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Discover How to Express ‘Happy Birthday’ in Korean- A Comprehensive Guide

How do I say “Happy Birthday” in Korean? If you’re planning to celebrate a special occasion with a Korean-speaking friend or family member, knowing how to wish them a happy birthday in their native language can be a thoughtful and considerate gesture. In this article, we will guide you through the process of expressing “Happy Birthday” in Korean, including variations and the proper pronunciation.

Korean, like many languages, has its own unique way of celebrating birthdays. The phrase “Happy Birthday” in Korean is “생일 축하합니다” (saengil chukhahamnida). This phrase is a combination of “생일” (saengil), which means “birthday,” and “축하합니다” (chukhahamnida), which means “congratulations” or “happy birthday.” It is a formal and polite way to wish someone a happy birthday.

When you say “생일 축하합니다” (saengil chukhahamnida), it is important to pronounce the words correctly. The “saengil” part is pronounced with a soft “ng” sound at the end, similar to the “eng” in “send.” The “chukhahamnida” part is pronounced with a strong emphasis on the “ha” sound, as in “ha-ha.”

In addition to the formal phrase, there are other ways to express “Happy Birthday” in Korean, depending on the relationship between you and the person you are celebrating. Here are a few variations:

1. For friends or close acquaintances: “생일 축하해!” (saengil chukhahae!)
This is a casual and friendly way to wish someone a happy birthday. The “해” at the end is a casual way to say “it is” or “it was.”

2. For family members: “생일을 축하해요!” (saengil-eul chukhahae-yo!)
This phrase is similar to the first one but is more formal and respectful. The “요” at the end is a polite way to say “it is” or “it was.”

3. For a romantic partner: “생일이 축하해요!” (saengil-i chukhahae-yo!)
This phrase is a bit more affectionate and is suitable for a romantic partner. The “이” before “축하해요” (chukhahae-yo) indicates possession, as in “your birthday.”

In conclusion, knowing how to say “Happy Birthday” in Korean can make your celebration more personal and meaningful. Whether you use the formal phrase “생일 축하합니다” (saengil chukhahamnida) or one of the variations mentioned above, your gesture will surely be appreciated. So, the next time you have a birthday to celebrate with a Korean friend or family member, don’t hesitate to express your well wishes in their native language.

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