Korean Dictionary
How to say "Happy Birthday Song" in Korean
“Happy Birthday Song” in Korean is 생일 축하 노래 (pronounced "saengil chukha norae").
생일 축하 노래
saengil chukha norae
Usage & Context
생일 축하 노래 is the Korean version of the Happy Birthday song sung to the same melody as the English version with Korean lyrics. The song begins with 생일 축하합니다 (congratulations on your birthday) and is sung enthusiastically by friends and family. Korean karaoke rooms (노래방) frequently have birthday song versions with colorful video backgrounds.
Example Sentence
다같이 생일 축하 노래를 불렀어요.
We all sang the happy birthday song together.
How to use 생일 축하 노래 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Happy Birthday Song” is 생일 축하 노래, romanized as saengil chukha norae.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 생일 축하 노래.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '생일' (saengil) like 'sang-eel', with 'saeng' rhyming with 'bang'. '축하' (chukha) sounds like 'chook-hah', with a light 'h' sound. '노래' (norae) is 'no-ray', like 'no' and 'ray'. The stress is fairly even, but 'saeng' and 'no' might feel slightly emphasized.
More Example Sentences
Recounting a birthday celebration with friends.
친구 생일 파티에서 다 같이 생일 축하 노래를 불렀어.
We all sang the happy birthday song together at my friend's birthday party.
Describing a child's birthday moment.
아이가 생일 축하 노래를 부르면서 케이크 촛불을 껐어요.
The child blew out the cake candles while singing the happy birthday song.
Discussing common features of Korean karaoke rooms.
노래방에 가면 꼭 생일 축하 노래 버전이 있죠.
When you go to a noraebang (karaoke room), there's always a happy birthday song version, right?
Cultural Context
The Korean '생일 축하 노래' is sung to the exact same melody as the English 'Happy Birthday to You', making it instantly recognizable. The lyrics usually start with '생일 축하합니다' (saengil chukahamnida), meaning 'Congratulations on your birthday'. It's a staple at any Korean birthday party, often accompanied by a cake and candles. In K-dramas, you'll frequently see characters singing this song with great enthusiasm, sometimes even with a special 'birthday hat' on the birthday person.
Editorial note
We review entries like 생일 축하 노래 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
생일 축하 노래 불러줄게!
I'll sing the happy birthday song for you!
다 같이 생일 축하 노래 부르자!
Let's all sing the happy birthday song together!
생일 축하 노래 틀어줘.
Play the happy birthday song.
Related Expressions
생일 축하합니다
saengil chukahamnida
Happy Birthday (formal)
생일 파티
saengil pati
Birthday party
축가
chukga
Celebratory song (e.g., wedding song)
노래 부르다
norae bureuda
To sing a song
More Holidays & Festivals Words
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