훌륭한
hullyung-han
The English word 'excellent' can be translated into Korean as 훌륭한 (hullyung-han). If unsure, use 훌륭한. Wiktionary also lists 완벽한 (wanbyeok-han).
Meaning: of the highest quality (adj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 훌륭한 | hullyung-han |
| 완벽한 | wanbyeok-han |
The term 훌륭한 is used to describe something of high quality, often referring to people's character, noble qualities or significant achievements.
Which one should you use?
While 훌륭한 means 'excellent' or 'great' in terms of character or quality, 완벽한 specifically means 'perfect' or 'flawless'. Use 완벽한 when describing technical precision or a total lack of errors.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms 훌륭한 and 완벽한 are adjectives used to modify nouns. To use them as predicates (for example, 'It is excellent'), you would use their dictionary forms 훌륭하다 and 완벽하다. Additionally, 뛰어납니다 can be used to describe someone or something as being exceptionally excellent or outstanding.
How do you pronounce it?
hullyung-han
Did you know?
- While 훌륭하다 means 'excellent', Koreans often use the phrase 대박 (daebak) as a slang exclamation for something 'awesome' or 'hit'. This word originally referred to a 'great harvest' in farming.
- The word 뛰어나다 (outstanding) literally comes from the verb 뛰다, which means 'to jump' or 'to leap'. It describes someone who has 'leaped' beyond others in skill.
- To express that something is 'excellent' in a casual, tasty way, Koreans use the word 꿀맛 (kkulmat), which literally translates to 'honey taste'.
Examples in context
- 그는 훌륭한 테니스 선수이다.He's an excellent tennis player.This sentence is useful for describing a person as an excellent tennis player using 훌륭한.Tatoeba #14030804 by Ldyhippo, translation #432847 by aliene
- 그녀는 뛰어난 바이올리니스트입니다.She is an excellent violinist.
- 이 영화 진짜 좋아!This movie is excellent!
- 그는 훌륭한 요리사예요.geuneun hullyunghan yorisaeyo.He is an excellent chef.
- 정말 훌륭한 아이디어예요.jeongmal hullyunghan aidieoyeyo.That is a truly excellent idea.
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyeon are discussing a presentation at work.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 이번 보고서 정말 훌륭한데요?Dohyeon ssi, ibeon bogoseo jeongmal hullyunghandeyo?Dohyeon, this report is truly excellent.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말요? 감사합니다, 수빈 씨.Jeongmalyo? Gamsahamnida, Subin ssi.Really? Thank you, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin내용이 아주 알차고 좋아요.Naeyongi aju alchago joayo.The content is very substantial and good.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그렇게 말씀해 주시니 기뻐요.Geureoke malsseumhae jusini gippeoyo.I am happy that you say so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “excellent” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
