85+How to Say Happy Birthday in Korean[2025]

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“Expressing birthday wishes in Korean adds a special touch to celebrations.”

Happy Birthday in Korean are significant moments in life, celebrated with joy, love, and excitement. In every culture, the way we wish someone a happy birthday reflects the nature of our relationship with them. In Korean culture, language plays an essential role in shaping social interactions.

The way you say “Happy Birthday” can vary depending on your relationship with the person—when they are a friend, elder, or someone you hold dear. Learning how to say “Happy Birthday” in Korean is not only a fun way to broaden your language skills, but it can also make your birthday wishes even more meaningful.

Let’s dive deeper into the various ways to say “Happy Birthday” in Korean! If you want to add a personal and culturally appropriate touch to your birthday greetings, this guide is for you. I’ll show you the different expressions you can use based on the formality of the relationship, age, and even their name! Stay tuned to learn how to master the perfect Korean birthday phrase.

Korean is rich with nuances, and its language emphasizes respect and politeness. From formal to informal, this post will walk you through different ways to say “Happy Birthday” in Korean. You’ll discover the right phrases for friends, elders, and even how to address someone using their name! Let’s get started on this exciting journey to perfect your birthday greetings in Korean!

Happy Birthday in Korean: Formal

When you want to show respect and politeness to someone older or in a position of authority, it’s essential to use formal language. In Korean culture, formality matters, especially with elders or people you aren’t close to. Here are some formal ways to say “Happy Birthday” in Korean:

생신 축하드립니다 (Saengil chukahamnida) – This is the most formal and respectful way to wish someone a happy birthday, commonly used when speaking to elders.
생일 축하드립니다 (Saengil chukahamnida) – A respectful way to say happy birthday in formal situations, especially in work or business settings.
생일 축하합니다 (Saengil chukha hamnida) – Another formal expression used for elders or formal occasions.
건강과 행복을 기원합니다 (Geonganggwa haengbog eul saranghamnida) – A thoughtful wish meaning “I wish you health and happiness” along with a birthday greeting.
즐거운 생일 되세요 (Jeulgeoun saengil doeseyo) – “Have a joyful birthday,” used for formal situations.
행복한 하루 되세요 (Haengbokhan haru doeseyo) – This means “Have a happy day” and can be used for formal greetings.
생일을 축하드리며, 행복한 한 해 되세요 (Saengil chukha deurimyeo, haengbok han hae doeseyo) – This is a formal birthday wish wishing happiness for the whole year.
모든 일이 잘 되시길 바랍니다 (Modeun iri jal doesigil baramnida) – Wishing everything to go well for the person in their life.
건강하게 오래 사세요 (Geonganghage orae saseyo) – Wishing the person long life and good health.
축하의 인사를 드립니다 (Chikhaoui insareul deurimnida) – A formal way to convey your congratulations for the birthday.
행복한 생일 되세요 (Haengbokhan saengil doeseyo) – Wishing for happiness on their special day.
소망이 이루어지길 바랍니다 (Somango irwo jigil baramunda) – Wishing that their dreams come true.
모든 소원이 이루어지기를 기원합니다 (Modeun sowoni irwoji gireul giwon hamnida) – This is a formal birthday wish wishing for all wishes to be fulfilled.
행복이 가득한 날 되세요 (Haengbok dukhan nal doeseyo) – Wishing a day filled with happiness.
축하의 마음을 전합니다 (Chikhaoui maeumeul jeonhamnida) – A respectful way to express your birthday congratulations.

These phrases are ideal for a formal setting, ensuring your respect for the person you’re addressing.

