Looking for Korean birthday wishes? We’ve compiled a list of how to say Happy Birthday in Korean that is bound to light up anyone’s face with joy on their special day.
Birthdays are a time to celebrate, reflect, and laugh! So whether you’re giving someone a thoughtful gift or a memorable gift experience, our collection of ways to say happy birthday in Korean is the perfect complement to make them extra happy.
To help you pick, our Birthday wishes are categorized into:
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How to Say “Happy Birthday” in Korean?
The most common way to wish someone a happy birthday in Korean is 생일 축하해요 (pronounced “saeng-il chuk-ha-hae-yo”). Here are some variations depending on the context:
- To a friend: 친구 생일 축하해! (chingu saeng-il chuk-ha-hae!)
- To family: 생일 축하해, (사랑하는) (name)! (saeng-il chuk-ha-hae, (sarang-haneun) (name)!) – (with “사랑하는” meaning “loving”)
- In a formal setting: 생일 축하드립니다. (saeng-il chuk-ha-deuripnida)
Short and Sweet Korean Birthday Wishes
- 당신의 생일이 케이크처럼 달콤하고 초롱이처럼 밝기를 바랍니다. 생일 축하해요! (May your birthday be as sweet as cake and as bright as candles. Happy birthday!)
- 특별한 날에 따뜻한 소망과 큰 안아줄을 보냅니다. 생일 축하해요! (Sending you warm wishes and big hugs on your special day. Happy birthday!)
- 오늘은 당신과 당신이 훌륭한 사람임을 축하하는 날이에요. 생일 축하해요! (Today is all about celebrating you and the amazing person you are. Happy birthday!)
Funny Korean Birthday Wishes
- 나이는 그저 숫자일 뿐이야… 정말 크고 무섭기까지 한 숫자야! 어쨌든 생일 축하해! (Age is just a number… a really big, scary number! Happy birthday anyway!)
- 사람들은 나이가 들수록 더 현명해진다고 말해. 그러니까 이제 너는 믿을 수 없을 만큼 현명한 걸까… 아니면 그냥 믿을 수 없을 만큼 나이가 들었을까? 생일 축하해! (They say the older you get, the wiser you become. So I guess that makes you incredibly wise by now… or just incredibly old! Happy birthday!)
- 한 살 더 먹으면 더 많은 노인 할인을 받을 수 있는 거죠. 생일 축하해요! (Another year older means another year closer to getting those senior discounts. Happy birthday!)
Romantic Korean Birthday Wishes
- 내 인생의 사랑하는 사람에게 생일 축하해! 더 많은 사랑으로 가득한 많은 해가 되길 바래요. (Happy birthday to the love of my life! I hope you have many more years filled with love.)
- 특별한 날에, 당신이 얼마나 내게 소중한지 다시 한 번 상기시키고 싶어요. 생일 축하해요! (On your special day, I just want to remind you how much you mean to me. Happy birthday!)
- 당신은 내게 일어난 가장 좋은 일이에요. 매일 당신에게 감사해요. 생일 축하해요! (You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I am grateful for you every day. Happy birthday!)
Heartfelt Korean Birthday Wishes
- 멋진 사람의 생일을 축하해요! 당신의 날이 사랑과 따뜻함으로 가득하기를 바랍니다. (Happy birthday to a wonderful person! May your day be filled with love and warmth.)
- 당신을 소중히 여기는 사람들에 둘러싸인 따뜻한 생일이 되길 바랍니다. (Wishing you a heartwarming birthday surrounded by those who care about you.)
- 생일 축하해요! 사랑과 웃음, 소중한 순간으로 가득한 하루를 기대해봐요. (Happy birthday! Here’s to a day filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments.)
Cute Korean Birthday Wishes
- 전 세계에서 가장 좋아하는 사람의 생일 축하해요! 당신의 미소로 매일을 더 밝게 만들어 주세요. (Happy birthday to my favorite person in the whole world! You make every day brighter with your smile.)
- 당신이 가장 행복해하는 모든 것으로 가득 찬 하루를 기원합니다. 생일 축하해요! (Wishing you a day filled with all the things that make you happiest. Happy birthday!)
- 오늘은 그냥 한 살 더 먹은 게 아니라 한 살 더 사랑스러워진 거야! 생일 축하해, 귀여운 사람! (You are not just a year older today, but also a year more adorable! Happy birthday, cutie!)
Conclusion
In addition to learning how to say Happy Birthday in Korean, why not learn more about unique Birthday Traditions in Korea?
And hey, to make them feel celebrated, match these wishes with the perfect gift. For those seeking gift ideas, you can give them gift experiences they will never forget or you can try exploring Amazon for more gift ideas and price comparisons. Cheers to many more years of happiness and success!
Seth is an English-major turned stand-up comedian. When he’s not touring comedy clubs, he loves putting his creativity to use writing puns and card greetings for all occasions (not just funny ones). Many of his punny works can be found in a card store near you.