Birthdays are special occasions where we receive love, wishes, and blessings from our friends and family. It is only natural to express our gratitude for these kind gestures. If you are looking to say thank you for birthday wishes in Korean, this guide will provide you with formal and informal expressions. Let’s explore various ways to show your appreciation!
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Formal Expressions
When expressing your gratitude formally, it’s important to use polite language. Here are a few ways to say thank you for birthday wishes:
1. 감사합니다 (Gam-sa-ham-ni-da)
This is the most common and formal way to say “thank you” in Korean. It can be used in any situation, including showing appreciation for birthday wishes.
Example: 감사합니다! 생일 축하해주셔서 정말 감사합니다. 이렇게 많은 축하와 사랑을 받아서 행복해요. (Gam-sa-ham-ni-da! Saeng-il chuk-ha-he-ju-syeo-seo jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da. I-reo-ge ma-neun chuk-ha-wa sa-rang-eul ba-da-seo haeng-bok-hae-yo.)
Translation: Thank you! I’m really grateful for the birthday wishes. I’m happy to receive so much love and celebration.
2. 정말 고맙습니다 (Jeong-mal Go-map-seup-ni-da)
This expression translates to “Thank you very much” and is appropriate for expressing deep gratitude.
Example: 정말 고맙습니다! 생일 축하 메시지에 감동받았어요. 항상 저에게 이렇게 따뜻한 마음을 주셔서 감사합니다. (Jeong-mal Go-map-seup-ni-da! Saeng-il chuk-ha me-si-je-e gam-dong-ba-das-seo-yo. Hang-sang jeo-e-ge i-reo-ge dda-ddeut-han ma-eum-eul ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.)
Translation: Thank you very much! I was touched by the birthday messages. I’m always grateful for the warm thoughts you give me.
3. 진심으로 감사드립니다 (Jin-sim-eu-ro Gam-sa-deurip-ni-da)
This expression conveys heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing sincerity.
Example: 진심으로 감사드립니다. 생일 축하해주신 모든 분들께 감사의 말씀을 전하고 싶어요. (Jin-sim-eu-ro Gam-sa-deurip-ni-da. Saeng-il chuk-ha-he-ju-sin mo-deun bun-deul-gge gam-sa-ui mal-ssi-eul jeon-ha-go ship-eo-yo.)
Translation: I am sincerely thankful. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who wished me a happy birthday.
Informal Expressions
When it comes to informal language, Koreans often use casual expressions among close friends and family members. Here are a few ways to say thank you for birthday wishes informally:
1. 고마워 (Go-ma-wo)
This is a simple and friendly way to say “thank you.” It’s suitable for expressing gratitude informally.
Example: 고마워! 생일 축하해줘서 너무 좋아. 새해에는 너에게도 멋진 생일을 줄게! (Go-ma-wo! Saeng-il chuk-ha-hae-jweo-seo neo-mu jo-a. Sae-hae-e-neun neo-e-ge-do meo-jin saeng-il-eul jul-ge!)
Translation: Thank you! I’m so happy for the birthday wishes. I’ll make sure to give you a wonderful birthday in the new year too!
2. 정말 고마워 (Jeong-mal Go-ma-wo)
This expression is similar to the formal “정말 고맙습니다” (Thank you very much), but it’s used among friends and close acquaintances.
Example: 정말 고마워! 생일 축하 메시지 보낼 생각만 했는데, 너무 감동했어. 고마워서 꼭 보답할게! (Jeong-mal Go-ma-wo! Saeng-il chuk-ha me-si-je bo-nael saeng-gak-man haess-neunde, neo-mu gam-dong-haess-eo. Go-ma-wo-seo kkok bo-dap-hal-ge!)
Translation: Thank you very much! I only thought about sending birthday messages but I was deeply moved. I’ll definitely repay your kindness!
3. 진짜 고마워 (Jin-jja Go-ma-wo)
This expression is an informal way to convey heartfelt gratitude, similar to “진심으로 감사드립니다” (I am sincerely thankful).
Example: 진짜 고마워! 생일 축하해준 거 너무 감사해. 근데 내 생일 때 너도 놀러와! (Jin-jja Go-ma-wo! Saeng-il chuk-ha-hae-jun geo neo-mu gam-sa-hae. Geun-de nae saeng-il ttae neo-do nol-leo-wa!)
Translation: Thank you so much! I’m really grateful for the birthday wishes. By the way, you should come and hang out on my birthday too!
Conclusion
Saying thank you for birthday wishes in Korean is a lovely way to appreciate the love and kindness you receive on your special day. Whether you prefer formal or informal expressions, you now have a variety of options to convey your gratitude. Remember to choose the appropriate phrases depending on the situation and the level of closeness with the person who wished you a happy birthday. Enjoy your celebration and spread the love!