Happy Birthday in Korean: Informal

When you’re wishing a close friend, someone younger, or a peer a happy birthday, using informal language is appropriate. Here are informal phrases to say “Happy Birthday” in Korean:

생일 축하해 (Saengil chukahae) – This is the most common informal way to say “Happy Birthday.”
즐거운 생일 보내 (Jeulgeoun saengil bonae) – “Have a fun birthday!”
행복한 생일 보내! (Haengbokhan saengil bonae!) – Wishing someone a happy birthday.
생일 축하한다 (Saengil chukha handa) – A casual, friendly version of happy birthday.
생일 정말 축하해 (Saengil jeongmal chukahae) – “I really wish you a happy birthday.”
오늘 하루 최고로 행복하게 보내 (Oneul haru choego-ro haengbokhage bonae) – “Have the best day today!”
좋은 하루 되길 바래 (Joeun haru doegil beret) – Wishing for a good day.
다시 한번 생일 축하해 (Dasi hanbeon saengil chukhahae) – “Once again, happy birthday.”
생일 축하해, 너무 좋아 (Saengil chukhahae, neomu joha) – “Happy birthday, I’m so happy!”
너의 생일을 정말 축하해 (Neoui saeng ireul jeongmal chukhahae) – A heartfelt way of saying “I really wish you a happy birthday.”
생일 너무 축하해! (Saengil neomu chukhahae!) – “I’m so happy it’s your birthday!”

생일에 모든 게 잘 되길 바래 (Saengil-e modeun ge jal doegil barae) – Wishing everything goes well on their birthday.
진짜 생일 축하해 (Jinjja saengil chukhahae) – “Really happy birthday!”
멋진 생일 보내 (Meotjin saengil bonae) – Wishing for a cool birthday.
행복한 하루 되기를! (Haengbokhan haru doe gireul!) – “Hope you have a happy day!”

These informal greetings are perfect for your friends or close peers.

Happy Birthday to My Niece

Happy Birthday in Korean for a Friend

When it comes to wishing your friend a happy birthday, the language you use can be both playful and heartfelt. Here are ways to wish your friend a happy birthday in Korean:

생일 축하해, 친구! (Saengil chukhahae, chingu!) – “Happy birthday, friend!”
멋진 생일 보내 (Meotjin saengil bonae) – Wishing your friend a cool and awesome birthday.
생일 너무 축하해! (Saengil neomu chukhahae!) – “So happy it’s your birthday!”
내 친구의 생일이야! (Nae chingu-ui saengiliya!) – “It’s my friend’s birthday!”
생일에 행복이 가득하길 바래 (Saengil-e haengbok gade hagil barae) – Wishing happiness on your friend’s special day.
너무 멋진 하루 되길 (Neomu meotjin haru doegil) – Wishing your friend a great day.
사랑해, 생일 축하해 (Saranghae, saengil chukhahae) – “Love you, happy birthday!”
생일엔 모든 소원이 이루어지길 (Saengil-en modeun sowoni irwojigil) – Wishing all wishes come true.
기분 좋은 생일 되길 (Gibun joheun saengil doegil) – Wishing a good mood on your friend’s birthday.
행복한 생일 보내! (Haengbokhan saengil bonae!) – Wishing a happy birthday with joy.
오늘은 너의 날, 즐겨 (Oneul-eun neoui nal, jeulgyeo) – “Today’s your day, enjoy!”
많은 행복이 가득한 하루 되길 바래 (Manheun haengbok jade ukhan haru doegil barae) – Wishing a day full of happiness for your friend.
넌 최고야, 생일 축하해 (Neon choegoe, saengil chukhahae) – “You’re the best, happy birthday!”
소원을 빌어, 생일 축하해 (Sowon-eul bil eo, saengil chukhahae) – “Make a wish, happy birthday!”
오늘 최고의 날이 되길 (Oneul choego-ui nari doegil) – Wishing for the best day ever for your friend.

These greetings will surely make your friend’s birthday even more special.

Happy Birthday in Korean to an Elder

When wishing an elder a happy birthday, it’s essential to use respectful and formal language. Here are phrases you can use:

