Learning how to express yourself in different languages is an exciting journey, and understanding how to say “broken” in Korean will help you communicate effectively when you encounter a malfunctioning device or experience something damaged. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways to say “broken” in Korean, providing you with several tips, examples, and even regional variations along the way. So, let’s dive in and expand your Korean vocabulary!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Broken” in Korean
When you’re in a formal setting or communicating with someone you should show respect to, you can use these phrases to express that something is broken.
1. 고장났어요 (go-jang-na-sseo-yo) – This is the most common and straightforward way to say “broken” in Korean. It can be used for both objects and systems, such as electronic devices or transportation.
Tips:
- Remember to add “어요” (eo-yo) at the end of the phrase for a polite tone.
- Depending on the context, you can also mention the specific object or system that is broken after saying “고장났어요.”
Examples:
- 텔레비전이 고장났어요. (Tel-le-bi-jeo-ni go-jang-na-sseo-yo.) – The television is broken.
- 세탁기가 고장났어요. (Se-tak-gi-ga go-jang-na-sseo-yo.) – The washing machine is broken.
2. Informal Ways to Say “Broken” in Korean
In informal or casual situations, you can use these phrases to convey that something is broken. It’s important to note that these expressions should only be used with close friends or people of a similar age.
1. 고장났어 (go-jang-na-sseo) – Similar to the formal version, this phrase is commonly used among friends and peers to say “broken.”
Tips:
- The polite ending “어요” from the formal version is omitted here to provide a casual atmosphere.
- To sound even more informal, you can drop the final “어” (eo) and say “고장났어” (go-jang-na-sseo) instead.
Examples:
- 이거 고장났어. (EE-geo go-jang-na-sseo.) – This is broken.
- 내 휴대폰 고장났어. (Nae hyu-dae-pon go-jang-na-sseo.) – My phone is broken.
3. Regional Variations
Korean is spoken in both South Korea and North Korea. While the formal and informal ways to say “broken” are understood and used in both regions, there may be slight variations in pronunciation and accent.
1. South Korea: If you’re in South Korea, the phrases mentioned above will work perfectly fine, regardless of the specific region or city you’re in.
2. North Korea: In North Korea, the language has undergone some differences due to isolation. However, the phrases provided are still widely understood, and the formal and informal versions apply.
4. Recap and Additional Tips
Let’s quickly summarize what we’ve learned so far and share a few additional tips to enhance your understanding of how to say “broken” in Korean.
1. Formal:
- 고장났어요 (go-jang-na-sseo-yo) – commonly used to express “broken” in most contexts.
- Remember to add “어요” (eo-yo) at the end of the phrase for a polite tone.
- Example: 텔레비전이 고장났어요. (Tel-le-bi-jeo-ni go-jang-na-sseo-yo.) – The television is broken.
2. Informal:
- 고장났어 (go-jang-na-sseo) – informally used with close friends or peers.
- To sound even more informal, you can say “고장났어” (go-jang-na-sseo) instead.
- Example: 이거 고장났어. (EE-geo go-jang-na-sseo.) – This is broken.
Remember to use the appropriate phrase based on the formality of the situation and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. Always be respectful and considerate of cultural norms and expressions that may differ from your own language.
In conclusion, by learning how to say “broken” in Korean, you’ll effectively communicate and navigate situations involving damaged or malfunctioning objects or systems. So continue practicing, expand your Korean vocabulary, and enjoy your language learning journey!
