Meaning
대박 (daebak) literally functions as a noun for a great success or big hit and is also widely used conversationally as an exclamation of enthusiastic approval, amazement, or 'awesome!'.
How it is used
The National Institute of Korean Language's learner dictionary defines 대박 as a great success or the achievement of something big. Korea.net, summarizing the Oxford English Dictionary's Korean additions, also records daebak as an interjection expressing enthusiastic approval, reflecting a conversational use familiar through daily speech and Korean media.
Examples
- “이번 공연 완전 대박이었어.”
- “대박! 진짜 이걸 샀어?”
Pronunciation
/tɛːbak̚/ · deh-bak
Tone and register
Usually strongly positive or surprised, although context can make it ironic. It is casual and expressive rather than a formal evaluation word.
Visitor guidance
Recognize daebak as nationwide Korean, not Seoul slang. It can sound natural in relaxed conversation, but learners should avoid dropping it into every reaction simply because it is familiar from dramas or K-pop content.
Cultural context
Daebak is a useful example of a Korean word whose global visibility grew through Hallyu while its ordinary Korean meanings remain broader than fandom usage. A Seoul guide includes it for comprehension, not to claim city ownership.
Places represented
Open the reviewed place guide for each regional sense carried by this canonical entry.