제정신이야?
jejeongsin-iya?
The phrase "are you out of your mind?" in Korean is 제정신이야? (jejeongsin-iya?)
This phrase is used to express disbelief or shock at someone's irrational behavior or a sudden, foolish decision.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun 제정신 (jejeongsin) literally means a 'normal state of mind' or 'sanity'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 제정신이야? uses the informal ending –이야, making it suitable only for close friends or people younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
jejeongsin-iya?
Did you know?
- Korean has a specific term 정신줄을 놓다, which literally means 'to let go of the string of one's mind', describing the exact moment someone loses their grip on sanity.
- The word 정신 (jeongsin) is the same root used in the word 'spirit' or 'soul' in many Eastern philosophies. Therefore, when you ask if someone is 'out of their mind', you are literally asking if their spirit has departed or is misaligned.
- While 제정신이야? is common among friends, using it with an elder or a boss would be a severe social blunder. In Korean culture, questioning an older person's sanity is seen as a direct insult to their character and status.
Examples in context
- 너 진짜 제정신이야?neo jin-jja je-jeong-sin-i-ya?Are you seriously out of your mind?
- 제정신이야? 어떻게 그런 생각을 해?je-jeong-sin-i-ya? eo-tteo-ke geu-reon saeng-gak-eul hae?Are you out of your mind? How can you think that?
Example conversation
Minjun is shocked by Seoyeon's sudden plan to quit her job.
- 민준 Min-jun내일 회사를 그만둔다고?nae-il hoe-sa-reul geu-man-dun-da-go?You're quitting your job tomorrow?
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 나 이제 정말 못 하겠어.eung, na i-je jeong-mal mot ha-get-eo.Yes, I really can't do this anymore.
- 민준 Min-jun너 지금 제정신이야?neo ji-geum je-jeong-sin-i-ya?Are you out of your mind right now?
- 서연 Seo-yeon말을 왜 그렇게 해?mal-eul wae geu-reot-ge hae?Why are you talking to me like that?
