Korean Dictionary
How to say "Well done" in Korean
“Well done” in Korean is 훌륭해요 (pronounced "Hullyunghaeyo").
훌륭해요
Hullyunghaeyo
Usage & Context
Expressing that something was done excellently or magnificently. A stronger expression than 잘 했어요. Often used by teachers, coaches, and parents when someone exceeds expectations. Can also be used sarcastically among close friends in playful teasing.
Example Sentence
이렇게 어려운 문제를 혼자 풀었어요? 훌륭해요!
You solved such a difficult problem by yourself? Well done!
How to use 훌륭해요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Well done” is 훌륭해요, romanized as Hullyunghaeyo.
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 훌륭해요.
Pronunciation Guide
For '훌륭해요' (Hullyunghaeyo), 'Hul' is like 'hull' of a boat. 'Llyung' is a bit tricky: 'll' is a double 'l' sound, followed by 'yung' like 'young'. 'Hae' is like 'hey', and 'yo' like 'yo-yo'. The double 'l' sound is strong and clear.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
훌륭합니다
Hullyungham-nida
A more formal variant, often used in official reports, formal speeches, or when addressing a large audience.
Casual (반말)
훌륭해
Hullyunghae
A casual form used with close friends or people younger than you.
More Example Sentences
Praising a colleague or student after a successful presentation.
발표 정말 훌륭했어요! 모두 감탄했어요.
Your presentation was truly excellent! Everyone was impressed.
Admiring a piece of art.
이 그림 정말 훌륭해요. 누가 그렸어요?
This painting is truly magnificent. Who painted it?
Commending someone for their composure in a tough situation.
어려운 상황에서도 침착하게 대처한 것이 훌륭해요.
It's excellent that you handled the difficult situation calmly.
Cultural Context
'훌륭해요' is a strong compliment in Korean, indicating something is truly excellent, magnificent, or outstanding. It's often used by teachers, mentors, or parents to praise exceptional performance. While '잘 했어요' (You did well) is more common for everyday tasks, '훌륭해요' is reserved for achievements that exceed expectations. It can also be used sarcastically among close friends, similar to 'Oh, brilliant!' in English, but this is less common than its genuine use.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 훌륭해요 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
정말 훌륭해요!
It's truly excellent!
훌륭한 아이디어
Excellent idea
훌륭한 작품
Magnificent work (of art, literature, etc.)
Related Expressions
잘 했어요
Jal haesseoyo
You did well (more common, general praise).
최고예요
Choegoyeyo
It's the best/You're the best.
대단해요
Daedanhaeyo
It's amazing/You're amazing.
멋져요
Meotjjeoyo
It's cool/You're cool (often for appearance or style, but can also be for actions).
More Greetings Words
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