What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 행복 (happiness), the object marker 을 and 빌어요 (to wish/pray).
Which one should you use?
While 행복을 빌어요 is a standard way to express this, you may encounter other forms depending on the nuance and level of respect required. 행복하시기를 바랍니다 is a polite and respectful way to express a wish for someone to be happy, while 행복하세요 is a polite and straightforward way to wish someone happiness. Additionally, 행복하시길 빌어요 uses the suffix -길 to make the phrase sound more like a formal wish or a prayer for a specific state of being.
How does it change in a sentence?
To adapt the phrase to different social contexts, you can change the ending. In an informal or casual setting with friends, you can drop the polite ending 요 to say 행복을 빌어. To make the phrase more formal or respectful, such as in a speech or a written letter, use 행복을 빕니다.
How do you pronounce it?
haengbogeul bireoyo
Did you know?
- The greeting 안녕하세요 is actually a wish for the other person to be in a state of 안녕, which refers to a long-term, stable peace and happiness.
- In Korean culture, instead of saying 'I wish you happiness', people often use the phrase 건강하세요, which means 'Please be healthy'. Health is frequently viewed as the fundamental prerequisite for any form of happiness.
- The verb 빌다 used in 행복을 빌어요 is also the word used when someone is begging for forgiveness or pleading desperately.
Examples in context
- 오늘은 따뜻한 저녁을 맞으시고 행복하시기를 바랍니다.I hope you have a warm evening and be happy today.
- 새해 복 많이 받으시고 행복하시기를 바랍니다.I hope you receive many New Year's blessings and remain happy.
- 결혼 축하드려요. 항상 행복하세요.Congratulations on your marriage. Always be happy.
- 공부도 열심히 하시고 행복하세요.Please study hard and be happy.
- 시험 잘 보고 행복해.Do well in your exam and be happy.
- 이사 잘 다 하고 새 집에서 행운을 빕니다.I wish you good fortune as you settle in your new home.
- 당신의 앞날에 행복을 빌어요.dangsinui apnare haengbogeul bireoyo.I wish you happiness in your future.
- 가족 모두의 행복을 빌어요.gajok modue haengbogeul bireoyo.I wish happiness for your whole family.
Example conversation
Hyun-woo is saying goodbye to Seo-yeon as she moves away.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이제 정말 떠나네요.ije jeongmal tteonaneyo.You are really leaving now.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 그동안 감사했어요.ne, geudongan gamsahaesseoyo.Yes, thank you for everything.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo새로운 곳에서도 행복을 빌어요.saeroun gos-eseodo haengbog-eul bireoyo.I wish you happiness in your new place too.
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워요, 현우 씨.gomawoyo, Hyun-woo ssi.Thank you, Hyun-woo.
