Korean Dictionary
How to say "First Birthday Celebration" in Korean
“First Birthday Celebration” in Korean is 돌잔치 (pronounced "doljanchi").
돌잔치
doljanchi
Usage & Context
돌잔치 is the elaborate celebration of a baby's first birthday (돌) in Korea. The most important ritual is 돌잡이 where the baby is placed before symbolic objects and whichever the baby grabs first is believed to predict their future. Families typically host large gatherings at banquet halls with food, family photos, and performances.
Example Sentence
조카의 돌잔치에서 돌잡이를 봤어요.
I watched the doljabi at my nephew's first birthday celebration.
How to use 돌잔치 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “First Birthday Celebration” is 돌잔치, romanized as doljanchi.
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 돌잔치.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '돌잔치' as 'Dol-jan-chi'. 'Dol' sounds like 'doll'. 'Jan' is like 'jan' in 'January'. 'Chi' sounds like 'chee' in 'cheese'.
More Example Sentences
Sharing an experience of the doljabi ritual.
제 조카의 돌잔치에서 돌잡이를 봤는데, 연필을 잡았어요!
At my nephew's doljanchi, I watched the doljabi, and he grabbed a pencil!
Talking about attending a doljanchi.
친구 아들 돌잔치에 초대받아서 주말에 가야 해요.
I was invited to my friend's son's doljanchi, so I have to go this weekend.
A parent expressing the effort involved in planning.
돌잔치 준비하느라 요즘 정신이 없어요.
I'm so busy these days preparing for the doljanchi.
Cultural Context
돌잔치 (Doljanchi) is a significant and joyous celebration of a baby's first birthday in Korea. The highlight is the 돌잡이 (doljabi) ritual, where the baby chooses an object from a selection (e.g., money, pencil, thread), believed to predict their future. Families often host elaborate parties at banquet halls, inviting relatives and friends to share food, take photos, and celebrate the baby's milestone. It's a cherished tradition symbolizing health, longevity, and prosperity for the child.
Editorial note
We review entries like 돌잔치 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
돌잔치에 오셔서 자리를 빛내주세요.
Please come and grace us with your presence at the doljanchi.
아기 돌잔치 언제예요?
When is the baby's doljanchi?
돌잔치 선물 뭐로 할까요?
What should I get for the doljanchi gift?
Related Expressions
돌
dol
First birthday
돌잡이
doljabi
First birthday ritual of choosing objects
돌복
dolbok
First birthday traditional outfit
백일잔치
baegil janchi
100-day celebration (for a baby)
More Holidays & Festivals Words
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