congratulations in korean
How to Say "Congratulations" in Korean (축하해 / 축하합니다): All Levels
축하해
chukahae
Quick answer
Say 축하해 (chukahae) to a close friend and 축하합니다 (chukahamnida) in formal settings — both mean congratulations in Korean.
Common forms
| Register | Hangul | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| casual | 축하해 | chukahae | Between close friends or to someone younger — warm, natural, and the most common spoken form in everyday life. |
| polite | 축하해요 | chukahaeyo | Polite form — use for people you're not super close to, coworkers, or someone slightly older. Respectful without being stiff. |
| formal | 축하합니다 | chukahamnida | Formal — for speeches, professional settings, ceremonies, or when showing deep respect to someone important. |
| sincerely congratulations | 진심으로 축하해 | jinsimeuro chukahae | 진심으로 (jinsimeuro, sincerely/from the heart) adds emotional weight — used for really meaningful milestones like a wedding or major life achievement. |
How it changes by relationship
야, 합격했어? 진짜 축하해!
Ya, hapgyeokhaesseo? Jinjja chukahae!
to a close friend: You passed? Congrats! — the natural reaction to good news from a friend. 진짜 (really/truly) makes it feel more spontaneous.
정말 축하드립니다.
Jeongmal chukadeurimnida.
to someone older or polite: 축하드립니다 (chukadeurimnida) is the honorific form — 드리다 replaces 하다 to show respect to the person being congratulated. Use for bosses, parents, or seniors.
결혼을 진심으로 축하합니다.
Gyeolhoneul jinsimeuro chukahamnida.
at a wedding or formal occasion: Sincerely congratulating on the marriage — pairing 축하합니다 with the specific occasion is the natural Korean pattern for formal settings.
축하해! 👏
Chukahae!
quick text or social media comment: Short and sweet — very common in KakaoTalk messages and social media comments. 축하 alone (without a verb ending) is also often used in quick online posts.
Examples
졸업 축하해!
Joreop chukahae!
Congratulations on graduating!
승진 축하드립니다.
Seungjin chukadeurimnida.
Congratulations on your promotion.
생일이랑 합격을 동시에 축하해!
Saengilirang hapgyeogeul dongsie chukahae!
Congrats on both your birthday and passing!
Usage note
Unlike English where 'congrats!' stands alone, Korean almost always pairs 축하 with what is being celebrated — 졸업 축하해 (graduation congrats), 합격 축하해요 (passing congrats), 결혼 축하합니다 (marriage congrats). Saying just 축하해 without context can sound vague; specifying the achievement is both more natural and more thoughtful. Also watch the register: using 축하해 with someone significantly older can come across as rude — 축하드립니다 is the safe respectful choice.
Mini quiz
What is the primary Korean phrase for "congratulations" here?
FAQ
How do you say congratulations in Korean formally?
축하합니다 (chukahamnida) is the polished formal form. For even greater respect — such as congratulating a parent or elder — use 축하드립니다 (chukadeurimnida).
What's the casual way to say congrats in Korean?
축하해 (chukahae) is the casual go-to between close friends. You can add 진짜 (jinjja, really) to make it feel more enthusiastic: 진짜 축하해!
How do I say 'congrats on your engagement'?
약혼 축하해요 (yakkon chukahaeyo) — 약혼 means engagement. For marriage itself, 결혼 축하합니다 (gyeolhon chukahamnida).
What is 축하드립니다?
축하드립니다 (chukadeurimnida) is the honorific version — 드리다 replaces 하다 as a sign of respect. Use this for parents, bosses, grandparents, or anyone significantly older.
Is there a slang or short way to say congrats?
축하 (chuka) alone is commonly used in quick texts. In fan communities, 생축 (saengchuk) is the shorthand for happy birthday congrats specifically.
Can I say 축하합니다 for happy birthday too?
Yes — 생일 축하합니다 (saengil chukahamnida) is formally correct for happy birthday. Casually, 생일 축하해 is more natural.