Korean Dictionary
How to say "Happy birthday" in Korean
“Happy birthday” in Korean is 생일 축하해요 (pronounced "Saengil chukahaeyo").
생일 축하해요
Saengil chukahaeyo
Usage & Context
The standard birthday greeting in Korean. The formal version is 생일을 진심으로 축하드립니다 for superiors. Koreans often celebrate both the Western birthday and the traditional 음력 (lunar calendar) birthday.
Example Sentence
오늘 생일이에요? 생일 축하해요!
It's your birthday today? Happy birthday!
How to use 생일 축하해요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Happy birthday” is 생일 축하해요, romanized as Saengil chukahaeyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
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 축하해요.
What learners usually mean by “Happy birthday in Korean”
This search is usually for a message someone can send immediately, but Korean birthday greetings change by age and respect.
Real usage
생일 축하해요 is safe and polite. 생일 축하해 is casual. 생신 축하드립니다 is respectful for elders, parents, teachers, or seniors.
Avoid this mistake
Do not use 생일 축하해 with someone older or in a formal relationship. Use 생신 for respected elders.
Better pattern
Use 생일 축하해 for friends, 생일 축하해요 for polite warmth, and 생신 축하드립니다 for elders or formal respect.
friend
생일 축하해! 오늘 맛있는 거 먹자.
Happy birthday! Let's eat something good today.
respectful greeting
선생님, 생신 축하드립니다.
Teacher, happy birthday.
Pronunciation Guide
생일 (Saengil) sounds like 'sang-ill', with 'sang' as in 'sing'. 축하해요 (chukahaeyo) is pronounced 'choo-kah-hey-yo', where 'chu' is like 'choo-choo' train and 'hae' is like 'hey'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
생일을 진심으로 축하드립니다
Saengireul jinsimeuro chukadeurimnida
A very formal and respectful way to say 'I sincerely congratulate you on your birthday', often used for superiors or in highly formal settings.
Casual (반말)
생일 축하해
Saengil chukahae
Used with close friends, family, or people younger than you.
More Example Sentences
A friend wishing another friend a happy birthday and asking about their plans.
와, 오늘 생일이구나! 생일 축하해, 저녁에 뭐 할 거야?
Wow, it's your birthday today! Happy birthday, what are you doing tonight?
A mother wishing her child a happy birthday.
우리 아들, 생일 축하해요! 엄마가 선물 준비했어.
My son, happy birthday! Mom prepared a gift.
Colleagues celebrating a birthday in the office.
김대리님, 생일 축하해요! 다 같이 케이크 불어요.
Assistant Manager Kim, happy birthday! Let's all blow out the cake candles together.
Cultural Context
Birthdays are significant in Korea. While '생일 축하해요' is the standard greeting, for elders or highly respected individuals, '생신 축하드립니다' (Saengsin chukadeurimnida) is used, as '생신' (saengsin) is the honorific term for birthday. Important milestones include the first birthday (돌, dol), celebrated with a '돌잔치' (doljanchi), and the 60th birthday (환갑, hwangap). Many Koreans celebrate both their solar (Western) and lunar birthdays.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 생일 축하해요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
생일 축하 노래
Birthday song
생일 선물
Birthday present
생일 파티
Birthday party
Related Expressions
생신 축하드립니다
Saengsin chukadeurimnida
Happy birthday (to an elder/superior)
돌잔치
Doljanchi
First birthday party
환갑
Hwangap
60th birthday celebration
축하합니다
Chukahamnida
Congratulations (general)
More Greetings Words
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