Korean · Real conversations
How to respond to “생일 축하해요!” in Korean
Birthday wishes can be acknowledged directly or with a comment about remembering and celebrating.
What you might hear
생일 축하해요!saengil chukhahaeyo!
Happy birthday!
Choose a reply that fits
축하해 주셔서 감사해요.chukhahae jusyeoseo gamsahaeyo.
Thank you for the wishes.
A clear thanks for the wishes.
기억해 주셔서 고마워요.gieokhae jusyeoseo gomawoyo.
Thanks for remembering.
Use when the person remembered your birthday.
마음 써 주셔서 정말 고마워요.maeum sseo jusyeoseo jeongmal gomawoyo.
That's very sweet of you.
A warm response to a thoughtful message.
축하할 생각에 기대돼요.chukhahal saenggage gidaedwaeyo.
I'm looking forward to celebrating.
Share anticipation of a celebration if you want to.
Two short exchanges
A birthday greeting
생일 축하해요!saengil chukhahaeyo!
Happy birthday!
축하해 주셔서 감사해요.chukhahae jusyeoseo gamsahaeyo.
Thank you for the wishes.
A thoughtful birthday message
멋진 생일 보내시길 바라요.meotjin saengil bonaesigil barayo.
I hope you have a wonderful birthday.
기억해 주셔서 고마워요.gieokhae jusyeoseo gomawoyo.
Thanks for remembering.
Your turn
Respond warmly to a thoughtful birthday message.
Reveal a sample reply
마음 써 주셔서 정말 고마워요.maeum sseo jusyeoseo jeongmal gomawoyo.
That's very sweet of you.
This response guide in other languages
A note on speaking Korean
Most examples use polite 해요-style endings. A more formal ending may appear when addressing staff or making a careful request. Do not switch to casual speech with a stranger simply because the English translation sounds friendly.
Hangul is the main text; romanization helps you read along. Korean often leaves a clear subject unstated. Particles and endings carry information that English may express with separate words.
