축하해 (chuk-ha-hae, chukhahae) · 잘했어 (jal-haess-eo, jalhaesseo)
'축하해' is used to celebrate special achievements or occasions, while '잘했어' praises specific actions or efforts.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Expression used to congratulate special achievements or occasions
When to use
birthday celebration, wedding congratulations, graduation celebration
The nuance
Used mainly for big events or achievements like birthdays, weddings, or passing exams.
Expression used to praise specific actions or efforts
When to use
doing well on a test, performing well in sports, completing an assignment well
The nuance
Appropriate for immediate, specific praise when someone does a task well.
생일 축하해!
saeng-il chuk-ha-hae!, saeng il chuk ha hae!
Use '축하해' to celebrate special days like birthdays.
시험 잘했어!
si-heom jal-haess-eo!, si heom jal haess eo!
Use '잘했어' for specific praise after good test results.
결혼 잘했어!
gyeol-hon jal-haess-eo!, gyeol hon jal haess eo!
Marriage is a celebration, not an action to evaluate; use '축하해' instead.
과제 축하해!
gwa-je chuk-ha-hae!, gwa je chuk ha hae!
Completing assignments is not a celebration but an achievement to praise; use '잘했어'.
졸업 축하해!
jol-eop chuk-ha-hae!, jol eop chuk ha hae!
For big achievements or events like graduation, '축하해' is appropriate.
운동 축하해!
un-dong chuk-ha-hae!, un dong chuk ha hae!
Doing well in sports is praise-worthy, not a celebration; use '잘했어'.
네가 발표 잘했어!
ne-ga bal-pyo jal-haess-eo!, ne ga bal pyo jal haess eo!
Use '잘했어' to specifically praise good performance in a presentation.
합격 축하해!
hap-gyeok chuk-ha-hae!, hap gyeok chuk ha hae!
Use '축하해' to celebrate big achievements like passing an exam.
What is the appropriate phrase when a friend did well on a test?
What do you say when your sibling got married?
When a friend finishes a presentation well?
What is the appropriate phrase when a friend graduates?
What does it mean?
