착하게 굴어
chak-hage gureo
The English phrase "be nice" is translated into Korean as 착하게 굴어 (chak-hage gureo).
This phrase functions as a request or command to behave in a kind and well-mannered way. Depending on the context, you might also use related expressions such as 친절하게 해주세요 to request someone to be kind, 예의 바르게 해주세요 to ask someone to be polite in formal situations, 정중하게 좀 해 to informally ask someone to be polite or 다른 사람을 배려해봐 to encourage someone to be considerate of others.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 착하게, which means kindly or good-heartedly and 굴어, which is the imperative form of the verb 굴다, meaning to behave or act in a certain way.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you want to say "be nice" more politely to someone you are not close with, you should use 착하게 구세요.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 굴다 (to behave or act) is used here to command a specific manner of behavior.
How do you pronounce it?
chak-hage gureo
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, being 착하다 can sometimes be perceived as being too passive or easily taken advantage of, unlike the positive connotation of 'nice' in English.
- Using 착하게 굴어 to an adult can sound condescending, as it mimics the way a parent speaks to a child, even if the grammar is technically correct.
- The word 친절 in 친절하게 해주세요 is a Sino-Korean word derived from Chinese characters, whereas 착하다 is a native Korean word.
Examples in context
- 친구한테 착하게 굴어.chinguhante chak-hage gureo.Be nice to your friend.
- 동생한테 좀 착하게 굴어.dongsaenghante jom chak-hage gureo.Be a bit nicer to your younger sibling.
Example conversation
Ji-eun is scolding Do-hyeon for being rude to his brother.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현아, 동생한테 착하게 굴어.Do-hyeon-a, dongsaenghante chak-hage gureo.Do-hyeon, be nice to your brother.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그냥 장난친 거예요.geunyang jangnan-chin geoyeyo.I was just playing a joke.
- 지은 Ji-eun그래도 좀 착하게 굴어야지.geuraedo jom chak-hage gureoyaji.Even so, you should behave nicely.
- 도현 Do-hyeon알겠어요, 미안해요.algets-eoyo, mian-haeyo.I understand, I'm sorry.
