Learning how to say happy birthday in Korean is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate someone’s special day. The most common phrase is “생일 축하해 (saengil chukahae),” which means Happy Birthday. You can also say “생일 축하합니다 (saengil chukahamnida)” for a more polite version.
Knowing these phrases helps you sound friendly, respectful, and connected when wishing birthdays in Korean. It also shows cultural appreciation and makes your message feel more personal. Whether for friends, family, or colleagues, these words always bring a smile.
Say Happy Birthday in Korean
From formal to cute and casual, here are 15 ways to say it — with meanings, origins, and examples.
15 Phrases table for How to Say Happy Birthday in Korean
| No. | Korean Phrase | Meaning in English | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 생일 축하해 (Saengil chukahae) | Happy birthday | Casual, for friends and close ones |
| 2 | 생일 축하합니다 (Saengil chukahamnida) | Happy birthday | Formal and polite |
| 3 | 생일 축하드려요 (Saengil chukadeuryeoyo) | I sincerely wish you a happy birthday | Very respectful |
| 4 | 좋은 생일 보내요 (Joeun saengil bonaeyo) | Have a good birthday | Friendly and kind |
| 5 | 행복한 생일 되세요 (Haengbokhan saengil doeseyo) | Have a happy birthday | Polite and warm |
| 6 | 즐거운 생일 보내요 (Jeulgeoun saengil bonaeyo) | Have a joyful birthday | Cheerful and common |
| 7 | 생일 축하해요 (Saengil chukahaeyo) | Happy birthday | Polite but not too formal |
| 8 | 생일 진심으로 축하해 (Saengil jinsimeuro chukahae) | Happy birthday from my heart | Emotional and caring |
| 9 | 생일 축하드립니다 (Saengil chukadeurimnida) | Happy birthday (honorific) | For elders or bosses |
| 10 | 생일 잘 보내 (Saengil jal bonae) | Enjoy your birthday | Informal and casual |
| 11 | 멋진 생일 보내세요 (Meotjin saengil bonaeseyo) | Have a wonderful birthday | Polite and warm |
| 12 | 생일 축하해, 친구야 (Saengil chukahae, chinguya) | Happy birthday, my friend | Friendly tone |
| 13 | 최고의 생일 보내! (Choegoui saengil bonae!) | Have the best birthday! | Fun and energetic |
| 14 | 생일 축하해요, 사랑해요 (Saengil chukahaeyo, saranghaeyo) | Happy birthday, I love you | Romantic tone |
| 15 | 생일 축하해, 오늘은 네 날이야! (Saengil chukahae, oneureun ne nariya!) | Happy birthday, today is your day! | Playful and friendly |
1. 생일 축하합니다 (Saengil chukhahamnida) – “Happy Birthday” (Formal)
Meaning: The standard, polite way to say happy birthday.
Origin: Derived from “생일” (birthday) + “축하하다” (to congratulate).
Example: 선생님, 생일 축하합니다! (Seonsaengnim, saengil chukhahamnida!) — Happy birthday, teacher!
Usage: Use for elders, teachers, or formal occasions.
2. 생일 축하해요 (Saengil chukhahaeyo) – “Happy Birthday” (Polite)
Meaning: Slightly less formal but still respectful.
Example: 엄마, 생일 축하해요! — Happy birthday, Mom!
Usage: Ideal for parents, coworkers, or people you know well.
3. 생일 축하해 (Saengil chukhahae) – “Happy Birthday” (Casual)
Meaning: Friendly and informal version.
Example: 친구야, 생일 축하해! — Happy birthday, my friend!
Usage: Use with close friends or same-age people.
4. 생축 (Saeng-chuk) – Slang for “Happy Birthday”
Meaning: Shortened, trendy version used online or in texts.
Example: 생축~ 🎉
Usage: Common in casual chats or social media posts.
5. 생일 축하드립니다 (Saengil chukhadeurimnida) – “I Humbly Wish You a Happy Birthday”
Meaning: Extremely polite form expressing respect.
Example: 회장님, 생일 축하드립니다. — Happy birthday, Chairman.
Usage: For very senior people or formal business greetings.
