Birthdays are special occasions that bring about joy and celebration, no matter where you are in the world. If you want to learn how to say the Happy Birthday song in Korean, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express birthday wishes in Korean lyrics. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Way
In formal settings or when addressing someone older or of higher social status, it’s important to use formal language. Here’s how you can sing the Happy Birthday song formally in Korean:
생일 축하합니다
생일 축하합니다
사랑하는 (name) 생일 축하합니다
생일 축하합니다
This formal version of the Happy Birthday song translates to:
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dear (name)
Happy birthday to you!
Remember to replace “(name)” with the actual name of the person you are celebrating. It’s polite to call them by their full name or add an honorific title such as “선생님” (teacher) or “님” if appropriate.
Informal Way
When celebrating among friends, family, or people of similar age, a more casual and informal approach is commonly used. Here’s how you can sing the Happy Birthday song informally in Korean lyrics:
생일 축하해
생일 축하해
(name) 생일 축하해
생일 축하해
This informal version of the Happy Birthday song translates to:
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dear (name)
Happy birthday to you!
Similar to the formal version, make sure to replace “(name)” with the name of the person being celebrated. When singing informally, you can use the person’s first name or a nickname.
Additional Tips
Honoring Regional Variations
Korea comprises different regions, and there might be slight variations in the way Happy Birthday is sung. While the formal and informal versions mentioned above are widely used, some regions have distinctive customs. If you are in such a region or celebrating with people from there, it’s always impressive to learn and honor their specific traditions.
Learn the Pronunciation
While we have provided the lyrics for the Happy Birthday song in Korean, it is essential to understand how to pronounce them correctly. Here are a few pronunciation tips:
- 생일 (saeng-il) – Pronounced as “saeng-il.”
- 축하 (chuk-ha) – Pronounced as “chuk-ha.”
- 합니다 (ham-ni-da) – Pronounced as “ham-ni-da.”
- (name) – Pronounced as the actual name of the person you are celebrating.
Adding Personal Touch
When celebrating someone’s birthday, adding a personal touch to the song can make it even more special. Consider adding the person’s age, cute nicknames, or inside jokes to make them feel extra loved and appreciated.
For example, you can modify the lyrics informally:
생일 축하해
생일 축하해
사랑하는 (name), 오늘 드디어 20살 축하해!
생일 축하해
This version expresses “Happy 20th birthday, beloved (name)!”
Enthusiastic Singing
Remember, birthdays are occasions filled with joy and celebration. Singing the Happy Birthday song in a lively and enthusiastic manner will make the moment more memorable for the birthday person. Let your energy shine through while singing!
Conclusion
Saying the Happy Birthday song in Korean lyrics can be a wonderful way to celebrate birthdays with Korean-speaking friends, family, or colleagues. Whether you choose to sing formally or informally, it’s the thought and warm wishes that truly count. Show your appreciation and make someone’s birthday even more special with these Korean lyrics!
