Korean · Real conversations
How to respond to “축하해요!” in Korean
Congratulations recognize an achievement or good event. A short thanks is enough, and a little detail can add warmth.
What you might hear
축하해요!chukhahaeyo!
Congratulations!
Choose a reply that fits
감사해요!gamsahaeyo!
Thank you!
A simple acknowledgment.
고마워요, 정말 기뻐요.gomawoyo, jeongmal gippeoyo.
Thanks, I'm really happy.
Share your happiness.
도와주지 않으셨으면 못 했을 거예요.dowajuji aneusyeosseumyeon mot haesseul geoyeyo.
I couldn't have done it without your help.
Credit the person's help when it was part of the achievement.
그렇게 말해 주셔서 감사해요.geureoke malhae jusyeoseo gamsahaeyo.
That's kind of you.
Acknowledge the person's kindness.
Two short exchanges
A personal achievement
축하해요!chukhahaeyo!
Congratulations!
감사해요!gamsahaeyo!
Thank you!
A new job
새 직장을 구하신 걸 축하해요!sae jikjangeul guhasin geol chukhahaeyo!
Congratulations on your new job!
고마워요, 정말 기뻐요.gomawoyo, jeongmal gippeoyo.
Thanks, I'm really happy.
Your turn
Thank someone who helped you achieve the result.
Reveal a sample reply
도와주지 않으셨으면 못 했을 거예요.dowajuji aneusyeosseumyeon mot haesseul geoyeyo.
I couldn't have done it without your help.
This response guide in other languages
A note on speaking Korean
Most examples use polite 해요-style endings. A more formal ending may appear when addressing staff or making a careful request. Do not switch to casual speech with a stranger simply because the English translation sounds friendly.
Hangul is the main text; romanization helps you read along. Korean often leaves a clear subject unstated. Particles and endings carry information that English may express with separate words.
