잘하네
jalhane
In Korean, the phrase "you're good" is expressed as 잘하네 (jalhane).
The phrase 잘하네 is typically used when you are observing someone's skill in real-time or reacting to a specific performance.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the adverbial root 잘, which means "well".
Which one should you use?
While 잘하네 is used for reacting to a performance, 잘한다 is a common way to praise skill in a casual, slightly more declarative tone. 잘해 is the most common way to say 'you're good' to close friends or people younger than you.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several ways to express this depending on the social context. To show respect to someone older or in a higher social position, use the polite form 잘하시네요. The form 잘했어요 is used to maintain a level of politeness while being informal, created by adding 요 to the end of 잘했어. For very casual situations, you can use 잘했어 to say "you've done well".
How do you pronounce it?
jalhane
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, receiving praise like 잘하시네요 often prompts a humble denial rather than a simple 'thank you'. It is common to respond by saying you are still lacking or that the other person is actually the skilled one.
- In Korean, saying 잘한다 with a certain sarcastic tone can actually mean the exact opposite of 'you are good', effectively functioning as 'nice job' in a mocking way.
- The root word 잘 (well) is also found in the word for 'goodbye' or 'go well' in many Korean parting expressions, linking the idea of performance to the idea of a smooth departure.
Examples in context
- 오늘의 발표는 정말 잘하셨어요. 유익한 정보들을 잘 전달하셨습니다.You did really well with today's presentation. You delivered valuable information effectively.
- 방 청소를 도와준 거, 정말 고마워. 잘했어!I really appreciate your help with cleaning the room. You did well!
- 민수 씨, 요리 정말 잘하네.Minsu ssi, yori jeongmal jalhane.Minsu, you're really good at cooking.
- 와, 게임 진짜 잘하네!Wa, geim jinja jalhane!Wow, you're really good at this game!
- 그림을 아주 잘하네.Geurimeul aju jalhane.You're very good at drawing.
Example conversation
Minji is watching Dohyeon play a musical instrument.
- 민지 Min-ji도현아, 피아노 정말 잘하네.Dohyeon-a, piano jeongmal jalhane.Dohyeon, you're really good at the piano.
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워, 민지야. 연습 많이 했어.Gomawo, Minji-ya. Yeonseup mani haesseo.Thanks, Minji. I practiced a lot.
- 민지 Min-ji계속 그렇게 해봐.Gyeseok geureoke haebwa.Keep doing that.
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 더 열심히 할게.Eung, deo yeolsimhi halge.Yeah, I'll work harder.
