장난해?
jangnanhae?
The English phrase "are you kidding me?" is expressed in Korean as 장난해? (jangnanhae?)
This expression is used to show disbelief, frustration or indignation. It is specifically used when someone's behavior is perceived as ridiculous, unfair or disrespectful.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 장난해? is informal and should only be used with friends or people younger than you. You can use the polite form 장난하세요? to express disbelief or annoyance more politely, though the underlying tone remains one of indignation.
How do you pronounce it?
jangnanhae?
Did you know?
- In a heated argument, using the polite form 장난하세요? can actually feel more aggressive than the informal version. This is because the formal grammar creates a sarcastic distance that heightens the sense of indignation.
- While 장난해? translates to 'are you kidding?', the word 장난 also refers to 'toys' or 'play'. This creates a nuance that the person is treating a serious situation like a child's game.
- The root word 장난 is used in the common expression 장난 아니다, which literally means 'it is not a joke'. This is used as slang to describe something that is incredibly intense, great or impressive.
Examples in context
- 지금 장난해?jigeum jangnanhae?Are you kidding me right now?
- 너 진짜 장난해?neo jinja jangnanhae?Are you seriously kidding me?
- 장난해? 이건 너무해.jangnanhae? igeon neomuhae.Are you kidding? This is too much.
Example conversation
Ji-hun realizes Ji-eun forgot to bring his house keys.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은아, 내 열쇠 가져왔어?Ji-eun-a, nae yeolsoe gajyeowasseo?Ji-eun, did you bring my keys?
- 지은 Ji-eun미안, 깜빡하고 안 가져왔어.mian, kkamppak-hago an gajyeowasseo.Sorry, I forgot and didn't bring them.
- 지훈 Ji-hun너 지금 장난해?neo jigeum jangnanhae?Are you kidding me right now?
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 미안해, 지훈아.jeongmal mianhae, Ji-hun-a.I am really sorry, Ji-hun.
