Meaning
An exclamation of praise for a job well done.
Cultural Background
Praise is often given by seniors to juniors. It is a way to maintain social order. In offices, '수고했어요' (You worked hard) is often preferred over '잘했어요' to show appreciation for effort rather than just result. Teachers often use stamps that say '참 잘했어요' (You did very well) on homework.
Context is Key
Always consider who you are talking to. Use honorifics for elders.
Don't be Sarcastic
Using '잘했어요' when someone fails can sound very sarcastic.
Meaning
An exclamation of praise for a job well done.
Context is Key
Always consider who you are talking to. Use honorifics for elders.
Don't be Sarcastic
Using '잘했어요' when someone fails can sound very sarcastic.
Combine it
Add '정말' (really) to make the praise sound more sincere.
Test Yourself
Which phrase is correct for praising a friend?
____!
For friends, use the informal '잘했어'.
Complete the sentence for a teacher.
학생이 숙제를 ____.
Past tense is needed for completed work.
What do you say to a boss?
Manager: 'I finished the report.' You: '____.'
Use honorifics for a boss.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Praising a child's drawing.
잘했어요 is for praise.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises____!
For friends, use the informal '잘했어'.
학생이 숙제를 ____.
Past tense is needed for completed work.
Manager: 'I finished the report.' You: '____.'
Use honorifics for a boss.
Praising a child's drawing.
잘했어요 is for praise.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsOnly if you use the honorific form: '잘하셨습니다'.
No, but use '잘했어' instead of '잘했어요'.
Don't use it. Use '수고했어요' to acknowledge the effort instead.
Because you are evaluating a completed action.
Yes, it is very common in sports.
Yes, as a form of self-encouragement!
Related Phrases
수고했어요
similarYou worked hard.
최고예요
builds onYou are the best.
잘하셨어요
specialized formYou did well (honorific).
