How to say “Awesome” in Korean

  1. 대박daebak

    Awesome

"Awesome" in Korean is most often 대박 (daebak), the go-to slang for anything amazing. For "the best" say 최고 (choego), and for "cool" say 멋있어 (meosisseo).

Ways to say it

KoreanLevelWhen to use it
대박
daebak
Casual"Awesome!" or "Amazing!" The most common reaction among friends.
최고
choego
Any"The best!" Often with a thumbs up. Fine with anyone.
최고예요
choegoyeyo
PolitePolite "It's the best" or "You're the best".
멋있어
meosisseo
Casual"Cool!" or "Looks great!" Polite: 멋있어요 (meosisseoyo).
짱
jjang
CasualCute slang for "the best", as in 짱이야 (jjangiya). A little old-school now.
끝내준다
kkeunnaejunda
Casual"Killer!" or "Amazing!" Strong praise, casual.

Examples

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Listening to a new song

This song is awesome.

A friend brings you snacks

You're the best!

Seeing a coworker's new photos

Wow, that's awesome!
Kkachi the magpie

Hanbok explains every word and ending in a sentence, with audio and a translation. Try it on this example, or paste your own line from a drama, a song or a text.

Tips

대박 originally meant a big jackpot. Today it is used for any big surprise, and sometimes even for bad ones, like 대박, 늦었다 (daebak, neujeotda, "oh no, I'm so late").

With people you should be polite to, 최고예요 or 멋있어요 sound warmer and more natural than slang.

More on 대박, 멋있어 and 짱 in our Korean phrase guides.

Questions learners ask

What does daebak mean?

대박 (daebak) means "awesome", "amazing" or "wow". It is casual slang used for exciting news, great food, a great performance and more.

How do I say "you're awesome"?

Say 너 최고야 (neo choegoya) to a friend, or 최고예요 (choegoyeyo) politely.

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