25 Ways to Say Congratulations in Korean – Advanced Vocabulary
- Katherine Pierce
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Whether you’re celebrating a K-pop idol’s debut, a friend’s wedding, or your own big audition callback, “congratulations” in Korean is more than just 축하해요 (chukahaeyo). Korean offers a variety of nuanced and context-sensitive expressions that match different tones—from formal and polite to playful and casual.
If you're aiming to sound more native or step into the world of Korean acting and performance, having this vocabulary at your fingertips helps you connect with others naturally and respectfully. In Korean culture, how you say something is often just as important as what you say—especially in celebratory moments.
Let’s expand your toolbox.
The Standard Forms
Korean | Romanization | Meaning / Use |
축하해요 | chukahaeyo | Standard polite way to say “congratulations” |
축하합니다 | chukahamnida | Formal and respectful version |
축하해 | chukahae | Casual form (friends, same age or younger) |
Formal & Respectful Phrases
Korean | Meaning / Use | |
진심으로 축하드립니다 | jinsimeuro chukhadeurimnida | “Sincerely congratulations” (very formal) |
경하드립니다 | gyeonghadeurimnida | Extremely formal (used in news, speeches) |
축하 말씀 드립니다 | chukha malsseum deurimnida | Respectful (often in ceremonies or corporate settings) |
큰 기쁨에 함께합니다 | keun gippeume hamkkehamnida | “Sharing in your great joy” (formal writing/speeches) |
Casual & Friendly Variations
Korean | Romanization | Meaning / Use |
대박 축하해! | daebak chukahae! | “Huge congrats!” (slangy, fun) |
완전 축하해요! | wanjeon chukahaeyo! | “Totally congrats!” (friendly tone) |
드디어 해냈네! | deudieo haenaenne! | “You finally did it!” (congrats + admiration) |
짝짝짝! | jjagjjagjjag! | Onomatopoeia for clapping (used playfully online/text) |
잘했어! | jalhaesseo! | “Well done!” (implies congratulations) |
최고야! | choegoya! | “You’re the best!” (celebratory tone) |
우와~ 멋지다! | uwa~ meotjida! | “Wow, awesome!” (used for wow moments) |
For Special Occasions
Occasion | Phrase | Meaning / Use |
Wedding | 결혼 축하드려요 | “Congratulations on your marriage” |
Graduation | 졸업 축하해요 | “Congrats on graduating” |
New Baby | 아기 탄생 축하해요 | “Congrats on your baby’s birth” |
New Job | 취업 축하해요 | “Congrats on the new job” |
Birthday | 생일 축하해요 | “Happy birthday” (congratulatory context) |
Debut/Launch | 데뷔 축하해요 | “Congrats on your debut” (K-pop, acting, etc.) |
How to Practice
Don’t just memorize—use these in real contexts. Whether it’s replying to a Korean friend’s Instagram story, sending a message to your favorite artist, or writing a birthday card, try switching it up from the usual 축하해요.
Try this practice sentence:
친구의 졸업식에 진심으로 축하 말씀 드렸어요.I sincerely congratulated my friend at their graduation ceremony.
Korean is a language rich in emotional nuance, and saying “congratulations” the right way can make your words feel heartfelt and genuine. As you expand your vocabulary, you're also expanding your ability to connect—whether you're celebrating someone else's success or your own.
At Language Academia, we don’t just teach you the words—we help you understand the meaning behind them. Our Korean programs (both in-person and online) blend cultural training, acting technique, and native-level fluency training. From mastering the basics to preparing for K-drama auditions, we’ve got a class for you.
🎉 Ready to celebrate your progress? Join our Korean classes today and let us help you speak with confidence and joy!
