너답게 살아
neodapge sara
The English phrase "be yourself" is expressed in Korean as 너답게 살아 (neodapge sara).
This expression is used to encourage someone to act and live according to their own true nature and personality.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 너 (you), 답게 (like/in the manner of) and 살아 (live).
Which one should you use?
The term 너답게 can be used as an adverbial phrase meaning "in a way that is true to you" without the verb 살아 (to live). Additionally, the form 본인답게 살아라. can be used to mean "Live as yourself."
How does it change in a sentence?
You can replace 너 (you) with 나 (I/me) to create the phrase 나답게, which means "like myself" or "true to myself."
How do you pronounce it?
neodapge sara
Did you know?
- Depending on the intonation, 너답게 can be used sarcastically to mean 'typical of you' when someone makes a predictable mistake.
- The concept of 'being yourself' can be tricky in a culture that often emphasizes 'Nunchi' or reading the room. Using 너답게 might suggest prioritizing individual identity over social harmony.
- Because -답게 functions like 'in the style of', you can use it for inanimate objects too. You could tell a piece of furniture to be 'table-like' (탁자답게) if it is performing its function well.
Examples in context
- 너 자신이 되어라.Be yourself.
- 너답게 살아.neodapge sara.Live like yourself.
- 남 신경 쓰지 말고 너답게 살아.nam singyeong sseuji malgo neodapge sara.Don't worry about others and just be yourself.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo is giving advice to Seoyeon who is feeling pressured by social expectations.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연아, 너무 애쓰지 마.Seoyeon-a, neomu aesseuji ma.Seoyeon, don't try too hard.
- 서연 Seo-yeon사람들 눈치가 너무 보여.saramdeul nunchiga neomu boyeo.I am too self-conscious about what people think.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그냥 너답게 살아.geunyang neodapge sara.Just be yourself.
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워, 현우야. 힘이 된다.gomawo, Hyunwoo-ya. himi doenda.Thanks, Hyunwoo. That helps a lot.
