Do you have a Korean friend on facebook or perhaps a Korean boyfriend or girlfriend? If so, there comes at least one time a year when knowing how to say “happy birthday” in Korean will come in handy. The standard way to say this is “saengil chukhahaeyo” (in Hangul: 생일 축하해요) which you would use when talking to someone older or someone you’re not super close with. But there are slight variations to consider depending on the situation.
saengil chukhahaeyo (생일 축하해요) – The polite way
Use when:
The person you’re talking with is older than you
You aren’t really close with that person
You are unsure which form to use
You can also use the honorific version and say “saengshin chukha-deuryeoyo” (in Hangul: 생신 축하드려요) if the person you’re saying it to is considered “higher status” (a very complex concept) and in real life, you would for example say this to:
An older relative
Your teacher
saengil chukhahae (생일 축하해) – The close/informal way
You are saying it to a close friend or someone younger than you
saengil chukhahamnida (생일 축하합니다) – The formal way
Use when:
You find yourself in a very formal situation
You sing the happy birthday song in Korean!
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