Celebrating birthdays is a special tradition in every culture, and Korea is no exception. If you’re looking to surprise someone special by singing the happy birthday song in Korean, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to say happy birthday song in Korean, sharing tips, examples, and even regional variations. Let’s dive in and make someone’s birthday extra special!
Table of Contents
Formal way: 생일 축하합니다 (saeng-il chukha-hamnida)
The formal way to say “happy birthday” in Korean is “생일 축하합니다” (saeng-il chukha-hamnida). It is the most common and respectful way to wish someone a happy birthday. Koreans often use this phrase in formal settings such as with elders, teachers, or superiors. Here’s how you pronounce it: saeng-il (sang-eel) chukha-hamnida (chook-hah-ham-ni-da).
Example in a sentence
To sing the happy birthday song formally in Korean, you can say: “생일 축하합니다, 생일 축하합니다, 사랑하는 [name] 생일 축하합니다” (saeng-il chukha-hamnida, saeng-il chukha-hamnida, saranghaneun [name] saeng-il chukha-hamnida), which means “Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to my beloved [name].”
Informal way: 생일 축하해요 (saeng-il chukha-haeyo)
When you want to sing the happy birthday song in a more casual and informal way, you can use “생일 축하해요” (saeng-il chukha-haeyo). This version is suitable for friends, siblings, or people of similar age. Pronounce it as saeng-il (sang-eel) chukha-haeyo (chook-hah-heh-yo).
Example in a sentence
To sing the happy birthday song informally in Korean, you can say: “생일 축하해요, 생일 축하해요, 사랑하는 [name] 생일 축하해요” (saeng-il chukha-haeyo, saeng-il chukha-haeyo, saranghaneun [name] saeng-il chukha-haeyo), which means “Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to my beloved [name].”
Regional Variations
While the formal and informal ways mentioned above are understood nationwide, there are some minor regional variations in Korea. These variations can add a unique touch to your birthday wishes. Here are a few examples:
Jeolla Province Variation:
In the Jeolla Province, people often add “좋은 일 있으세요” (jo-eun il iss-eu-se-yo) to wish the birthday person good things to happen. So, the complete phrase would be “생일 축하합니다, 좋은 일 있으세요” (saeng-il chukha-hamnida, jo-eun il iss-eu-se-yo).
Gyeongsang Province Variation:
In the Gyeongsang Province, instead of “생일 축하합니다” (saeng-il chukha-hamnida), they use “생일 축하드려요” (saeng-il chukha-deu-ryeo-yo), which has the same meaning but a slightly different pronunciation.
Seoul Variation:
In Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, you may hear people using a shortened form of the phrase, “생축” (saeng-chuk). It is more colloquial but still widely understood.
Tips for Singing the Happy Birthday Song in Korean
Now that you know how to say the happy birthday song in Korean, here are some tips to make the moment even more memorable:
- Practice the pronunciation: Take some time to practice the Korean phrases to ensure you pronounce them correctly. This will make your birthday song sound even more authentic.
- Add personal touches: To make the birthday song extra special, include the person’s name in your singing or customize the lyrics to suit their personality.
- Learn Korean birthday traditions: Familiarize yourself with Korean birthday customs and traditions to show respect and make the celebration more meaningful for the person whose birthday you are celebrating.
- Use gestures: Along with singing, consider incorporating traditional Korean gestures like bows or presenting a small gift to show your appreciation and well-wishes.
In Conclusion
Embracing Korean culture by singing the happy birthday song in Korean can make someone’s birthday unforgettable. Remember to consider the appropriate level of formality, whether it’s the formal “생일 축하합니다” (saeng-il chukha-hamnida) or the informal “생일 축하해요” (saeng-il chukha-haeyo). Feel free to add regional variations for an extra touch of authenticity, such as the Jeolla Province, Gyeongsang Province, or Seoul variations. Don’t forget to practice pronunciation, add personal touches, and incorporate Korean birthday traditions to make the celebration truly special. Happy singing and warmest birthday wishes!
