생신 축하드립니다
saengsin chukadeurimnidahonorific, formal
To an elder, say 생신 축하드립니다 (saengsin chukadeurimnida). It uses the honorific word 생신 (saengsin) for "birthday" instead of the usual 생일 (saengil). It is also called 생신 축하드려요 (saengsin chukadeuryeoyo).
Meaning: happy birthday to an older person (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 생신 축하드립니다 | saengsin chukadeurimnida | honorific, formal |
| 생신 축하드려요 | saengsin chukadeuryeoyo | honorific, polite |
What does it mean word for word?
생신 is the honorific "birthday". 축하드립니다 (chukadeurimnida) is the humble form of "I congratulate you".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
생신 축하드려요 (saengsin chukadeuryeoyo) is a softer, still respectful version. Do not use 생일 축하해 with elders.
When do people say it?
Many people add a wish like 건강하세요 (geonganghaseyo), "please stay healthy".
Did you know?
- The honorific 생신 is only used for the birthday of someone you respect.
Examples in context
- 사장님, 생신 축하드립니다.sajangnim, saengsin chukadeurimnida.Sir, happy birthday.
Example conversation
Juyeon calls her Grandma on her birthday.
- Juyeon할머니, 생신 축하드려요.halmeoni, saengsin chukadeuryeoyo.Grandma, happy birthday.
- Grandma아이고, 고맙다.aigo, gomapda.Oh my, thank you.
- Juyeon항상 건강하세요.hangsang geonganghaseyo.Please always stay healthy.
