Congratulations & Celebrations
Learn how to warmly congratulate people in Korean for birthdays, passing exams, and getting a new job, from casual cheers to polite well wishes.
Key Phrases
축하해요!
neutralchukhahaeyo!
Congratulations!
The standard, versatile phrase for any kind of congratulation.
축하해!
casualchukhahae!
Congratulations!
Casual form for friends and younger siblings.
생일 축하해요!
neutralsaengil chukhahaeyo!
Happy birthday!
The standard polite way to wish someone a happy birthday.
생일 축하해!
casualsaengil chukhahae!
Happy birthday!
Only use this with close friends or people younger than you.
정말 잘했어요!
neutraljeongmal jalhaesseoyo!
You did really well!
Polite praise for someone's hard work or achievement.
진짜 잘했어!
casualjinjja jalhaesseo!
You did really well!
Casual and enthusiastic praise for a friend.
건배!
neutralgeonbae!
Cheers!
The standard toast, literally meaning 'empty glass'.
짠!
casualjjan!
Cheers! / Clink!
A fun, informal sound effect used when clinking glasses with friends.
취직 축하해요!
neutralchwijik chukhahaeyo!
Congratulations on the new job!
A common specific phrase when someone lands a job.
시험 합격 축하해요!
neutralsiheom hapgyeok chukhahaeyo!
Congratulations on passing the exam!
Use this for exams, driving tests, or university admissions.
결혼 축하해요!
neutralgyeolhon chukhahaeyo!
Congratulations on your wedding!
The standard greeting to the happy couple.