Korean word

잘

Pronunciation

Romanizationchal

Meaning

  • adverbwell

Example

그는 피아노를 잘 쳐.keu neun pi a no reul chal cheo

He plays the piano well.

Illustration for 잘 (well)

More examples

어제는 잠을 잘 잤어.eo je neun cha meul chal cha sseo

I slept well yesterday.

Core concept

Something is done smoothly and successfully, with the quality or result meeting expectations.

Common phrases

  • 잘 자다chal cha da

    sleep well

  • 잘 보다chal po da

    see well

  • 잘 살다chal sal da

    live well

Similar words

제대로chedaero: In the correct way, with enough care to make the result acceptable.

Definition in Korean

행위의 방식이나 상태의 질이 양호하여 기대에 부합함을 나타내는 부사로, 능력과 숙련도 또는 결과의 좋음을 폭넓게 나타낸다.haeng wi ui pang si gi na sang tae ui chi ri yang ho ha yeo ki dae e pu ha pa meul na ta nae neun pu sa ro neung nyeok kkwa sung nyeon do tto neun kyeol gwa ui cho eu meul pong neol kke na ta naen da

Word origin

No reliable origin is established for this native Korean adverb, whose broad meaning connects good performance with good results.

Usage tips

  • It is a useful word for praising music, sports, schoolwork, cooking, or any other skill.

Other meanings

  • oftenadverb
  • easilyadverb

Opposites

  • 서투르게seotureugeclumsilyadverb

Related words

Word lists with this word