Are you looking to wish your friend a happy birthday in Korean? Whether you want to use a formal or informal expression, or perhaps a regional variation, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll provide you with tips, examples, and everything you need to know to say “happy birthday” in Korean to a friend.
Table of Contents
Formal and Informal Ways
In Korean, the way you say “happy birthday” depends on the level of formality you want to convey. Let’s start with the formal way:
1. Formal:
생일 축하합니다 (Saeng-il chu-kha-ham-ni-da)
In the above expression, “생일” (saeng-il) means “birthday,” and “축하합니다” (chu-kha-ham-ni-da) translates to “congratulations.” This phrase is used in formal situations, such as when wishing happy birthday to an older or more respected person.
Now, if you want to use a more casual and friendly expression when saying happy birthday to a friend, you can use the following phrase:
2. Informal:
생일 축하해 (Saeng-il chu-kha-hae)
In this informal expression, “축하해” (chu-kha-hae) is the casual way to say “congratulations.” It’s commonly used among friends and people of similar age or familiarity.
Tips for Saying Happy Birthday in Korean
Here are some tips to make your happy birthday message more authentic and meaningful:
1. Add the person’s name:
When saying happy birthday in Korean, it’s a nice touch to include the person’s name. For example, if your friend’s name is Ji-hoon, you can say:
생일 축하합니다, 지훈씨 (Saeng-il chu-kha-ham-ni-da, Ji-hoon-ssi)
The honorific term “씨” (ssi) is added after the name to show respect. If you’re close friends, you can omit the honorific.
2. Use honorifics:
In Korean culture, it’s important to use honorific language when speaking to older or more respected individuals. If you’re wishing happy birthday to someone older or in a professional setting, make sure to utilize honorific expressions like “축하합니다” (chu-kha-ham-ni-da).
3. Consider regional variations:
While the expressions mentioned above are commonly used throughout South Korea, there might be slight differences in dialect or regional variations. It’s always a good idea to be aware of any specific regional expressions or customs in the area where your friend is from.
Examples of Saying Happy Birthday in Korean
To help you understand how to say happy birthday in context, here are a few examples:
- Formal Example:
생일 축하합니다, 아버지 (Saeng-il chu-kha-ham-ni-da, a-beo-ji)
Translation: Happy birthday, father. - Informal Example:
생일 축하해, 친구야 (Saeng-il chu-kha-hae, chin-gu-ya)
Translation: Happy birthday, my friend.
Don’t be afraid to personalize the message and use the person’s name or any specific terms of endearment you have for them. It will make your message even more heartfelt.
So, whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday or just want to show your friend some love on their special day, now you know how to say happy birthday in Korean. Remember to consider the level of formality and any regional variations, and feel free to personalize your message to make it truly special.
Happy birthday, or 생일 축하합니다!
