Meaning
Used to praise someone's good performance or effort.
Cultural Background
Praise is often given from superior to subordinate. It is less common for a student to say this to a teacher. The phrase is iconic in Korean elementary schools, often associated with '참 잘했어요' stamps. In corporate settings, it is often paired with '고생하셨습니다' (You worked hard).
Context is key
Always check your relationship with the listener before choosing the formality level.
Don't be sarcastic
Sarcastic use of '잘했어요' is very rude in Korean culture.
Meaning
Used to praise someone's good performance or effort.
Context is key
Always check your relationship with the listener before choosing the formality level.
Don't be sarcastic
Sarcastic use of '잘했어요' is very rude in Korean culture.
Pair it up
Pair it with '고생했어요' for a more natural, empathetic compliment.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct past tense form for praise.
Which one is the correct polite form?
잘했어요 is the past tense form used for praise.
Complete the sentence.
선생님: 숙제를 정말 ____.
The teacher is praising a completed task.
Respond to a friend.
Friend: 나 시험 합격했어! You: ____!
Use informal '잘했어' with a friend.
Match the register.
Which is appropriate for a boss?
Use honorifics for superiors.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWhich one is the correct polite form?
잘했어요 is the past tense form used for praise.
선생님: 숙제를 정말 ____.
The teacher is praising a completed task.
Friend: 나 시험 합격했어! You: ____!
Use informal '잘했어' with a friend.
Which is appropriate for a boss?
Use honorifics for superiors.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsUse '잘하셨어요' instead of '잘했어요' to be polite.
No, it is used in all professional and social settings.
It means 'you are good at it' (general skill), not 'you did a good job'.
Add '정말' (really) or '참' (very/truly).
It is polite/neutral. Use '잘하셨어요' for formal.
Usually used for others, but you can say '나 잘했어' to yourself.
Related Phrases
고생했어요
similarYou worked hard
수고했어요
similarGood work
대단해요
similarThat's amazing
