착하게 굴어라
chak-hage gureora
The phrase "be good" in Korean is 착하게 굴어라 (chak-hage gureora).
This phrase is an instruction telling someone, often a child, to behave well and follow the rules. It is typically used by an elder or a person of higher status toward a child or someone younger.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 착하게, meaning kindly or in a good way and 굴어라, meaning behave, act or roll.
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form 착하게 굴어라 can be shortened to 착하게 굴어 in casual speech.
How do you pronounce it?
chak-hage gureora
Did you know?
- Korean has several words for 'good', but 착하다 is used almost exclusively for people and pets, while 좋다 is used for objects or feelings.
- The verb 굴다 in 착하게 굴어라 literally means 'to roll', which is used metaphorically to describe how a person conducts themselves.
- In Korea, a child who is 착하다 is often praised for being 'filial', meaning they are specifically good at respecting and caring for their elders.
Examples in context
- 부모님 말씀 잘 듣고 착하게 굴어라.bumonim malsseul jal deutgo chak-hage gureora.Listen to your parents and be good.
- 선생님 말씀 잘 듣고 착하게 굴어라.seonsaengnim malsseul jal deutgo chak-hage gureora.Listen to your teacher and be good.
- 동생한테 착하게 굴어라.dongsaeng-hante chak-hage gureora.Be good to your younger sibling.
Example conversation
A father is talking to his daughter before visiting a relative.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연아, 가서 착하게 굴어라.Seoyeona, gaseo chakhage gureora.Seoyeon, be good when you get there.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 그럴게요.ne, geureolgeyo.Yes, I will.
- 도현 Do-hyeon말 잘 들어야 한다.mal jal deureoya handa.You must listen carefully.
- 서연 Seo-yeon걱정 마세요, 아빠.geokjeong maseyo, appa.Don't worry, Dad.
