Meaning
행복해
haengbokhae
I'm happy / Be happy
Real Feeling
What Koreans really mean
This is a versatile expression. When said as a statement ('행복해.'), it's a direct declaration of one's happiness, commonly heard among close friends or family. When used as a suggestion or wish ('행복해~' or '행복해.'), it implies 'Be happy' or 'I hope you are happy,' often said as a parting wish or encouragement, especially to someone going through a tough time. It can express genuine, deep contentment or a simple feeling of joy.
💬 Used in real life
• Said when achieving a long-awaited goal or experiencing something deeply satisfying.
• Used to encourage a friend who has been sad, telling them to 'be happy' or 'find happiness'.
How It's Used
Real example sentences — tap any bubble to explore it
Similar Expressions
Related feelings and meanings — click to explore
Grammar Breakdown
Part by part — learn the structure, not just the meaning
행복하-haengbokha-verb stem
verb stem
The verb stem of '행복하다' (to be happy).
-아/어-a/eoinformal speech ending
informal speech ending
A common informal ending that creates a statement, question, or command in casual speech.
Tags
Korean expressions carry layers of meaning that direct translation misses. The real meaning lives in the emotion, context, and cultural moment.
Heard another Korean expression?
Decode it instantly — or tell us what you want to say.