How to Say “Happy” in Korean

Once you know how to say “happy” in Korean, you will be able to let people know how you are feeling. Learning how to express different emotions can really help you get closer to your Korean friends. After all, we can all use a little positivity and happiness in our lives.

Therefore, if you are happy and you know it, then you should say it!

Let’s get to the bottom of this “happy” Korean word!

“Happy” in Korean

Two words are used to say “happy” in Korean.

The first word for “happy is 행복하다 (haengbokada).

The second word for happy is 기쁘다 (gippeuda).

Korean dictionaries usually translate 기쁘다 (gippeuda) as “glad” rather than “happy.” However, its meaning is very similar to the English word for “happy.”

How to say “Happy” in Korean

Before we proceed, here’s a video to help you how to say “happy” in Korean correctly. Pay attention to how the words are pronounced.

If you enjoyed the video, let us know in the comments below! Now let’s head on to the various ways of saying “happy” in Korean based on who you’re speaking with.

Formal “Happy” in Korean

1. 행복합니다 (haengbokamnida)

2. 기쁩니다 (gippeumnida)

If you want to say “happy” in formal Korean, then you can use the above expressions. Formal Korean is used in interviews and presentations.

Sentence Example:

A: 행복합니까? (haengbokamnikka)

Are you happy?

B: 네, 행복합니다. (ne, haengbokamnida)

Yes, I’m happy.

Standard “Happy” in Korean

1. 행복해요 (haengbokhaeyo)

2. 기뻐요 (gippeoyo)

You can use these expressions when talking to people who are older or not particularly close to you. Notice how the forms of the words have changed from their dictionary form.

All 하다 (hada) words will change so that their endings become 해요 (haeyo) in the standard form. Noticing how these words change can help you notice patterns more easily and learn Korean more quickly.

Sentence Example:

A: 행복하세요? (haengbokaseyo)

Are you happy?

B: 네, 행복해요. (ne, haengbokaeyo)

Yes, I’m happy.

그 사람과 있으면 행복해요? (geu saramgwa isseumyeon haengbokaeyo)

Are you happy being with him?

Informal “Happy” in Korean

Below are ways to say “happy” in Korean informally. You can use these expressions with people who are close to you and who are of a similar or younger age.

1. 행복해 (haengbokae)

2. 기뻐 (gippeo)

Example:

A: 기뻐? (gippeo)

Are you happy?

B: 응, 기뻐. (eung, gippeo)

Yes, I’m happy.

나는 아주 행복해. (naneun aju haengbokae)

I am so happy.

Other words related to “Happy” in Korean

If you want to use the word “happy” to describe a noun, then you have to change its form again.

“Happy person” in Korean

You can say “happy person” in Korean as 행복한 사람 (haengbokan saram). Here, 행복하다 (haengbokada) becomes 행복한 (haengbokan).

Similarly, if you describe a happy woman, you can say 행복한 여자 (haengbokan yeoja).

The other way to say “happy” in Korean which is 기쁘다 (gippeuda), then becomes 기쁜 (gippeun). If you want to say “happy man” in Korean, you can say 기쁜 남자 (gippeun namja).

Sentence Example:

그때가 내 인생에서 가장 행복한 시기였다. (geuttaega nae insaengeseo gajang haengbokan sigiyeotda)

That was the happiest time of my life.

“Happiness” in Korean

To say “happiness” in Korean, you can say 행복(haengbok) or 기쁨 (gippeum).

Sentence Example:

행복을 찾다 (haengbogeul chatda)

To find happiness.

A Word of Caution About Romanized Korean

If you want to sound natural when speaking Korean, then learning how to read the Korean alphabet is a must. It only takes about an hour, and you will see an instant improvement in your Korean ability.

Once you learn the alphabet, go here for a guide on how to learn Korean: https://www.90daykorean.com/learn-korean/

If you want to continue your Korean studies, then our full Korean course can help you out with structured lessons to help you learn efficiently and effectively.

Wrap Up

Now that you know how to say “happy” in Korean let us know what Korean experiences make you feel happy!