korean birthday wishes

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.

By using these formal Korean birthday wishes, you are not only conveying your congratulations but also demonstrating cultural sensitivity and respect, which are highly valued in Korean society. This will undoubtedly make your birthday message even more meaningful and appreciated.

Casual Korean birthday wishes for close friends

When celebrating the birthday of a close friend in Korean, you can use informal and friendly phrases to express your heartfelt wishes. These messages are perfect for showing your affection and creating a warm, celebratory atmosphere. Focus on using simple language and adding a personal touch to make your friend feel truly special.

  • 생일 축하해! (Saengil chukhahae!) - Happy birthday! (Most basic and common)
  • 생일 진짜 축하해! (Saengil jinjja chukhahae!) - Really happy birthday!
  • 오늘 최고로 행복한 하루 보내! (Oneul choego-ro haengbokhan haru bonae!) - Have the happiest day ever!
  • 즐거운 생일 보내! (Jeul거운 saengil bonae!) - Have a fun birthday!
  • 맛있는 거 많이 먹고! (Mashinneun geo mani meokgo!) - Eat lots of delicious food!
  • 오늘 신나게 놀아! (Oneul shinnage nora!) - Have a blast today!
  • 항상 건강하고 행복해! (Hangsang geonganghago haengbokhae!) - Always be healthy and happy!
  • 앞으로도 좋은 일만 가득하길 바라! (Apeurodo joeun ilman gadeukhagil bara!) - I hope only good things happen to you in the future!
  • 우리 우정 영원히! (Uri ujeong yeongwonhi!) - Our friendship forever!
  • 사랑하는 친구야, 생일 축하해! (Saranghaneun chingguya, saengil chukhahae!) - My dear friend, happy birthday!
  • 내 베프, 생일 축하한다! (Nae bepeu, saengil chukhahanda!) - Happy birthday to my best friend!
  • 오늘 주인공은 너야! (Oneul juingongeun neoya!) - You’re the star of the day!
  • 네가 있어서 너무 좋다! (Nega isseoseo neomu jota!) - I’m so happy to have you!
  • 더 멋진 한 해가 되길 바라! (Deo meotjin han haega doegil bara!) - I hope you have an even more wonderful year!
  • 생일빵은 없다! 생일 축하해! (Saengilppangeun eopda! Saengil chukhahae!) - No birthday punches! Happy birthday! (Playful)

Remember to say these wishes with a genuine smile and a warm heart. Adding a small gift or a heartfelt card will make your friend’s birthday even more memorable and strengthen your bond.

These casual birthday wishes are a great starting point, but feel free to personalize them further by adding inside jokes or specific memories you share with your friend. This will show that you truly care and make the message even more special.

Birthday wishes for elders in Korean culture

Showing respect and wishing good health are central to Korean birthday greetings, especially for elders. These wishes often express deep reverence and a sincere desire for a long and healthy life. When addressing elders, remember to use formal Korean, showing deference through language.

  • 생신을 진심으로 축하드립니다. 오래오래 건강하세요! (saengsineul jinsimeuro chukadeurimnida. oraeorae geongangsayo!) - I sincerely congratulate you on your birthday. Please be healthy for a long time!
  • 건강하시고 행복한 생신 보내세요! (geonganghasigo haengbokhan saengsin bonaeseyo!) - Have a healthy and happy birthday!
  • 오래오래 사세요! 생신 축하드립니다. (oraeorae saseyo! saengsin chukadeurimnida.) - Live long! Happy birthday.
  • 항상 건강하시고, 가정에 행복이 가득하시길 바랍니다. (hangsang geonganghasigo, gajeonge haengbogi gadeukhasigil baramnida.) - I always wish you good health and happiness in your family.
  • 존경하는 [이름] 선생님, 생신을 축하드립니다. (jongyeonghaneun [ireum] seonsaengnim, saengsineul chukadeurimnida.) - Respected [Name], happy birthday.
  • 부모님, 생신 축하드려요. 항상 감사드립니다. (bumonim, saengsin chukadeuryeoyo. hangsang gamsadeurimnida.) - Mom and Dad, happy birthday. I am always grateful.
  • 할아버지/할머니, 생신 축하드려요! 사랑해요. (harabeoji/halmeoni, saengsin chukadeuryeoyo! saranghaeyo.) - Grandpa/Grandma, happy birthday! I love you.
  • 늘 저희를 위해 애써주셔서 감사합니다. 생신 축하드립니다. (neul jeohuireul wihae aesseojusyeoseo gamsahamnida. saengsin chukadeurimnida.) - Thank you for always working hard for us. Happy birthday.
  • 늘 건강하시고 행복하세요. 생신 축하드립니다! (neul geonganghasigo haengbokhaseyo. saengsin chukadeurimnida!) - Always be healthy and happy. Happy birthday!
  • 오늘 더욱 행복한 하루 보내시길 바랍니다. 생신 축하드려요. (oneul deouk haengbokhan haru bonaesigil baramnida. saengsin chukadeuryeoyo.) - I hope you have an even happier day today. Happy birthday.
  • 생신을 축하드리오며, 건강과 평안을 기원합니다. (saengsineul chukadeuriomyeo, geonganggwa pyeonganeul giwonhamnida.) - I congratulate you on your birthday and wish you health and peace.
  • 오래도록 저희 곁에 함께 해주세요. 생신 축하드립니다. (oraedorok jeohui gyeote hamkke haejuseyo. saengsin chukadeurimnida.) - Please stay with us for a long time. Happy birthday.
  • 사랑하는 [이름]님, 생신 진심으로 축하드립니다. (saranghaneun [ireum]nim, saengsin jinsimeuro chukadeurimnida.) - Dear [Name], I sincerely congratulate you on your birthday.
  • 항상 웃음꽃 피는 행복한 하루 되세요. 생신 축하드립니다. (hangsang useumkkot pineun haengbokhan haru doeseyo. saengsin chukadeurimnida.) - Have a happy day filled with smiles. Happy birthday.
  • 생신 축하드립니다. 앞으로 더욱 건강하시고 행복하시길 바랍니다. (saengsin chukadeurimnida. apeuro deouk geonganghasigo haengbokhasigil baramnida.) - Happy birthday. I hope you will be even healthier and happier in the future.

