What does 대박 (daebak) mean?
- 대박daebak
Awesome! / No way!
Casual: friends and people younger than you
대박 (daebak) is Korean slang that means "Awesome!", "Amazing!" or "No way!". People say it when something is surprisingly great, or just surprising. It works a lot like "Wow!" in English.
Where it comes from
As a noun, 대박 means a huge success or a jackpot, as in 대박이 나다 (to be a big hit). Its exact origin is debated, so it is best not to rely on the popular stories about it.
How to use 대박
Use 대박 as a one-word reaction to good news, a great performance, delicious food or anything impressive. It is very common among friends and in texts.
It can also react to surprising bad news, like "Seriously?!" For example, hearing that a friend lost their phone again, you might say 대박... in a disbelieving tone.
On its own, 대박 is casual slang, so avoid saying it as a reaction to your boss or teacher. The set phrase 대박 나세요, however, is a polite and friendly way to wish someone great success.
Examples
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Texting a friend who got concert tickets
Talking about a movie you just watched
Congratulating someone opening a new shop
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 대박이다 | That's amazing | Casual sentence form. |
| 대박이네 | Wow, that's amazing | Adds a sense of just realizing it. |
| 대박 나세요 | Wishing you huge success | Polite blessing, often said to business owners or at New Year. |
| 대박 나다 | to be a big hit | Dictionary-style phrase used for hit shows, products and shops. |
Questions learners ask
Is daebak rude?
It is not rude, but it is casual slang. Say it with friends, and use 대박 나세요 when wishing success to someone older.
Can daebak mean something bad?
Yes. It mainly means "amazing", but it can also mean "unbelievable" when reacting to surprising bad news.
How do you spell daebak in Korean?
It is written 대박.