생신 축하드립니다 (Saengil chukahamnida) – The most respectful way to wish an elder.
건강과 행복을 기원합니다 (Geonganggwa haengbog eul saranghamnida) – Wishing for health and happiness.
오늘 하루 최고로 행복한 하루 되세요 (Oneul haru choego-ro haengbokhan haru doeseyo) – Wishing for the best day today.
건강하게 오래 사세요 (Geonganghage orae saseyo) – Wishing long life and good health.
행복이 가득한 날 되세요 (Haengbok dukhan nal doeseyo) – Wishing a day full of happiness.
당신의 생일을 진심으로 축하드립니다 (Dangsin-ui sangeoreul jinsim-euro chukhadeurimnida) – “Sincerely wishing you a happy birthday.”
이 생일이 행복한 시작이 되기를 바랍니다 (I saengili haengbok an si jagi does gireul baramnida) – Wishing a happy start to the year.
행복한 한 해 되시길 바랍니다 (Haengbok han hae doesigil baramnida) – Wishing a happy year ahead.
생신에 모든 소원이 이루어지기를 기원합니다 (Saengsin-e modeun sowoni irwoji gireul giwon hamnida) – Wishing all wishes to come true.
축하의 마음을 전합니다 (Chikhaoui maeumeul jeonhamnida) – A formal way of expressing congratulations.
오늘 하루 기쁘게 보내세요 (Oneul haru gippeuge bonaeseyo) – Wishing for a joyful day.
당신의 생일을 기쁘게 축하합니다 (Dangsin-ui saengir eul gippeuge chukha hamnida) – Wishing a joyful birthday celebration.
생신을 축하드리며, 늘 건강하시길 바랍니다 (Dangsin-eul chukhadeurimyeo, neul geonganghasigil baramnida) – “Wishing you health and happiness on your birthday.”
행복한 생일 보내세요 (Haengbokhan saengil bonaeseyo) – Wishing happiness on their birthday.
모든 기쁨이 가득하시길 바랍니다 (Modeun gippeumi gadeukhashigil baramnida) – Wishing full joy on their special day.

These respectful phrases will convey your admiration and good wishes to elders.

Happy Birthday in Korean with Name

Personalizing birthday wishes with a person’s name adds a special touch. Here are ways to say “Happy Birthday” in Korean using someone’s name:

[Name] 생일 축하해 (Name saengil chukhahae) – “Happy Birthday, [Name]!”
[Name], 생일 축하합니다 (Name, saengil chukha hamnida) – “Happy birthday, [Name], respectfully.”
[Name] 씨, 생일 축하드려요 (Name-ssi, saengil chukhahaeyo) – “Happy birthday, Mr./Ms. [Name].”
[Name], 생일 진심으로 축하해 (Name, saengil jinsim-euro chukhahae) – “Sincerely wishing you a happy birthday, [Name].”
[Name], 생일 즐겁게 보내 (Name, saengil jeulgeopge bonae) – “Enjoy your birthday, [Name]!”
[Name]에게 행복한 생일을 (Name-ege haengboghan saeng il-eul) – “Wishing [Name] a happy birthday!”
[Name], 좋은 하루 되길 바래 (Name, joeun haru doegil beret) – “Hope you have a good day, [Name].”
[Name]야, 생일 축하해 (Name-ya, saengil chukhahae) – “Happy birthday, [Name]!” (Informal)
[Name]님, 건강한 생일 보내세요 (Name-nim, geonganghan saengil bonaeseyo) – “Wishing you a healthy birthday, [Name].”
[Name], 소원 이루어지길 바래 (Name, sowon irwo jugil barae) – “Wishing all your wishes come true, [Name].”
[Name], 오늘이 특별한 날 되길 (Name, oneuri teukbyeolsi nal doegil) – “Hope today is a special day for you, [Name].”
[Name], 행복한 하루 되길 바래 (Name, haengbokhan haru doegil barae) – “Wishing you a happy day, [Name].”
[Name], 생일 축하합니다! (Name, saengil chukha hamnida!) – “Happy birthday, [Name]!”
[Name], 멋진 하루 되세요 (Name, meotjin haru doeseyo) – “Have an amazing day, [Name].”
[Name]이 좋은 날 되세요 (Name-i joeun nal doeseyo) – “Hope you have a great day, [Name].”

By adding their name to the greeting, you make the message feel more personal.

