Celebrating your birthday is a special occasion and if you are learning Korean, you may want to know how to say “Happy Birthday to me” in Korean. Whether you are planning to celebrate your birthday in Korea or simply want to impress your Korean friends, this guide will provide you with various ways to express this special phrase. We will cover both formal and informal ways of saying it, as well as share some regional variations. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Happy Birthday to Me in Korean
1. 생일 축하합니다 (saeng-il chukha-hamnida) – This is the most common formal way to say “Happy Birthday.” It is typically used in formal and official settings or with people older than you. Remember to add the honorific suffix “입니다 (imnida)” after “축하합니다 (chukha-hamnida)” to show respect.
Examples: – 생일 축하합니다 (saeng-il chukha-hamnida) – Happy Birthday to me! – 저의 생일을 축하합니다 (jeo-ui saeng-il-eul chukha-hamnida) – I wish myself a happy birthday.
2. 제 생일을 축하해 주세요 (je saeng-il-eul chukha-hae ju-se-yo) – This is another formal way of saying “Please wish me a happy birthday.” It is a polite request and shows humility.
Examples: – 제 생일을 축하해 주세요 (je saeng-il-eul chukha-hae ju-se-yo) – Please wish me a happy birthday. – 오늘은 제 생일입니다. 축하해 주세요 (oneul-eun je saeng-il-imnida. chukha-hae ju-se-yo) – Today is my birthday. Please wish me a happy birthday.
Informal Ways to Say Happy Birthday to Me in Korean
1. 내 생일 축하해 (nae saeng-il chukha-hae) – This is the informal way of saying “Happy Birthday to me” among friends or people of similar age. The word “내 (nae)” means “my” or “mine,” indicating that you are referring to your own birthday.
Examples: – 내 생일 축하해 (nae saeng-il chukha-hae) – Happy Birthday to me! – 오늘은 나의 생일이야 (oneul-eun na-ui saeng-il-i-ya) – Today is my birthday.
Tips for Saying Happy Birthday to Yourself:
- Consider using polite language (formal) when speaking to people you are not close with or those older than you.
- If in doubt, it is always safer to use the formal expressions.
- When celebrating your birthday among close friends or family, you can opt for less formal expressions.
Regional Variations (Optional)
While Korean is mainly spoken in South Korea and North Korea, there are some regional variations in the language. However, the phrases mentioned above are widely understood and can be used universally. Therefore, regional variations are not essential for expressing “Happy Birthday to me” in Korean.
In Conclusion
Celebrating your birthday in Korean can be a fantastic way to connect with friends, colleagues, or locals if you are in Korea. By using the phrases shared in this guide, you can confidently say “Happy Birthday to me” in formal and informal contexts. Remember to tailor your language choice based on the formality of the situation and your relationship with the listener. Whether it’s 생일 축하합니다 (saeng-il chukha-hamnida) or 내 생일 축하해 (nae saeng-il chukha-hae), your Korean birthday wishes are sure to leave a positive and lasting impression. Enjoy your special day!
