행복한 독립기념일 되세요
haengbokan dongnipginyeom-il doeseyo
The English phrase "happy independence day" is translated into Korean as 행복한 독립기념일 되세요 (haengbokan dongnipginyeom-il doeseyo).
This phrase is used to offer good wishes on a country's independence day. In South Korea, this specific holiday is known as Gwangbokjeol (광복절).
Meaning: good wishes at a country's independence day (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
행복한 (haengbokan) is the adjective form of 행복 (happiness), meaning "happy".
How do you pronounce it?
haengbokan dongnipginyeom-il doeseyo
When do people say it?
In South Korea, the independence day is called Gwangbokjeol (광복절), a name that translates to "the day the light returned".
Did you know?
- While 행복한 독립기념일 되세요 is a literal translation, Koreans rarely say 'happy' to celebrate this day, instead using 축하합니다 ('congratulations') because the day is viewed as a victory.
- The grammar in 되세요 (doeseyo) at the end of the phrase is a polite imperative that literally asks the listener to 'become' the happy day, which is a common way to offer blessings in Korean.
- On 광복절, it is a common custom for citizens to display the 태극기 ('Taegeukgi' national flag) outside their homes as a silent way of saying 'happy independence day'.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are saying goodbye before a holiday break.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨, 이제 퇴근하시네요.Jieun ssi, ije toegeunhasineyo.Jieun, you are leaving work now.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 현우 씨도 얼른 가세요.ne, Hyeonu ssi-do eolleun gaseyo.Yes, you should leave quickly too, Hyeonu.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo집에서 푹 쉬시고 행복한 독립기념일 되세요.jib-eseo puk swisigo haengbokhan dongnipginyeomil doeseyo.Get some good rest at home and have a happy Independence Day.
- 지은 Ji-eun감사합니다. 현우 씨도 즐거운 휴일 보내세요!gamsahamnida. Hyeonu ssi-do jeulgeoun hyuil bonaeseyo!Thank you. You have a pleasant holiday too, Hyeonu!
