해냈어요
haenaesseoyo
The English phrase "I did it" is expressed in Korean as 해냈어요 (haenaesseoyo).
This phrase is used to emphasize the successful completion of a difficult or challenging task rather than just stating a completed action.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is composed of 해내다 (to accomplish/achieve) and the past tense suffix –었-.
Which one should you use?
While 해냈어요 is the standard polite form, 하였습니다 and 완료하였습니다 are also formal ways to say "I did it". For casual settings, 했어 is used and 해버렸어 can be used as an informal expression that adds emphasis to the phrase.
How does it change in a sentence?
Removing the polite ending –요 results in the casual form 해냈어 used with friends or younger people.
How do you pronounce it?
haenaesseoyo
Did you know?
- The verb 해내다 is a compound of 하다 (to do) and 내다 (to push out), suggesting the action of pushing through a barrier to reach a goal.
- While 해냈어요 expresses triumph, saying 해버렸어 can actually imply that you did something you regret or a mistake you cannot undo, despite both translating to 'I did it'.
- In Korean, the word 'I' is often omitted entirely when saying 해냈어요, as the context of the achievement makes the subject clear.
Examples in context
- 드디어 해냈어요!deudieo haenaesseoyo!I finally did it!
- 어려운 과제를 해냈어요.eoryeoun gwajereul haenaesseoyo.I completed the difficult task.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo tells Seoyeon that he passed a difficult exam.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연 씨, 저 시험 합격했어요! 해냈어요!Seoyeon ssi, jeo siheom hapgyeokhaesseoyo! haenaesseoyo!Seoyeon, I passed the exam! I did it!
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말요? 진심으로 축하해요, 현우 씨!jeongmalyo? jinsimeuro chukhahaeyo, Hyunwoo ssi!Really? Sincere congratulations, Hyunwoo!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응원해 줘서 고마워요. 진짜 해냈어요.eungwonhae jwoseo gomawoyo. jinjja haenaesseoyo.Thanks for rooting for me. I really did it.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그동안 정말 고생 많으셨어요.geudongan jeongmal gosaeng maneusyeosseoyo.You worked really hard all this time.
