To say "Happy Birthday" in Korean, the most common and standard phrases are:
- 생일 축하해요 (saengil chukahaeyo) — polite form used generally.
- 생일 축하합니다 (saengil chukahamnida) — more formal, respectful form.
- 생일 축하해 (saengil chukahae) — casual, informal form for close friends or younger people.
For someone much older or deserving extra respect, use:
- 생신 축하드립니다 (saengsin chukadeurimnida) — very formal and respectful.
"생일" (saengil) means birthday generally, while "생신" (saengsin) is used for older people or elders as a respectful term for birthday. 축하하다 (chukhahada) means "to celebrate" or "congratulate," and the various endings change the formality level of the phrase. The literal meaning is closer to "Congratulations on your birthday" rather than a direct "Happy Birthday" translation.
