좋겠다
joketda
The English phrase "lucky you" can be expressed in Korean as 좋겠다 (joketda).
The phrase is used to tell someone that you envy their good fortune.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective 좋 (good) and the suffix –겠다, which expresses a supposition or conjecture, literally meaning "must be good / would be good".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 좋겠다 is in the plain/informal style and should only be used with friends or people younger than you. To say 'lucky you' to someone older or in a more formal setting, you should add the polite ending –어요 to make it 좋겠어요.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this context, the phrase functions as a complete sentence expressing envy or a reaction to someone's good news.
How do you pronounce it?
joketda
Did you know?
- While 좋겠다 is used for 'lucky you', Koreans use the word 운 (luck) rarely in this context. Using 운이 좋네요 instead sounds more like a literal observation of probability than a personal expression of envy.
- If someone says 좋겠다 to you, a common humble response is to disagree or downplay the luck to avoid appearing arrogant, rather than simply saying 'thank you'.
- Depending on the tone, 좋겠다 can be used sarcastically to mean 'must be nice' when someone is bragging or complaining about a 'first-world problem'.
Examples in context
- 내일 여행 간다니 정말 좋겠다.naeil yeohaeng gandani jeongmal joketda.It must be so nice that you are going on a trip tomorrow.
- 선물 받아서 정말 좋겠다.seonmul badaseo jeongmal joketda.You must be so happy to receive a gift.
- 그 영화 벌써 봤다니 좋겠다.geu yeonghwa beolsseo bwatdani joketda.Lucky you, having seen that movie already.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are talking about their upcoming vacation plans.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨는 다음 주에 제주도에 가요.Minjun ssi-neun da-eum ju-e Jeju-do-e gayo.Minjun, you are going to Jeju Island next week.
- 민준 Min-jun네, 부모님이 표를 사주셨어요.ne, bumonim-i pyo-reul sa-jusyeosseoyo.Yes, my parents bought the tickets for me.
- 민지 Min-ji우와, 진짜 좋겠다!uwa, jinjja jokgetda!Wow, lucky you!
- 민준 Min-jun고마워요. 기념품 사 올게요.gomawoyo. ginyeompum sa olgeyo.Thank you. I will bring back some souvenirs.
