생일 축하해
saengil chukahaecasual
To a friend, say 생일 축하해 (saengil chukahae) for "happy birthday". It is the casual form, the same as the polite 생일 축하해요 without 요. It is also called 생일 축하합니다 (saengil chukahamnida).
Meaning: happy birthday to a friend (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 생일 축하해 | saengil chukahae | casual |
| 생일 축하해요 | saengil chukahaeyo | polite |
| 생일 축하합니다 | saengil chukahamnida | formal |
What does it mean word for word?
생일 (saengil) means "birthday" and 축하해 (chukahae) means "congratulations".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If your friend is older, add 요 or use 생신 for elders only in the elder form. For friends of the same age, the casual form is best.
When do people say it?
Friends often send the message at midnight when the birthday begins.
Did you know?
- The Korean birthday soup is 미역국 (miyeokguk), seaweed soup.
Examples in context
- 생일 축하해, 친구야!saengil chukahae, chinguya!Happy birthday, my friend!
- 생일 축하해! 선물 샀어.saengil chukahae! seonmul sasseo.Happy birthday! I bought you a gift.
Example conversation
Taemin surprises his friend Junho on his birthday.
- Taemin생일 축하해, 준호야!saengil chukahae, junhoya!Happy birthday, Junho!
- Junho와, 기억했구나. 고마워!wa, gieokaetguna. gomawo!Wow, you remembered. Thanks!
- Taemin자, 선물이야.ja, seonmuriya.Here, a gift.
