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Formal Korean birthday wishes with honorifics

When addressing someone older than you or in a position of authority, using formal Korean is essential, especially for birthdays. Honorifics demonstrate respect and are crucial for conveying sincere well wishes. These phrases go beyond a simple “happy birthday” and show that you value the relationship and acknowledge their age or status.

  • 생신을 진심으로 축하드립니다. (Saengshineul jinsimeuro chukadeurimnida.) - I sincerely congratulate you on your birthday.
  • 생신을 축하드리오며 건강과 행복을 기원합니다. (Saengshineul chukadeuriomyeo geongang-gwa haengbogeul giwonhamnida.) - I congratulate you on your birthday and wish you health and happiness.
  • 뜻깊은 생신을 맞이하여 축하의 말씀을 전합니다. (Tteutgipeun saengshineul majihayeo chukhaui malsseumeul jeonhamnida.) - I send my congratulations on this meaningful birthday.
  • 생신을 축하드리며 가정에 늘 평안과 행복이 가득하시기를 기원합니다. (Saengshineul chukadeurimyeo gajeong-e neul pyeongang-gwa haengbog-i gadeukhasigireul giwonhamnida.) - I congratulate you on your birthday and wish your family peace and happiness.
  • 존경하는 [Name]님의 생신을 축하드립니다. (Jon-gyeonghaneun [Name]nimui saengshineul chukadeurimnida.) - I congratulate the birthday of respected [Name].
  • 생신을 맞아 더욱 건강하시고 행복하시기를 바랍니다. (Saengshineul maja deouk geonganghasigo haengbokhasigireul baramnida.) - I hope you are even healthier and happier on your birthday.
  • 생신을 진심으로 축하하오며, 앞으로 더욱 발전하시기를 기원합니다. (Saengshineul jinsimeuro chukhahao myeo, apeuro deouk baljeonhasigireul giwonhamnida.) - I sincerely congratulate you on your birthday, and I wish you even more progress in the future.
  • 기쁜 생신을 맞이하여 항상 건강하시고 만수무강하시기를 바랍니다. (Gippeun saengshineul majihayeo hangsang geonganghasigo mansumuganghasigireul baramnida.) - On this joyous birthday, I hope you are always healthy and have a long life.
  • [Name]님의 생신을 축하드리며, 항상 좋은 일만 가득하시기를 바랍니다. ([Name]nimui saengshineul chukadeurimyeo, hangsang joeun ilman gadeukhasigireul baramnida.) - I congratulate [Name] on their birthday, and I hope you are always filled with good things.
  • 생신을 축하드립니다. 늘 건강하시고 행복한 날들이 가득하시길 바랍니다. (Saengshineul chukadeurimnida. Neul geonganghasigo haengbokhan naldeuri gadeukhasigil baramnida.) - Happy birthday. I hope you are always healthy and have many happy days.
  • 생신을 축하드리오며, 앞으로도 좋은 모습 보여주시길 기대합니다. (Saengshineul chukadeuriomyeo, apeurodo joeun moseup boyeojusigil gidaehamnida.) - I congratulate you on your birthday, and I look forward to seeing your good work in the future.
  • 생신 축하드립니다! 항상 웃음꽃 피는 하루하루 되세요. (Saengsin chukhadeurimnida! Hangsang useumkkot pineun haruharu doeseyo.) - Happy birthday! May every day be filled with laughter.
  • 생신을 축하드리며, 뜻깊은 하루 보내시길 바랍니다. (Saengshineul chukadeurimyeo, tteutgipeun haru bonaesigil baramnida.) - Happy birthday, and I hope you have a meaningful day.
  • 존경하는 [직함]님의 생신을 진심으로 축하드립니다. (Jon-gyeonghaneun [Jikham]nimui saengshineul jinsimeuro chukadeurimnida.) - I sincerely congratulate the birthday of respected [Title].
  • 생신을 축하드립니다. 항상 건강하시고 행복하시기를 기원합니다. (Saengshineul chukadeurimnida. Hangsang geonganghasigo haengbokhasigireul giwonhamnida.) - Happy birthday. I wish you good health and happiness always.

Remember to adjust the level of formality based on your relationship with the person. If you’re close to the person but still want to show respect, you can soften the language slightly. However, when in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of being more formal.