What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 오늘 (today), 제 (my – polite), 생일 (birthday) and –이에요 (is).
Which one should you use?
While 생일 (saeng-il) is the standard word for birthday, 생신 (saeng-sin) is the honorific version used when referring to the birthday of an elder or someone of much higher status.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For very formal settings, such as a speech or a business introduction, you can use 오늘 제 생일입니다. When speaking to friends or people younger than you, the informal version 오늘 내 생일이야 is appropriate.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 제 (je) is the humble form of 'my', used to show respect to the listener. In contrast, 내 (nae) is the casual form of 'my', used with close friends or subordinates.
How do you pronounce it?
oneul je saeng-irieyo
When do people say it?
Koreans often enjoy seaweed soup, known as miyeokguk, on their birthdays.
Did you know?
- If you are eating seaweed soup, 미역국 (miyeokguk), on your birthday, you are participating in a deep tradition meant to honor your mother.
- Korean culture often celebrates the '100th day' after a baby is born, treating it as a milestone similar to a first birthday.
- The word 오늘 (today) literally carries the meaning of 'the day that has come' because it is derived from 'to come' and 'day'.
Examples in context
- 오늘은 제 25번째 생일입니다.Today is my 25th birthday.
- 오늘은 제 생일이에요! 축하해주세요!Today is my birthday! Please celebrate with me!
- 오늘 제 생일이에요.oneul je saeng-il-i-e-yo.Today is my birthday.
- 사실 오늘 제 생일이에요.sasil oneul je saeng-il-i-e-yo.Actually, today is my birthday.
- 잊지 마세요, 오늘 제 생일이에요!it-ji ma-se-yo, oneul je saeng-il-i-e-yo!Don't forget, today is my birthday!
Example conversation
Subin tells Hyunwoo the news at a cafe.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨, 오늘 제 생일이에요.hyeon-u ssi, oneul je saeng-il-i-e-yo.Hyunwoo, today is my birthday.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말요? 생일 축하해요, 수빈 씨!jeong-mal-yo? saeng-il chuk-ha-hae-yo, su-bin ssi!Really? Happy birthday, Subin!
- 수빈 Su-bin고마워요. 정말 기뻐요.go-ma-wo-yo. jeong-mal gi-ppeo-yo.Thank you. I'm really happy.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo맛있는 거 먹으러 가요.mas-it-neun geo meok-eu-reo ga-yo.Let's go eat something delicious.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 오늘, 제, CC BY-SA 4.0.
