daebak
Also written: taebak; jackpot; awesome
A Korean noun for a major success or jackpot that is also used as an informal exclamation meaning something like “Amazing,” “Wow,” or “That is incredible.”
Literal meaning
a great success, jackpot, or major hit
Cultural context
The original sense describes something succeeding on a large scale, such as a hit drama, business, performance, or unexpected windfall. In everyday speech, tone determines whether daebak expresses sincere excitement, shock, disbelief, or irony.
How dramas use it
Characters say daebak after surprising news, an impressive result, an unbelievable coincidence, a sudden reversal, or a plan that succeeds far beyond expectations.
Usage & formality
It is informal. Daebak is not a direct translation of every English “wow”; it carries the sense that something is unusually big, successful, impressive, or unbelievable.