다행이다
dahaeng-ida
The Korean phrase for "thank goodness" is 다행이다 (dahaeng-ida).
다행이다 is used to express relief when a potentially bad situation is avoided or a good outcome is achieved, similar to saying "what a relief."
Meaning: express gratitude (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the noun 다행, which means "good fortune" or "luck" and the copula 이다, which means "to be".
How does it change in a sentence?
While 다행이다 is the dictionary form, you should change the ending depending on the level of politeness required. In casual conversation with friends or people younger than you, use the informal form 다행이야. In polite conversation, you should use the form 다행이에요 instead of the dictionary form.
How do you pronounce it?
dahaeng-ida
Did you know?
- Koreans may use the phrase 천만다행 to describe a 'miraculous' escape, where 천만 means ten million, implying the odds of success were one in ten million.
- While English speakers say 'thank goodness' as a way to avoid saying 'thank God', the Korean phrase 다행이다 contains no religious connotation at all.
- The word 다행 contains a character meaning 'luck' that is also used in the word for 'fortunate' or 'blessed' in other East Asian languages like Chinese and Japanese.
Examples in context
- 정말 다행이다. 길을 잃었는데 친구를 마주쳤어!Thank goodness. I got lost, but I ran into a friend!
- 다행히도 모두 안전하게 도착했어요.Thank goodness, everyone arrived safely.
- 다행스럽게도 저희 팀이 이기게 되었습니다.Thank goodness, our team ended up winning.
- 정말 다행이다.jeongmal dahaengida.That's a real relief.
- 안 다쳐서 다행이다.an dachyeoseo dahaengida.Thank goodness you didn't get hurt.
- 비가 안 와서 다행이다.biga an waseo dahaengida.It's a relief that it's not raining.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are talking about a lost wallet.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨, 지갑 찾았어요?minji ssi, jigap chajasseoyo?Minji, did you find your wallet?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 가방 안에 있었어요.ne, gabang ane isseosseoyo.Yes, it was in my bag.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 다행이다!jeongmal dahaeng-ida!Thank goodness!
- 민지 Min-ji걱정해 줘서 고마워요.geokjeonghae jwoseo gomawoyo.Thank you for worrying about me.
