생신 축하드려요
saengsin chukhadeuryeoyo
In Korean, "happy birthday to elders" is expressed as 생신 축하드려요 (saengsin chukhadeuryeoyo).
This phrase is a polite way to wish an older person a happy birthday.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase contains 생신, which is the honorific form of the word for birthday (생일). This honorific version is used specifically for the birthdays of elders or people of higher status.
Which one should you use?
While 생일 축하해요 is used for friends or people of similar status, 생신 축하드려요 must be used for elders to avoid being rude.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 생신 축하드려요 ends in the polite –요 (-yo) ending.
How do you pronounce it?
saengsin chukhadeuryeoyo
Did you know?
- Korean culture has a special tradition of eating 미역국 (miyeok-guk), or seaweed soup, on birthdays. This is because it is the first food a mother eats after giving birth, so eating it on your birthday honors your mother.
- In Korea, the 60th birthday is traditionally celebrated as 환갑 (hwangap) with a large party. This marks the completion of one full cycle of the lunar zodiac and was historically seen as the beginning of a new life.
- When wishing an elder a happy birthday, it is common to bow while saying 생신 축하드려요. The depth and duration of the bow communicate the level of respect the speaker has for the elder.
Examples in context
- 존경하는 할아버지께 생신 축하드립니다. 80세를 맞으셔서 정말 축하드려요. 건강과 행복이 계속되기를 기원합니다.I congratulate your birthday, respected grandfather. I truly congratulate you on reaching 80 years of age. I wish for your continued health and happiness.
- 할머니, 생신 축하드려요.hal-meo-ni, saeng-sin chuk-ha-deu-ryeo-yo.Grandmother, happy birthday.
- 선생님, 생신 축하드려요!seon-saeng-nim, saeng-sin chuk-ha-deu-ryeo-yo!Teacher, happy birthday!
- 아버님, 생신 축하드려요.a-beo-nim, saeng-sin chuk-ha-deu-ryeo-yo.Father, happy birthday.
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are visiting their grandfather's house.
- 민준 Min-jun할아버지, 생신 축하드려요!Harabeoji, saengsin chukhadryeoyo!Grandfather, happy birthday!
- 민지 Min-ji고맙다, 민준아.Gomapda, Minjun-a.Thank you, Minjun.
- 민준 Min-jun민지야, 너도 빨리 인사드려.Minji-ya, neodo ppalli insadryeo.Minji, you should greet him quickly too.