When delivering these birthday wishes, remember to bow slightly as a sign of respect. Consider offering a small gift that symbolizes longevity or good health, such as ginseng or traditional Korean sweets. Your thoughtfulness will be deeply appreciated.

Ultimately, the most important aspect of Korean birthday wishes for elders is sincerity. Speaking from the heart and expressing your genuine appreciation will make the celebration all the more meaningful and memorable for them.

Birthday wishes expressing health and longevity (Korean)

In Korean culture, wishing someone a long and healthy life on their birthday is deeply meaningful. These wishes go beyond a simple “Happy Birthday” and express genuine care for the recipient’s well-being, hoping they enjoy many more years filled with vitality and happiness. Here are some heart-warming examples you can use to convey your sincere wishes for health and longevity.

  • 오래오래 건강하세요! (Oraeorae geonganghaseyo!) - Wishing you health for a long, long time!
  • 건강하게 오래 사세요! (Geonganghage orae saseyo!) - Live a long and healthy life!
  • 항상 건강하시고 행복하세요! (Hangsang geonganghasigo haengbokhaseyo!) - Always be healthy and happy!
  • 아프지 말고 건강하게 지내세요! (Apeuji malgo geonganghage jinaeseyo!) - Don’t be sick, and stay healthy!
  • 건강이 최고예요! 생신 축하드려요! (Geongangi choegoyeyo! Saengsin chukadeuryeoyo!) - Health is the best! Happy Birthday!
  • 오래오래 건강하게 저희 곁에 있어주세요! (Oraeorae geonganghage jeohui gyeote isseojuseyo!) - Please stay with us, healthy for a long, long time!
  • 항상 활기차고 건강하시길 바랍니다! (Hangsang hwalgichago geonganghasigil baramnida!) - I hope you are always energetic and healthy!
  • 병 없이 건강하게 오래 사세요. (Byeong eopsi geonganghage orae saseyo.) - Live long and healthy without illness.
  • 늘 건강하시고 좋은 일만 가득하시길! (Neul geonganghasigo joeun ilman gadeukhasigil!) - Always be healthy and may only good things be plentiful!
  • 오래도록 건강하게 행복하시길 빌어요! (Oraedorok geonganghage haengbokhasigil bireoyo!) - I pray that you are healthy and happy for a long time!
  • 건강하게 오래오래 함께 해주세요! (Geonganghage oraeorae hamkke haejuseyo!) - Please be with us, healthy for a long, long time!
  • 늘 웃음꽃 피는 행복한 생일 보내시고 건강하세요! (Neul useumkkot pineun haengbokhan saengil bonaesigo geonganghaseyo!) - Have a happy birthday filled with laughter and be healthy!
  • 건강과 행복이 가득한 한 해 되세요! (Geongangwa haengbogi gadeukan han hae doeseyo!) - Have a year full of health and happiness!
  • 앞으로도 건강하게 오래오래 사시길 바랍니다. (Apeurodo geonganghage oraeorae sasigil baramnida.) - I hope you live healthily for a long, long time in the future.
  • 항상 건강 유의하시고 행복한 날들 보내세요! (Hangsang geongang yuihasigo haengbokhan naldeul bonaeseyo!) - Always take care of your health and have happy days!

When using these phrases, consider your relationship with the person. While most are generally appropriate, adding honorifics (like -세요 or -십니다) shows extra respect to elders or those in a formal position. A warm tone and a sincere smile will make your well-wishes even more impactful.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to convey your genuine care and concern for the birthday celebrant’s well-being. These Korean birthday wishes expressing health and longevity are a beautiful way to do just that, showing them how much you value their presence in your life and hope for their continued happiness and health.

Korean birthday wishes with added blessings/prayers

Adding a blessing or prayer to a birthday wish shows you care not only about the person’s happiness on their birthday but also for their well-being in the future. These wishes often express hopes for good health, prosperity, and peace in the year ahead, making them especially meaningful and heartfelt.

