I passed the exam - KoreanBlueprint

Day 97 — I passed the exam | Korean Blueprint

Today’s Phrase

시험에 합격했어요

si·heo·me hap·gyeo·kae·sseo·yo

siheome hapgyeokaesseoyo

I passed the exam

Cultural Insight

In Korea, exam culture is intense. 수능 (the CSAT — College Scholastic Ability Test) is considered one of the most stressful national events. Families and friends gather to pray and cheer for students outside exam centers. 합격 (passing) is cause for major celebration.

Phrase Breakdown

시험에

siheome

on the exam

시험 (exam/test) + -에 (location/topic particle)

합격했어요

hapgyeokaesseoyo

I passed

합격하다 (to pass) + -었어요 (past polite)

Proudly announces success in an examination or test.

Example Phrases

드디어 운전면허 시험에 합격했어요!

Deudiyeo unjeonmyeonheo siheome hapgyeokaesseoyo!

I finally passed the driver’s license exam!

드디어 = finally (after a long wait).

TOPIK 4급에 합격했어요.

TOPIK sageuebe hapgyeokaesseoyo.

I passed TOPIK Level 4.

TOPIK = Test of Proficiency in Korean.

합격했어요? 정말요? 축하해요!

Hapgyeokaesseoyo? Jeongmallyo? Chukhahaeyo!

You passed? Really? Congratulations!

정말요? = really? (polite surprise).

Related Phrases

불합격했어요

bulhapgyeokaesseoyo

I failed the exam

Announcing failure on an exam.

다음엔 꼭 합격할 거예요

daeumyeon kkok hapgyeokal geoyeyo

I’ll definitely pass next time

Expressing determination after a setback.

성적이 어떻게 나왔어요?

seongjeoking eotteoke nawasseoyo?

How did your grades come out?

Asking about exam results.

Quick Review

계획이 있어요?

Can you recall what this means?

gyehoegi isseoyo?

Do you have plans?