행복하다
haengbokhada[ˈhɛ(ː)ŋbo̞kʰa̠da̠]
To say happy in Korean, use 행복하다 (haengbokhada), which describes being happy and content. If unsure, use 행복하다. Wiktionary also lists 기뻐하다 (gippeohada) and 기쁘다 (gippeuda).
Meaning: contented, joyous (adj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 행복하다 | haengbokhada | [ˈhɛ(ː)ŋbo̞kʰa̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈhe̞(ː)ŋbo̞kʰa̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 기뻐하다 | gippeohada | [kip͈ʌ̹ɦa̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 기쁘다 | gippeuda | [kip͈ɯda̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
행복하다 describes a general state of happiness or a contented life rather than a passing emotion.
Which one should you use?
기쁘다 describes a specific, immediate feeling of joy from an event or news. 기뻐하다 describes the outward expression of joy, showing that someone is happy. 즐겁습니다 and 즐거워 describe a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.
How does it change in a sentence?
In standard polite conversation, 행복하다 becomes 행복해요.
How do you pronounce it?
It is written in Latin letters as haengbokhada.
Did you know?
- The word 행복 (haengbok) is composed of Hanja characters meaning 'good fortune' and 'blessing', suggesting that happiness is something received rather than just felt.
- The word 기뻐하다 (gippeohada) is used specifically when you are describing the outward, observable expression of someone else's joy.
Examples in context
- 널 만나서 그저 기쁘다.I'm just happy to see you.기쁘다 expresses the joy of the moment, being happy to see someone.Tatoeba #11106655 by intertime, translation #2044611 by CK
- 어찌 됐던 간에, 톰은 행복하다.In spite of everything, Tom is happy.행복하다 describes Tom's overall state of happiness.Tatoeba #11105199 by intertime, translation #7335526 by shekitten
- 우리 가족은 항상 행복합니다.Our family is always happy.행복합니다 is the formal form, saying the family is always happy.
- 생일 축하 드립니다! 이 날이 기쁨으로 가득하시길 바랍니다.Happy birthday! I hope this day is filled with joy for you.
- 오늘 정말 행복해!Today I am really happy!
- 한국 음식을 먹으면 기뻐져요.I become happy when I eat Korean food.
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are talking about their new home.
- 민준 Min-jun여기서 살면 정말 행복하다.yeogiseo salmyeon jeongmal haengbokhada.I am really happy living here.
- 서연 Seo-yeon나도 그렇게 생각해, 민준 씨.nado geureoke saenggakhae, Minjun ssi.I think so too, Minjun.
- 민준 Min-jun서연 씨도 행복하다면 다행이야.Seoyeon ssi-do haengbokhadamyeon dahaeng-iya.I'm glad if you are happy too, Seoyeon.
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 정말 만족스러워.eung, jeongmal manjokseureowo.Yes, I'm very satisfied.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy” translations and entries 행복하다, 기뻐하다, 기쁘다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 기뻐하다, 기쁘다, 행복하다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
