Korean Dictionary
How to say "Pass" in Korean
“Pass” in Korean is 합격 (pronounced "Hapgyeok").
합격
Hapgyeok
Usage & Context
Passing (합격) an exam or entrance test is a momentous occasion in Korean culture. Whether it is passing the 수능, a licensing exam, or a job aptitude test, 합격 represents success and effort rewarded. Families often celebrate together when a member passes an important exam.
Example Sentence
드디어 운전면허 시험에 합격했어요.
I finally passed the driving test.
How to use 합격 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Pass” is 합격, romanized as Hapgyeok.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
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 합격.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'hap-gyeok' — 'hap' rhymes with 'hop' cut short, and 'gyeok' sounds like 'gyuhk' with an unreleased 'k.'
More Example Sentences
congratulating on an exam result
합격 축하해요!
Congrats on passing!
sharing good job news
면접에서 합격했어요.
I passed the interview.
getting a driver's license
운전면허 시험에 합격했어요.
I passed the driving test.
Cultural Context
합격 is a joyful word — exam pass, admissions, job interviews. Families make 합격 기원 쌀엿 (sticky rice candy) or 찹쌀떡 (sticky rice cakes) for students before 수능, because sticky food symbolizes 'sticking' (passing). 합격자 발표 (announcement of passers) is a major moment for applicants.
Editorial note
We review entries like 합격 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
합격했어요!
I passed!
합격 축하해요.
Congrats on passing.
합격 발표 났어요?
Have the pass results been announced?
Related Expressions
통과
tonggwa
pass / pass-through
불합격
bulhapgyeok
fail / not pass
합격자
hapgyeokja
person who passed
합격 축하
hapgyeok chuka
congratulations on passing
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