바보
babo[ˈpa̠(ː)bo̞]
The Japanese word "baka" can be expressed in Korean as 바보 (babo).
바보 is a commonly used term for "fool" or "idiot" in informal conversations.
Which one should you use?
While 바보 is a general term for a fool or idiot, the word 멍청이 means "simpleton" or "blockhead".
How do you pronounce it?
babo
Did you know?
- An alternative historical hypothesis links 바보 to the concept of being born prematurely, stemming from a Chinese term meaning 'eight months'.
- The suffix -보 used in 바보 can be attached to other verbs to create labels for people, such as 잠보 (jambo) for someone who sleeps too much.
- While 'baka' is a Japanese word, the Korean equivalent 바보 is a distinct native term with its own debated historical roots.
Examples in context
- 내 동생은 바보야.My younger sibling is a fool.
- 뭐하는 건데? 멍청이야!What are you doing? You fool!
- 정말 바보 같아.jeongmal babo gata.That is such a foolish thing to do.
- 그는 바보예요.geuneun baboyeyo.He is a fool.
- 바보야, 정신 차려!baboya, jeongsin charyeo!You idiot, wake up!
Example conversation
Two friends are teasing each other after a silly mistake during a game.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현아, 너 정말 바보야?Dohyeon-a, neo jeongmal baboya?Dohyeon, are you really a fool?
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니, 실수한 거야.ani, silsuhan geoya.No, I just made a mistake.
- 서연 Seo-yeon너무 바보 같았어.neomu babo gatasseo.That was so foolish.
- 도현 Do-hyeon미안해, 서연아.mianhae, Seoyeon-a.I'm sorry, Seoyeon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 바보, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 바보, CC BY-SA 4.0.
