What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'Please become a happy Sabbath day'. In Korean, this structure is a standard way to wish someone a specific type of day.
Which one should you use?
While 행복한 안식일 되세요 uses the word for 'happy' (행복한), you can also say 즐거운 안식일 되세요 (jeulgeoun ansik-il doeseyo), which uses the word for 'joyful' or 'pleasant' (즐거운) instead.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 행복한 안식일 되세요 is polite and suitable for use with elders, strangers or in formal religious settings. Other formal options include 안식일 즐겁게 보내세요 (Have a joyful Sabbath), 안식일을 기쁘게 보내시기 바랍니다 (May you spend a joyful Sabbath) and 안식일에 행복한 시간을 보내세요 (May you have a happy time on Sabbath). For informal situations, you can use 행복한 안식일 보내 (Spend a happy Sabbath), 안식일 잘 보내 (Have a good Sabbath) or 이번 안식일도 기분 좋게 보내 (Have a happy Sabbath this time as well).
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 행복한 안식일 되세요, the verb 되세요 (doeseyo) is the polite imperative form of 'to become'. It is used here to express a wish or a blessing.
How do you pronounce it?
haengbokhan ansik-il doeseyo
Did you know?
- The word 안식 in 안식일 can also mean 'eternal rest' in a funerary context, referring to the peace of the deceased.
- The word for Sabbath, 안식일, contains the character 息, which refers to 'breathing' or 'resting'. It literally depicts a person leaning against a wooden box to rest, emphasizing the concept of breathing a sigh of relief.
- While most Christians in Korea use 주일 (ju-il) for Sunday, the term 안식일 is specifically used by Seventh-day Adventists and some other denominations who observe the Sabbath on Saturday.
Examples in context
- 행복한 안식일 되세요.haengbokhan ansigil doeseyo.Have a happy sabbath day.
- 모두 행복한 안식일 되세요!modu haengbokhan ansigil doeseyo!Have a happy sabbath day, everyone!
- 가족 모두 행복한 안식일 되세요.gajok modu haengbokhan ansigil doeseyo.I wish your whole family a happy sabbath day.
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun meet at their place of worship on Saturday morning.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨, 행복한 안식일 되세요.Jieun ssi, haengbokhan ansigil doeseyo.Jieun, have a happy sabbath day.
- 지은 Ji-eun고마워요, 민준 씨도 행복한 안식일 되세요.Gomawoyo, Minjun ssi-do haengbokhan ansigil doeseyo.Thank you, Minjun, have a happy sabbath day too.
- 민준 Min-jun오늘 예배가 정말 기대돼요.Oneul yebe-ga jeongmal gidaedwaeyo.I am really looking forward to the service today.
- 지은 Ji-eun저도 그래요, 함께 가요.Jeodo geuraeyo, hamkke gayo.Me too, let's go together.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 안식일, CC BY-SA 4.0.
