When it comes to expressing your love and celebrating your boyfriend’s birthday, doing so in his native language can add an extra touch of thoughtfulness and warmth. If your boyfriend is Korean or you simply want to surprise him with a Korean birthday greeting, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, you’ll learn various ways to say happy birthday to your boyfriend in Korean, including both formal and informal expressions. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say Happy Birthday to Your Boyfriend in Korean
If you’re looking for a formal way to wish your boyfriend a happy birthday, here are a few options:
1. 생일 축하합니다 (saeng-il chukha-hamnida)
This is the most common and widely used phrase to say “happy birthday” in a formal context. It is a polite expression that shows respect. You can simply say, “Boyfriend’s Name님, 생일 축하합니다” (Boyfriend’s Name-nim, saeng-il chukha-hamnida).
2. 즐거운 생일 보내세요 (jeul-geo-un saeng-il bonaeseyo)
This phrase translates to “Have a delightful birthday” in English. It’s a slightly longer expression but conveys your well wishes with a formal touch. You can say, “Boyfriend’s Name님, 즐거운 생일 보내세요” (Boyfriend’s Name-nim, jeul-geo-un saeng-il bonaeseyo).
3. 기쁜 생일이 되길 바래요 (gi-ppeun saeng-il-i doe-gil balaeyo)
This expression means “Wishing you a happy birthday” and can be used in formal settings to extend your heartfelt wishes. You can say, “Boyfriend’s Name님, 기쁜 생일이 되길 바래요” (Boyfriend’s Name-nim, gi-ppeun saeng-il-i doe-gil balaeyo).
4. 행복한 날 되세요 (haengbok-han nal doe-seyo) / 행복한 생일이 되기를 바랍니다 (haengbok-han saeng-il-i doe-gi-reul baramnida)
Both of these expressions mean “Have a happy day” or “I hope you have a happy birthday” in a formal manner. You can say, “Boyfriend’s Name님, 행복한 날 되세요” (Boyfriend’s Name-nim, haengbok-han nal doe-seyo) or “Boyfriend’s Name님, 행복한 생일이 되기를 바랍니다” (Boyfriend’s Name-nim, haengbok-han saeng-il-i doe-gi-reul baramnida).
Informal Ways to Say Happy Birthday to Your Boyfriend in Korean
If you have a close and casual relationship with your boyfriend, here are some more informal ways to wish him a happy birthday:
1. 생일 축하해 (saeng-il chukha-hae)
This is the casual expression of “happy birthday” in Korean. You can say, “Boyfriend’s Name야, 생일 축하해” (Boyfriend’s Name-ya, saeng-il chukha-hae).
2. 생일 축하해요 (saeng-il chukha-haeyo)
This is a softer and slightly more polite way of saying “happy birthday” informally. You can say, “Boyfriend’s Name야, 생일 축하해요” (Boyfriend’s Name-ya, saeng-il chukha-haeyo).
3. 생일 진심으로 축하해 (saeng-il jin-shim-eu-ro chukha-hae)
This expression carries a deeper meaning and translates to “I sincerely congratulate you on your birthday.” It conveys your heartfelt wishes in an informal manner. You can say, “Boyfriend’s Name야, 생일 진심으로 축하해” (Boyfriend’s Name-ya, saeng-il jin-shim-eu-ro chukha-hae).
4. 행복한 생일 보내 (haengbok-han saeng-il bona)
Using this phrase, you’re telling your boyfriend to have a happy birthday in a more relaxed tone. You can say, “Boyfriend’s Name야, 행복한 생일 보내” (Boyfriend’s Name-ya, haengbok-han saeng-il bona).
Tips for Writing Korean Birthday Greetings
Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing or saying Korean birthday greetings:
1. Addressing your boyfriend
When using formal language, it’s polite to add -님 (-nim) after your boyfriend’s name. For a closer and more informal relationship, you can use -야 (-ya) instead.
2. Adding 좋은 (jo-eun)
The word 좋은 (jo-eun) means “good” or “great” and can be added before 사람 (sa-ram) meaning “person.” Saying 좋은 사람 (jo-eun sa-ram) translates to “good person” and emphasizes your affection toward your boyfriend on his special day. For example, “Boyfriend’s Name야, 좋은 사람, 생일 축하해!” (Boyfriend’s Name-ya, jo-eun sa-ram, saeng-il chukha-hae!).
3. Using a nickname
If you and your boyfriend have specific nicknames for each other, incorporate them into the birthday greeting to make it even more personal and special.
Expressing your birthday wishes in Korean will surely bring a smile to your boyfriend’s face and show him how much you care. Whether you decide to go with a formal or informal greeting, remember that the most important thing is the love and sincerity behind your words.
Now that you have a variety of ways to say happy birthday to your boyfriend in Korean, go ahead and choose the one that feels most comfortable and genuine to you. Celebrate his special day with joy and let your love shine through your heartfelt message. 생일 축하합니다!
