What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 잘했어 is composed of 잘, meaning "well" and 했어, meaning "did", literally translating to "did well".
Which one should you use?
The form 잘했어 is the casual version. In contrast, more formal or polite versions are used depending on the social relationship between speakers.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Korean uses different levels of politeness. To be polite when speaking to people you are not close to or who are older than you, add 요 to create 잘했어요. For highly formal, respectful or professional settings, use 잘하셨습니다 or other formal expressions such as 대단히 잘 하셨어요 (You did a great job) or 정말 훌륭하게 하셨어요 (You did an excellent job).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 잘했다 is the plain or diary form. It can be used as a self-congratulatory exclamation or within written narratives.
How do you pronounce it?
jalhaesseo
When do people say it?
When praising someone in Korean, the choice of words often reflects the specific nature of their achievement. For example, one might use 대단한 성과를 이루셨어요 to emphasize that someone achieved an impressive result or 진짜 고생했어! to acknowledge that someone put in a lot of effort or worked very hard.
Did you know?
- The word 잘 meaning 'well' is also used in a sarcastic way to mean 'you messed up'. Depending on the tone, 잘했다 can be a sharp reprimand meaning 'you really did it now' or 'nice going'.
- When someone is praised with 잘했어, it is culturally common for the receiver to modestly deny the praise. Instead of a simple 'thank you', they might say 아니에요 meaning 'no it is not' to show humility.
- In professional settings, you must be careful when praising a superior. Even the polite version 잘했어요 can sound condescending to a boss, as it implies you are in a position to judge their performance.
Examples in context
- 진심으로 축하드립니다. 대단한 성과를 이루셨어요.I sincerely congratulate you. You achieved an impressive result.
- 진짜 고생했어! 너 진짜 대단해!You worked really hard! You are truly amazing!
- 이번 시험 정말 잘했어.ibeon siheom jeongmal jalhaesseo.You did a great job on this exam.
- 오늘 발표 정말 잘했어!oneul balpyo jeongmal jalhaesseo!You did a great job on the presentation today!
- 그 프로젝트 아주 잘했어.geu peurojekteu aju jalhaesseo.You did a great job on that project.
Example conversation
Minjun is praising Jieun for her cooking.
- 민준 Min-jun지은아, 요리 정말 잘했어.Jieun-a, yori jeongmal jalhaesseo.Jieun, you did a great job with the cooking.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말? 맛있게 먹어줘서 고마워.jeongmal? masitge meogeojwoseo gomawo.Really? Thanks for enjoying it.
- 민준 Min-jun진짜 맛있었어.jinjja masisseosseo.It was really delicious.
- 지은 Ji-eun다행이다, 민준아.dahaengida, Minjun-a.I'm glad, Minjun.