6. 즐거운 생일 보내세요 (Jeulgeoun saengil bonaeseyo) – “Have a Happy Birthday”
Meaning: A nice, warm greeting for cards or messages.
Example: 즐거운 생일 보내세요! — Have a wonderful birthday!
Usage: Great for written wishes or polite messages.
7. 생일 잘 보내! (Saengil jal bonae!) – “Have a Great Birthday!”
Meaning: Casual and upbeat expression.
Example: 오늘 생일 잘 보내~ — Enjoy your birthday today!
Usage: Perfect for friends and siblings.
8. 생일 파티 하자! (Saengil pati haja!) – “Let’s Have a Birthday Party!”
Meaning: A fun way to suggest celebrating together.
Example: 이번 주말에 생일 파티 하자! — Let’s have a birthday party this weekend!
Usage: Among close friends or groups.
9. 네 생일이야! (Ne saengiriya!) – “It’s Your Birthday!”
Meaning: Excited way to acknowledge someone’s special day.
Example: 네 생일이야! 놀자! — It’s your birthday! Let’s hang out!
Usage: Fun and casual for close friends.
10. 태어난 날 축하해 (Taeeonan nal chukhahae) – “Congrats on Your Birth Day”
Meaning: Poetic way of saying happy birthday.
Example: 너의 태어난 날을 축하해 — Congrats on your birth day.
Usage: Cute and sentimental, often used in songs or romantic messages.
11. 생일 축하해요, 사랑해요 (Saengil chukhahaeyo, saranghaeyo) – “Happy Birthday, I Love You”
Meaning: Sweet and affectionate version.
Example: 생일 축하해요, 사랑해요~ — Happy birthday, I love you!
Usage: For partners or family members.
12. 생일 선물 있어! (Saengil seonmul isseo!) – “I Have a Birthday Gift!”
Meaning: Fun way to surprise someone.
Example: 생일 선물 있어! 열어봐! — I have a birthday gift! Open it!
Usage: Used before giving presents.
13. 오늘은 네 날이야! (Oneureun ne nariya!) – “Today Is Your Day!”
Meaning: Encouraging and cheerful expression.
Example: 오늘은 네 날이야! 마음껏 즐겨! — It’s your day! Enjoy it fully!
Usage: Playful and positive tone.
14. 행복한 하루 보내! (Haengbokhan haru bonae!) – “Have a Happy Day!”
Meaning: Broader version suitable for birthdays too.
Example: 생일이니까 행복한 하루 보내! — Since it’s your birthday, have a happy day!
Usage: Friendly and heartwarming.
15. 생일 축하 노래 불러줄까? (Saengil chukha norae bulleojulkka?) – “Shall I Sing You the Birthday Song?”
Meaning: Playful and cute phrase.
Example: 생일 축하 노래 불러줄까? — Want me to sing the birthday song?
Usage: Among friends or partners.
FAQs
1. What is the most common way to say Happy Birthday in Korean?
👉 The most common phrase is “생일 축하합니다 (Saengil chukhahamnida).”
2. What’s the difference between 생일 축하합니다 and 생일 축하해요?
👉 “합니다” is more formal, while “해요” is polite but friendlier.
3. How do Koreans celebrate birthdays?
👉 They often eat seaweed soup (미역국, miyeok-guk) and receive gifts or cash from loved ones.
4. Is there a Korean birthday song?
👉 Yes! It’s similar to the English “Happy Birthday” tune but sung with Korean lyrics.
5. What should I write in a Korean birthday card?
👉 “즐거운 생일 보내세요!” or “행복한 생일 되세요!” are polite and perfect.
Conclusion:
Learning how to say happy birthday in Korean helps you celebrate like a native and show real care for your friends or loved ones. Whether you say “생일 축하해 (saengil chukahae)” to a friend or “생일 축하합니다 (saengil chukahamnida)” in a formal setting, each phrase adds warmth and respect. Using these greetings makes your Korean sound more natural and heartfelt — perfect for birthdays, messages, or social media posts. So next time someone’s special day arrives, share a sincere “생일 축하해!” and make their day brighter.
