Korean Dictionary
How to say "Congratulations on your graduation" in Korean
“Congratulations on your graduation” in Korean is 졸업 축하해요 (pronounced "Joreop chukahaeyo").
졸업 축하해요
Joreop chukahaeyo
Usage & Context
Celebrating someone's academic completion. Graduation is a major milestone in Korean society, with elaborate ceremonies and family celebrations. Often accompanied by flowers (especially yellow forsythia bouquets), gifts, and celebratory meals with family.
Example Sentence
드디어 졸업했군요! 졸업 축하해요, 고생 많았어요.
You've finally graduated! Congratulations, you worked hard.
How to use 졸업 축하해요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Congratulations on your graduation” is 졸업 축하해요, romanized as Joreop chukahaeyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 졸업 축하해요.
Pronunciation Guide
For '졸업' (Joreop), 'Jol' sounds like 'goal' but with a 'j' sound, and 'eop' rhymes with 'hop' but with a softer 'o'. For '축하해요' (Chukahaeyo), 'Chu' is like 'choo-choo train', 'ka' like 'car', 'hae' like 'hey', and 'yo' like 'yo-yo'. The 'ha' sound is very light.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
졸업 축하드립니다
Joreop chukadeurimnida
A more formal way to congratulate, often used in official settings or when addressing elders/superiors.
Casual (반말)
졸업 축하해
Joreop chukahae
A casual form used with close friends or people younger than you.
More Example Sentences
Discussing gift ideas for a graduating friend.
졸업 축하 선물로 뭐가 좋을까?
What would be a good graduation gift?
Expressing personal excitement about one's own graduation.
드디어 졸업이라니, 믿기지 않아요! 축하해요!
I can't believe I'm finally graduating! Congratulations!
Congratulating an older sister, wishing her a bright future.
언니, 졸업 축하해요! 이제 꽃길만 걸어요!
Sis, congratulations on your graduation! Now only walk on flower paths!
Cultural Context
Graduation (졸업) is a huge milestone in Korea, often celebrated with family dinners, flowers (especially yellow forsythia bouquets, though any flowers are common), and gifts. It marks the end of intense academic competition and the beginning of a new chapter, often employment. K-dramas frequently show graduation scenes, highlighting the emotional significance for students and parents. It's common to take many photos with friends and family in caps and gowns.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 졸업 축하해요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
졸업식
Graduation ceremony
졸업생
Graduate (student)
졸업 앨범
Graduation album/yearbook
Related Expressions
입학 축하해요
Iphak chukahaeyo
Congratulations on your admission (to school).
생일 축하해요
Saengil chukahaeyo
Happy birthday.
결혼 축하해요
Gyeolhon chukahaeyo
Congratulations on your marriage.
승진 축하해요
Seungjin chukahaeyo
Congratulations on your promotion.
More Greetings Words
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