간지
ganji
The Korean way to say 'badass' is 간지 (ganji).
간지 is a slang term used to describe someone or something with a cool, impressive or 'badass' style. In natural conversation, the noun 간지 is often used with the verb 난다 to say that something 'looks badass'.
Meaning: having an extreme appearance, etc., considered admirable (adj)
Which one should you use?
짱 is an informal, trendy way to express badass, describing someone who is cool, awesome or exceptionally skilled.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
간지 is a slang term. 짱 is informal.
How do you pronounce it?
ganji
Did you know?
- While 간지 means 'style' in slang, the same word in a traditional context refers to the 'Sexagenary cycle' of stems and branches used in the East Asian calendar.
- Because 간지 is derived from a loanword, some older generations may view its use as 'low-class' or culturally insensitive compared to pure Korean words.
- In certain gaming or online subcultures, the nuance of 간지 shifts from describing 'style' to describing a player's 'impressive skill' or 'smooth play'.
Examples in context
- 그 애는 짱 멋있어!That kid is so badass!
- 그 가수의 무대 진짜 간지 난다.geu gasu-ui mudae jinjja ganji nanda.That singer's performance is so badass.
- 새로 산 옷 간지 나네.saero san ot ganji nane.The clothes you just bought look badass.
- 그 형은 스타일이 완전 간지야.geu hyeong-eun seu-ta-il-i wan-jeon ganji-ya.That guy's style is totally badass.
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are looking at a fashion magazine.
- 민준 Min-jun이 모델 진짜 간지 나지 않아?i model jinjja ganji naji ana?Doesn't this model look totally badass?
- 민지 Min-ji응, 스타일이 정말 멋지다.eung, seu-ta-il-i jeong-mal meot-ji-da.Yeah, his style is really cool.
- 민준 Min-jun나도 저렇게 입고 싶어.na-do jeo-reoh-ge ip-go si-peo.I want to dress like that too.
- 민지 Min-ji너한테도 잘 어울릴 것 같아.neo-han-te-do jal eo-ul-ril geot gat-a.I think it would suit you too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 간지, CC BY-SA 4.0.
