Korean Dictionary
How to say "I hope it goes well" in Korean
“I hope it goes well” in Korean is 잘 되길 바라요 (pronounced "Jal doegil barayo").
잘 되길 바라요
Jal doegil barayo
Usage & Context
Wishing someone success and positive outcomes. A softer, more genuinely warm expression compared to 파이팅. Often used in situations like job interviews, business ventures, and personal challenges. Shows sincere care for someone's success and happiness.
Example Sentence
내일 면접이에요? 정말 잘 되길 바라요!
Job interview tomorrow? I really hope it goes well!
How to use 잘 되길 바라요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “I hope it goes well” is 잘 되길 바라요, romanized as Jal doegil barayo.
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 잘 되길 바라요.
Pronunciation Guide
잘 (Jal): "Jal" like in "jalapeño". 되길 (Dweh-gil): "Dweh" like "dwe" in "dweeb". "Gil" like "gill" (of a fish). 바라요 (Ba-ra-yo): "Ba" like "bah" in "bah-humbug". "Ra" like "rah" in "hurrah". "Yo" like "yo-yo". Overall, "Jal Dweh-gil Ba-ra-yo" with fairly even emphasis.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
잘 되기를 바랍니다
Jal doegireul baramnida
A more formal and deferential way to express the same wish, often used in very formal settings or writing.
Casual (반말)
잘 되길 바라
Jal doegil bara
Used among close friends or to someone younger.
More Example Sentences
Wishing success to a friend or acquaintance starting a new venture.
새로운 사업 시작하신다면서요? 잘 되길 바라요!
You're starting a new business, right? I hope it goes well!
Expressing support to someone facing an important exam.
이번 시험 꼭 합격해야 할 텐데... 잘 되길 바라요.
You really need to pass this exam... I hope it goes well.
Wishing a newlywed couple a happy future.
두 분 결혼 진심으로 축하드려요. 앞으로도 잘 되길 바라요.
Congratulations sincerely on your marriage. I hope things go well for you both in the future.
Cultural Context
While '파이팅!' (Fighting!) is a common and energetic cheer for success, '잘 되길 바라요' offers a softer, more sincere, and empathetic tone. It conveys genuine care and hope for someone's well-being and success, rather than just a motivational push. It's often used when you want to show deeper emotional support, especially when someone is facing a challenge or a significant life event. It's a phrase that truly expresses 'I'm rooting for you' in a gentle way.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 잘 되길 바라요 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
모든 일이 잘 되길 바라요.
I hope everything goes well.
시험 잘 되길 바라요.
I hope your exam goes well.
꼭 잘 되길 바라요.
I really hope it goes well.
Related Expressions
파이팅!
Paiting!
Fighting! (Go for it! Good luck!)
행운을 빌어요
Haenguneul bireoyo
I wish you luck.
성공을 빌어요
Seonggongeul bireoyo
I wish you success.
잘 될 거예요
Jal doel geoyeyo
It will go well. (An encouraging statement)
More Greetings Words
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