In Korean, expressing beauty is an essential part of communication. Learning how to say “beautiful” in Korean can help you appreciate the culture and connect with Korean speakers on a deeper level. Whether you want to compliment someone’s appearance, an object, or scenery, this guide will provide you with various ways to express beauty in both informal and formal contexts.
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Informal Ways to Say Beautiful in Korean
When speaking informally in Korean, you can use phrases that are more casual and suitable for friends, family, and peers. Here are some commonly used expressions:
- 예쁘다 (yeppeuda) – This is the most basic and commonly used word for “beautiful” in Korean. It can be used for both people and things. For example:
그 여자가 정말 예쁘다! (geu yeoja-ga jeongmal yeppeuda) – “That girl is really beautiful!”
- 이뻐 (ippeo) – This word is a shorter and more colloquial way of saying “beautiful.” It is often used among close friends or acquaintances. For example:
오늘 너 정말 이뻐 보여. (oneul neo jeongmal ippeo boyeo) – “You look really beautiful today.”
- 멋있다 (meositta) – While it translates to “cool” in English, 멋있다 can also be used to describe something or someone as “beautiful” or “attractive.” It is especially suitable when referring to someone’s fashion or style. For example:
너 이 옷 너무 멋있어! (neo i ot neomu meositteo) – “You look so beautiful in this outfit!”
- 아름답다 (areumdapda) – This word conveys a more poetic sense of beauty and is often used when talking about nature or picturesque scenes. It can also be used to complement someone’s outer appearance but might sound a bit formal in certain contexts. For example:
저기 해뜰경치가 너무 아름답다. (jeogi haetulgyeongchiga neomu areumdapda) – “The scenery of the sunrise over there is so beautiful.”
Formal Ways to Say Beautiful in Korean
When speaking formally in Korean, it’s important to use more polite and respectful language. Here are some appropriate ways to express beauty in formal settings:
- 아름답다 (areumdapda) – This word, mentioned previously, can be used both informally and formally. In formal situations, it is a safe and respectful way to express beauty. For example:
이 정원은 정말 아름답다. (i jeong-woneun jeongmal areumdapda) – “This garden is truly beautiful.”
- 아름다우시다 (areumdawooshida) – This phrase is a more formal and honorific way to convey beauty, showing respect toward the person or thing being described. For example:
그 분의 미소가 참으로 아름다우시다. (geu bun-ui miso-ga chameuro areumdawooshida) – “Your smile is truly beautiful, sir/madam.”
- 아름답게 보이다 (areumdapge boida) – This expression translates to “to appear beautiful” and is a polite way to compliment someone’s beauty. For example:
저분은 옷을 매우 아름답게 보이시네요. (jeobuneun oseul maeu areumdapge boishineyo) – “You look very beautiful in that outfit, sir/madam.”
- 미셔머스 (mish-eomeoseu) – Derived from the English word “mysterious,” this borrowed term is often used in formal situations, especially in the beauty industry, to describe something as “beautiful” or “gorgeous.” For example:
그녀의 피부는 정말로 미셔머스해요. (geunyeoui pibuneun jeongmal-lo mish-eomeoseuhaeyo) – “Her skin is truly beautiful.”
Regional Variations
While there are no significant regional variations for expressing beauty in Korean, it’s worth noting that certain dialects or regions might have their unique ways of expressing beauty. These variations are usually subtle and won’t hinder communication if you use the phrases mentioned earlier.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to say “beautiful” in Korean, you can confidently compliment others on their appearance, admire scenic views, or express appreciation for various things in both informal and formal settings. Remember to choose the appropriate phrase based on the level of formality required in the situation.
By using words like “예쁘다” (yeppeuda) informally or “아름답다” (areumdapda) formally, you’ll be able to show respect and engage in meaningful conversations with Korean speakers, deepening your understanding of Korean culture and language.
