happy birthday in korean
How to Say "Happy Birthday" in Korean (생일 축하해): All Forms
생일 축하해
saengil chukahae
Quick answer
Say 생일 축하해 (saengil chukahae) to a close friend or 생일 축하합니다 (saengil chukahamnida) in formal settings.
Common forms
| Register | Hangul | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| casual | 생일 축하해 | saengil chukahae | Between close friends or to someone younger — the go-to casual birthday wish. |
| polite | 생일 축하해요 | saengil chukahaeyo | Polite form — appropriate for someone slightly older or not very close. |
| formal | 생일 축하합니다 | saengil chukahamnida | Formal congratulations — used in speeches, announcements, or with elders. |
| with 'have a great birthday' | 생일 축하해, 행복하게 보내! | Saengil chukahae, haengbokage bonae! | Happy birthday, spend it happily! — a warm add-on. |
How it changes by relationship
생일 축하해! 오늘은 내가 쏠게!
Saengil chukahae! Oneureun naega ssolge!
to a close friend: Happy birthday, I'll treat today! — 쏘다 means to treat/pay for others.
생신 축하드립니다.
Saengsin chukadeurimnida.
to an older person / elder: 생신 (saengsin) is the honorific word for a birthday — used for parents, grandparents, and elders.
생일 축하해요, 센일 행복하세요!
Saengil chukahaeyo, saengil haengbokhasseyo!
to a K-pop idol (fan context): Fans often post 생일 축하해요 on social media for idols — polite form is safest.
생축! 🎂
saengchuk!
in a text or social media post: 생축 (saengchuk) is the popular abbreviated slang for 생일 축하해 — casual and very common online.
Examples
생일 축하해! 소원 빌었어?
Saengil chukahae! Sowon birosseo?
Happy birthday! Did you make a wish?
아버지, 생신 축하드립니다.
Abeoji, saengsin chukadeurimnida.
Father, happy birthday.
생일 축하합니다, 오래오래 건강하세요.
Saengil chukahamnida, oraeorae geongang-haseyo.
Happy birthday, please stay healthy for a long time.
Usage note
Korean has a separate honorific word for 'birthday' — 생신 (saengsin) — used only when wishing someone older a happy birthday. Using plain 생일 축하해 to an elder is understood but slightly informal; saying 생신 축하드립니다 shows proper respect.
Mini quiz
What is the primary Korean phrase for "happy birthday" here?
FAQ
What does 생축 mean?
생축 (saengchuk) is a popular internet/text abbreviation of 생일 축하해 (happy birthday). You'll see it in fan comments, group chats, and social media.
What is 생신 vs 생일?
생일 (saengil) is the standard word for birthday. 생신 (saengsin) is the honorific form used specifically for elders — parents, grandparents, or important figures.
How do Koreans celebrate birthdays?
It varies, but eating seaweed soup (미역국, miyeokguk) on your birthday is a tradition tied to what mothers eat after childbirth — a meaningful birthday food in Korean culture.