Korean Dictionary
How to say "Hwangap (60th Birthday)" in Korean
“Hwangap (60th Birthday)” in Korean is 환갑 (pronounced "hwangap").
환갑
hwangap
Usage & Context
환갑 is the 60th birthday celebration in Korean culture representing the completion of one full cycle of the traditional 60-year calendar. It was traditionally a very significant milestone because reaching 60 was considered rare and fortunate. While 환갑 parties are less elaborate today than in the past they remain meaningful family events.
Example Sentence
아버지 환갑 잔치를 성대하게 열었어요.
We held a grand party for my father's 60th birthday.
How to use 환갑 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Hwangap (60th Birthday)” is 환갑, romanized as hwangap.
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 환갑.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '환갑' as 'Hwan-gap'. 'Hwan' sounds like 'hwan' in 'Hwang'. 'Gap' sounds like 'gap'.
More Example Sentences
Describing a family's celebration of a hwangap.
할머니 환갑 잔치를 가족들과 함께 성대하게 열었어요.
We held a grand hwangap party for my grandmother with the family.
Discussing modern trends in hwangap celebrations.
요즘은 환갑 잔치 대신 가족 여행을 가는 경우가 많아요.
These days, instead of a hwangap party, many people go on family trips.
Considering a gift for a parent's hwangap.
아버지 환갑 선물로 뭘 드릴지 고민 중이에요.
I'm thinking about what to give my father for his hwangap gift.
Cultural Context
환갑 (Hwangap) marks a person's 60th birthday, a highly significant milestone in Korean culture. Traditionally, it celebrated the completion of one full cycle of the 60-year zodiac calendar and was a grand affair, as reaching 60 was considered rare and a blessing. While modern medicine means reaching 60 is more common, Hwangap remains a meaningful family event. Celebrations might be less elaborate than in the past, often replaced by family trips or smaller gatherings, but the sentiment of honoring elders and wishing them continued health and longevity persists.
Editorial note
We review entries like 환갑 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
환갑을 축하드립니다.
Congratulations on your hwangap.
환갑 잔치 잘 치르셨어요?
Did you have a good hwangap party?
환갑이 되시면 건강하세요.
May you be healthy when you turn 60.
Related Expressions
칠순
chilsun
70th birthday
팔순
palsun
80th birthday
고희
gohui
70th birthday (more formal term)
장수
jangsu
Longevity
More Holidays & Festivals Words
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