What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the noun 다행, which means 'good fortune' or 'luck' and the verb 'to be' (이다) attached to it.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The plain form 다행이다 is used in casual speech with friends or people younger than you. In polite social situations, you should use the form 다행이에요 instead of the plain 다행이다. For formal and polite expressions, you can use 정말 다행이네요 or 너무 다행이에요, the latter of which is a formal way to express relief and happiness specifically for someone else. For an informal expression that shows a higher level of excitement, you can say 와, 너무 다행이다.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form 다행이다 literally means 'it is a relief', where the verb 'to be' (이다) is attached to the noun 'good fortune' (다행).
How do you pronounce it?
dahaeng-ida
Did you know?
- While 다행이다 expresses the result of a relief, Koreans use the word 시원하다 ('to be refreshing') to describe the actual physical sensation of stress leaving the body, such as after a hot bath.
- The expression 다행이다 can be used sarcastically to imply that a situation is actually a complete disaster.
- The root noun 다행 comes from Hanja characters meaning 'many' and 'fortune', suggesting that the relief comes from a great amount of luck.
Examples in context
- 시험에 안 떨어져서 다행이다.siheome an tteoreojyeoseo dahaengida.It's a relief that I didn't fail the exam.
- 지갑을 안 잃어버려서 다행이다.jigabeul an ireobeoryeoseo dahaengida.What a relief that I didn't lose my wallet.
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are talking after a stressful moment at a cafe.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 핸드폰 찾았어요?Dohyun ssi, haendeupon chajasseoyo?Dohyun, did you find your phone?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 가방 안에 있었어요.Ne, gabang ane isseosseoyo.Yes, it was in my bag.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 다행이다.jeongmal dahaengida.What a relief.
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워요, 수빈 씨.Gomawoyo, Subin ssi.Thank you, Subin.