Happy Birthday in Korean Romanized

If you’re still getting the hang of reading Hangul, Romanized Korean can help. Here are birthday greetings written in Romanized Korean:

Saengil chukhahae
Saengil chukahamnida
Jeulgeoun saengil bonae
Haengbokhan saengil bonae
Saengil jinjja chukhahae
Neomu chukhahae
Saengil-e modeun ge jal doegil barae
Neoui saengil chukha hamnida
Saengil gipeoge chukha hamnida
Saengil-e jeongmal chukhahae
Jinsim-euro saengil chukhahae
Saengil-i hwanho hajimeyou, haengbokhae!
Neomu haengbokhan saengil boinda
Saengil-i havengeul mana!
Haengbokhan saengil-i diego!

Birthday wishes in Korean for idol

생일 축하해요! 항상 행복하고 건강하세요!
오늘 하루도 멋진 하루가 되길 바랍니다. 생일 축하해요!
아이돌로서뿐만 아니라 사람으로서도 존경해요. 생일 축하합니다!
멋진 모습 계속 보여주세요! 생일 축하드려요!
이 특별한 날이 당신에게 행복과 사랑으로 가득하길 기원해요.
언제나 빛나는 당신에게 멋진 생일이 되기를 바랍니다.
생일을 맞이해서 더 많은 사랑과 성공이 있기를 기도합니다!
당신의 존재로 많은 사람들이 행복해해요. 생일 축하합니다!
오늘도 당신의 웃음과 열정이 가득한 하루가 되길 바라요.
늘 응원하고 있어요. 멋진 생일 되세요!
팬으로서, 또 한 사람으로서 응원합니다. 생일 축하해요!
오늘 하루가 당신에게 멋진 추억으로 남기를 기도할게요.
늘 당신의 열정을 보고 배우고 있어요. 생일 축하드립니다!
생일을 맞아 더 많은 행복과 성공이 함께하길 바랍니다.
당신이 존재하는 것만으로 우리에게 큰 기쁨을 줘요. 생일 축하해요!

How to say happy birthday in Korean funny

생일 축하해요! 나이가 한 살 더 먹었네!
생일인데 케이크보다 네가 더 달콤해!
축하해! 이제 나이도 1살 더 먹었으니, 조심해야 할 나이가 되었네!
생일이니까 다이어트는 잠시 잊자! 맛있는 거 많이 먹어!
생일 축하해! 오늘만큼은 미안해도 너무 늦게 자지 마!
생일 축하해! 오늘은 네가 제일 멋져 보여!
또 한 살 더 먹었다고? 그만큼 더 멋있어졌네!
생일 축하해! 오늘만큼은 피곤해도 웃으면서 지나가자!
오늘은 생일이니까 모든 게 너에게 맞춰줘야 해!
생일 축하해요! 오늘은 모든 게 허락된 날이에요!
또 한 살 많아졌지만 아직도 전혀 나이 들어 보이지 않아요!
생일 축하해요! 오늘은 무조건 자랑하고 다니세요!
생일인데 하루 종일 먹고 자도 괜찮아요!
네 생일이라니! 다이어트가 이 날만큼은 허락되는 날!
생일 축하해! 이제 한 살 더 먹었지만 여전히 귀여워!

Conclusion

As we’ve explored today, expressing “Happy Birthday” in Korean can be both meaningful and thoughtful. From formal phrases used in professional settings to informal ones shared with close friends, understanding the cultural nuances can help you communicate in a more respectful and personal way.

Each phrase comes with its own charm, allowing you to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. As we’ve discussed, different situations call for different tones and forms of expression when you’re speaking to an elder, a friend, or someone you hold dear.

So, the next time you want to celebrate someone’s special day in Korean, you can confidently choose from these phrases and truly show your respect and care. Join me as I share heartfelt messages inspired by my personal experiences, designed to help you create the perfect birthday greeting for that special someone in your life.

Let the birthday messages you give reflect not just the words, but the warmth and thoughtfulness behind them. Happy birthday in Korean isn’t just a phrase; it’s a way to make someone feel truly valued.

Ethan Matthews

Hi! I’m Ethan Matthews, the proud admin of Wishezbirthday.com. I strive to bring heartfelt wishes and meaningful content to make every celebration more memorable and special.