Birthdays are special occasions that are celebrated all around the world. They are a time to show love, appreciation, and well-wishes to the person who is celebrating their special day. If you have a South Korean friend or loved one and want to surprise them by wishing them a happy birthday in their native language, this guide will help you. In this article, we will explore the formal and informal ways of saying happy birthday in South Korean, providing you with tips, examples, and regional variations (if necessary).
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Happy Birthday
When it comes to expressing formal birthday wishes in South Korean, there are a few phrases that you can use:
- “생일 축하합니다” (Saeng-il chukha-hamnida) – This is the standard and most commonly used phrase to wish someone a happy birthday in formal settings.
- “생일을 진심으로 축하드립니다” (Saeng-ireul jinshimeuro chukha-deurimnida) – This phrase conveys a sincere and heartfelt birthday wish.
- “사랑하는 (name)님의 생일을 진심으로 축하드립니다” (Saranghaneun [name]-nim-ui saeng-ireul jinshimeuro chukha-deurimnida) – This phrase is more personal and polite, and it translates to “I sincerely congratulate beloved (name)’s birthday.”
Informal Ways to Say Happy Birthday
When addressing friends, family members, or close acquaintances, it is common to use less formal language. Here are some informal ways to wish someone a happy birthday in South Korean:
- “생일 축하해요” (Saeng-il chukha-haeyo) – This phrase is the equivalent of saying “happy birthday” in an informal way.
- “생일 축하해” (Saeng-il chukha-hae) – This is a shorter, more casual version of the previous phrase.
- “(Name)야, 생일 축하해!” ([name]-ya, saeng-il chukha-hae!) – This phrase is a playful and familiar way to wish someone a happy birthday, using the person’s name and adding the word “ya” for emphasis.
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and examples to help you better understand how to say happy birthday in South Korean:
Tip: Pay attention to formalities and the relationship you have with the person you are wishing a happy birthday. It is important to use the appropriate level of formality based on the context.
Example 1:
Person A: 생일 축하합니다! (Saeng-il chukha-hamnida!)
Person B: 감사합니다! (Gamsahamnida!)
Translation:
Person A: Happy birthday!
Person B: Thank you!
Example 2:
Person A: 사랑하는 아버지의 생일을 진심으로 축하드립니다. (Saranghaneun abeoji-ui saeng-ireul jinshimeuro chukha-deurimnida.)
Person B: 감사합니다. (Gamsahamnida.)
Translation:
Person A: I sincerely congratulate my beloved father’s birthday.
Person B: Thank you.
Example 3:
Person A: 생일 축하해요! (Saeng-il chukha-haeyo!)
Person B: 고마워요! (Gomawoyo!)
Translation:
Person A: Happy birthday!
Person B: Thank you!
Remember, South Koreans appreciate it when foreigners make an effort to learn and use their language. So don’t be afraid to give it a try!
Conclusion
Now that you have learned the formal and informal ways to say happy birthday in South Korean, you can confidently celebrate your loved ones’ birthdays in their native language. Whether you choose a formal or informal phrase, the important thing is to express your well-wishes sincerely. So, go ahead and make someone’s birthday truly special with a heartfelt “생일 축하합니다!” or any other phrase you have learned.
