Birthdays are special occasions celebrated worldwide, and Korea is no exception. Whether you want to wish someone a happy birthday formally or informally, this guide will provide you with the essential phrases and tips to convey your birthday greetings in Korean. So let’s dive into the world of “Happy Birthday” in Korean!
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Formal Ways to Say HBD in Korean
If you want to express your birthday wishes formally, especially to older individuals or superiors, these are the phrases to use:
1. 생일 축하합니다 (Saeng-il chukha-hamnida)
Literal Translation: Congratulations on your birthday.
This is the most common and widely used phrase to wish someone a formal happy birthday in Korean. It is appropriate to use regardless of the person’s gender or age.
2. 오늘은 당신의 생일입니다 (Oneul-eun dangsin-ui saeng-il-imnida)
Literal Translation: Today is your birthday.
This phrase is more personal, explicitly mentioning that it is the person’s special day. It adds a warm touch to your wishes while maintaining a respectful tone.
Informal Ways to Say HBD in Korean
If you are close to the person you want to wish a happy birthday, such as friends or family members, these informal phrases will be more suitable:
1. 생일 축하해요 (Saeng-il chukha-haeyo)
Literal Translation: Congratulations on your birthday.
This phrase is similar to the formal version but in a more casual tone. It is commonly used among friends and acquaintances.
2. 생일 축하해 (Saeng-il chukha-hae)
Literal Translation: Congratulations on your birthday.
This is an even more informal version of the previous phrase. It can be used among close friends or family members.
Tips for Saying HBD in Korean
Now that you know the basic phrases, here are some tips and additional examples to enhance your understanding:
1. Adding the Person’s Name
To personalize your birthday wishes, you can include the person’s name after the phrase. For instance:
- 생일 축하합니다, [Name]님! (Saeng-il chukha-hamnida, [Name]nim!)
- 생일 축하해요, [Name]! (Saeng-il chukha-haeyo, [Name]!)
- 오늘은 당신의 생일입니다, [Name]씨! (Oneul-eun dangsin-ui saeng-il-imnida, [Name]ssi!)
2. Expressing Well Wishes
It is common to add additional well wishes or kind words to your birthday message in Korean. Here are a few examples:
- 행복하고 건강하게 지내세요 (Haengbokhago geon-ganghage jinaeseyo): Have a happy and healthy life.
- 모든 소망이 이루어지길 바랍니다 (Modeun somangi irueojigil barabnida): May all your wishes come true.
- 늘 행운이 함께하기를 바라요 (Neul haengun-i hamkkehagireul barayo): I hope good luck is always with you.
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are used throughout Korea, there are some regional variations in how “Happy Birthday” is said:
- In Jeju Island, they sometimes say “생신 축하디라” (Saengsin chukha-dirah) instead of “생일 축하합니다” (Saeng-il chukha-hamnida).
- In some parts of Gyeongsang Province, you may hear “생신 축하 따라해” (Saengsin chukha ttara-hae) which is a playful way of saying it.
In Conclusion
Now that you have mastered the art of saying “Happy Birthday” in Korean, you can confidently convey your wishes to your Korean friends, family, or acquaintances. Remember to use formal phrases when appropriate and adapt your language to match your relationship with the person you are congratulating. So go ahead and celebrate countless birthdays in Korea with your newfound Korean birthday greetings!
