해를 맞이하여 가족들과 함께 행복한 시간을 보냈습니다. (Sae-hae-reul mat-i-ha-yeo ga-jok-deul-gwa ham-kke hueng-bok-han shi-gan-eul bo-nat-seum-ni-da.)
(We celebrated the New Year and spent a happy time with family.)
3. 경축하다 (Gyeong-chuk-ha-da)
When you want to express a more formal or official celebration, such as congratulating someone for an achievement or a remarkable event, the word 경축하다 is appropriate.
Example: 그는 업적을 경축받았습니다. (Geu-neun eob-jeok-eul gyeong-chuk-bad-at-seum-ni-da.)
(He was celebrated for his accomplishments.)
Informal Ways to Say “Celebrate” in Korean
Informal language is commonly used among friends, family, or peers. When talking in a casual setting, you can utilize these informal expressions to convey celebration:
1. 축하해 (Chuk-ha-hae)
In informal conversations, you can simply say 축하해, which is the casual form of 축하하다. It is frequently used among friends to celebrate birthdays, achievements, or other happy occasions.
Example: 생일 축하해! (Saeng-il chuk-ha-hae!)
(Happy birthday!)
2. 축하드려요 (Chuk-ha-deu-ryeo-yo)
If you want to maintain a polite tone while using an informal expression, 축하드려요 is a great option. It is slightly more respectful than 축하해 and can be used with people older than you or in more formal casual situations.
Example: 합격을 축하드려요! (Hap-gyeok-eul chuk-ha-deu-ryeo-yo!)
(Congratulations on passing!)
Regional Variations
While the above expressions are widely used throughout Korea, it’s worth mentioning that regional variations exist due to dialects and cultural factors. Although not necessary for basic communication, knowing a few regional variations can enrich your understanding of Korean language and culture. Here are a couple of notable examples:
1. 기념하다 (Gi-nyeom-ha-da) – Seoul Dialect
In the Seoul dialect, 기념하다 is sometimes used instead of 축하하다. While it generally means “to commemorate,” it can also carry the sense of “celebration” in specific contexts.
Example: 장학금 수여식을 기념했습니다. (Jang-hak-geum su-yeo-si-geul gi-nyeom-haet-seum-ni-da.)
(We celebrated the scholarship award ceremony.)
2. 뿌리다 (Bburi-da) – Jeolla Dialect
In the Jeolla dialect of the southwestern region, the verb 뿌리다 is sometimes used instead of 축하하다. While it literally means “to sprinkle,” it carries the meaning of “celebrating” with a unique regional touch.
Example: 결혼식을 뿌렸어. (Gyeol-hon-sik-eul bburi-sseo.)
(We celebrated the wedding.)
Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “celebrate” in Korean, formal and informal expressions, and even some regional variations, you are ready to join Korean celebrations and share your warm wishes with others. Remember, language is a gateway to culture, and your efforts to learn Korean will be greatly appreciated by native speakers. 축하해요! (Chuk-ha-hae-yo!)