  • May God’s blessings shower upon you on your birthday and always. Happy Birthday!
  • Wishing you a birthday filled with joy and a year ahead filled with God’s grace.
  • May all your prayers be answered this year. Happy birthday!
  • I pray that your birthday is just the beginning of a year filled with dreams coming true. Happy Birthday!
  • May the Lord bless you with good health, happiness, and success on your special day. Happy Birthday!
  • Sending you birthday blessings and wishing you a year filled with peace and prosperity.
  • Happy Birthday! May your life be filled with God’s love and blessings.
  • On your birthday, I pray for your happiness, health, and all the good things in life.
  • May God’s light shine upon you as you celebrate another year of life. Happy Birthday!
  • Wishing you a blessed birthday and a year ahead filled with answered prayers.
  • Happy Birthday! May you be surrounded by love and showered with blessings today and always.
  • Praying that your birthday is a reflection of the wonderful person you are. Happy Birthday!
  • May your special day be touched by the divine and filled with immeasurable joy. Happy Birthday!
  • Wishing you a year ahead filled with God’s guidance and endless opportunities. Happy Birthday!
  • Happy Birthday! I pray for your dreams to come true and for you to be surrounded by love and happiness.

These wishes offer a deeper level of care, showing that you’re thinking about the person’s long-term well-being and spiritual life. They are perfect for those who value faith and appreciate expressions of hope and positivity.

Whether you’re religious or not, a heartfelt blessing can bring comfort and encouragement to the birthday celebrant, making their day even more special and memorable. It’s a beautiful way to show you care.

Short and simple Korean birthday greetings in English

Sometimes, the most heartfelt messages are the simplest. If you’re looking for quick and easy ways to wish someone a happy birthday in English, drawing inspiration from Korean sentiments, here are some examples that capture the warmth and sincerity often found in Korean birthday wishes.

  • Happy birthday! Hope you have a wonderful day.
  • Wishing you a very happy birthday!
  • Have a fantastic birthday!
  • Happy, happy birthday to you!
  • Best wishes on your birthday!
  • Enjoy your special day!
  • Happy birthday, friend!
  • Happy birthday, and all the best!
  • Wishing you health and happiness on your birthday!
  • Happy birthday! Stay happy!
  • Have a great birthday celebration!
  • Happy birthday! Hope it’s a good one.
  • Sending you birthday smiles!
  • Happy birthday! You deserve all the best.
  • Happy birthday, and lots of love!

These simple greetings are versatile and can be used for anyone, from close friends and family to acquaintances and colleagues. They convey your good wishes without being overly elaborate, making them perfect for a quick text, card, or social media post.

Remember to add a personal touch whenever possible. Even a simple “Happy birthday!” can be made more meaningful by adding a detail that’s specific to your relationship with the birthday person. For example, “Happy birthday! I hope you get to enjoy some delicious [their favorite food] today!”

Want to add a trendy twist to your Korean birthday greetings? Why not sprinkle in some popular English slang! It’s a fun way to connect with younger generations or Korean-Americans who appreciate a modern touch to their celebrations. Here are some ideas to make your birthday wishes extra ’lit’ and memorable!

  • Happy birthday! May your day be totally Gucci!
  • 생일 축하해! Hope your birthday is straight fire!
  • Happy, happy birthday! Wishing you a day that’s totally on fleek!
  • 생일 축하해! Have a birthday that’s absolutely bussin'!
  • Happy birthday! May your special day be extra sus-ccessful! (Inspired by “Among Us”)
  • Wishing you a happy birthday! Hope you have a day that’s totally vibing!
  • 생일 축하해! Wishing you a day that’s totally based!
  • Happy birthday! May your special day be full of main character energy!
  • Wishing you a very happy birthday! Keep slaying!
  • 생일 축하해! Hope your birthday is next level!
  • Happy birthday! Wishing you a day full of good vibes only!
  • Wishing you a very 생일 축하해! Stay golden, ponyboy! (Inspired by The Outsiders)
  • Happy birthday! Hope you have a lit birthday party!
  • 생일 축하해! May all your dreams come true, no cap!
  • Happy birthday! Have a totally yeet-worthy celebration!

Using slang adds a playful and contemporary feel to your wishes. Remember to consider your relationship with the birthday person and their sense of humor when choosing which slang terms to use. A little goes a long way in making their day special and uniquely you.

By incorporating these trendy phrases, you’re not just wishing them a happy birthday; you’re showing them you’re in tune with current trends and adding a touch of modern fun to a traditional celebration. Have fun customizing your wishes and making someone’s birthday unforgettable!

Happy Celebrating!

We hope this little guide to Korean birthday wishes helps you make someone’s special day even more memorable! Whether you choose a formal greeting, a casual phrase, or even try your hand at writing a short, heartfelt message, the thought and effort will surely be appreciated. Remember, the best wishes come from the heart!

Thanks for reading! We hope you learned something new and feel confident expressing your birthday greetings in Korean. Don’t forget to check back soon for more fun and informative articles about Korean language and culture! We’re always adding new content to help you on your learning journey.