Korean word

금상첨화

Pronunciation

Romanizationkeumsangcheomhwa

Meaning

  • nounicing on the cake

Example

시험에 합격하고 장학금까지 받아서 금상첨화였어요.si heo me hap kkyeo ka go chang hak kkeum kka ji pa da seo keum sang cheom hwa yeo sseo yo

After passing the exam, getting a scholarship too was the icing on the cake.

Illustration for 금상첨화 (icing on the cake)

More examples

계약도 잘 성사되고 조건도 좋아서 정말 금상첨화라는 생각이 들었어요.kye yak tto chal seong sa doe go cho geon do cho a seo cheong mal keum sang cheom hwa ra neun saeng ga gi teu reo sseo yo

The contract was successfully concluded and the terms were good, so I thought it was truly the icing on the cake.

Core concept

An already good situation becomes even better when an extra benefit arrives.

Common phrases

  • 금상첨화라는 말keum sang cheom hwa ra neun mal

    the phrase icing on the cake

  • 금상첨화라고 하다keum sang cheom hwa ra go ha da

    call it icing on the cake

  • 금상첨화라는 표현keum sang cheom hwa ra neun pyo hyeon

    the expression icing on the cake

Similar words

행운haengun: Good luck brings an unexpectedly favorable result.
복pok: A person's good fortune brings lasting blessings throughout life.
다행tahaeng: Relief comes when danger or trouble passes without harm.
경사kyeongsa: A joyful event gives people a reason to celebrate.

Definition in Korean

어떤 일이 잘되어 가는 가운데 추가로 더 좋은 일이 생겨서 복이 겹친 상태.eo tteon i ri chal doe eo ka neun ka un de chu ga ro teo cho eun i ri saeng gyeo seo po gi kyeop chin sang tae

Word origin

The word derives from a Chinese expression meaning to add flowers to fine silk, which conveys the pleasant idea of an extra benefit enhancing an already fortunate situation.

Usage tips

  • It suits congratulations, written messages, and polished comments, while casual conversation often uses simpler wording.

Opposites

  • 설상가상seolsanggasangone misfortune after anothernoun

Word lists with this word