Celebrating birthdays is an important and joyous occasion in Korean culture. Knowing how to say “Happy Birthday” in Korean shows your thoughtfulness and sincerity towards someone on their special day. Whether you want to greet someone formally or informally, this guide will provide you with the necessary phrases, audio pronunciation, tips, examples, and regional variations (if applicable) to make their birthday unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Say Happy Birthday in Korean:
When addressing someone in a formal manner, such as a person older than you, someone you’re not close with, or a person in a professional setting, you can use the phrase “생일 축하합니다” (pronounced “Saeng-il chukha-hamnida”) to say “Happy Birthday.” Let’s break down this greeting:
생일 축하합니다
Breaking it down:
- 생일 (saeng-il) – This translates to “birthday” in English.
- 축하합니다 (chukha-hamnida) – This means “congratulations” or “celebrate” in Korean.
By combining these two phrases, you’ll be able to convey your birthday wishes formally. Here’s the audio pronunciation for “생일 축하합니다”:
Your browser does not support the audio element.
Informal Way to Say Happy Birthday in Korean:
When you’re addressing someone close to you, a friend, or someone younger than you, you can use the phrase “생일 축하해” (pronounced “Saeng-il chukha-hae”) to say “Happy Birthday” in a more friendly and informal manner. Let’s take a closer look at this phrase:
생일 축하해
Breaking it down:
- 생일 (saeng-il) – This translates to “birthday” in English, same as in the formal version.
- 축하해 (chukha-hae) – This means “congratulations” or “celebrate” in a more casual way.
Combining these two phrases will allow you to express your warm wishes informally. Here’s the audio pronunciation for “생일 축하해”:
Your browser does not support the audio element.
Tips for Saying Happy Birthday in Korean:
To ensure your birthday greeting resonates with the recipient, consider the following tips:
- Show respect: Make sure to match the appropriate level of formality depending on the age and relationship with the person you’re greeting.
- Use the person’s name: Adding the person’s name after the birthday greeting adds a personal touch and demonstrates sincerity.
- Accompany with gifts and gestures: It is customary to give gifts, especially when greeting someone older or in more formal settings. It shows your thoughtfulness and appreciation.
- Consider regional variations: While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood and used throughout Korea, there may be some subtle regional variations in certain dialects. However, these differences are generally minimal and won’t hinder communication.
Examples:
Let’s take a look at some examples of how you can greet someone on their birthday using the phrases we’ve learned:
- Formal Example:
“생일 축하합니다, [Person’s Name]님! 새로운 한 해가 행복하고 축복받은 한 해가 되시길 바랍니다.”
Translation: “Happy Birthday, [Person’s Name]! May this new year bring you happiness and abundant blessings.”
- Informal Example:
“생일 축하해, [Person’s Name]야! 항상 건강하고 행복한 일들만 가득하길 바래!”
Translation: “Happy Birthday, [Person’s Name]! Wishing you always stay healthy and filled with happy moments!”
Remember, it’s essential to accompany your greeting with a sincere smile and warm gestures to make the birthday person feel truly special and loved.
