고장난
gojangnan
The English word "broken" is translated to Korean as 고장난 (gojangnan).
고장난 is an adjective used specifically to describe something that is not working properly due to a mechanical or electronic malfunction. While it describes things that are broken in a functional sense, it is not used for metaphorical breakage, such as a broken heart or a broken promise.
Meaning: not working properly (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective 고장난 is derived from the noun 고장, which means a malfunction or a breakdown.
Which one should you use?
You should use 고장난 only for mechanical or electronic malfunctions. For a metaphorical "broken heart," you would use 깨진 마음. For the concept of damage, the word 손상 is used instead.
How do you pronounce it?
gojangnan
Did you know?
- The concept of 'fixing' something 고장난 is often expressed with 고치다, which is the same verb used for correcting a mistake or curing a habit.
- Korean distinguishes between something that stopped working on its own 고장나다 and something that was broken by a person's action 망가뜨리다.
- While 'broken' in English can describe a voice or a spirit, Korean uses specific terms like 갈라진 for a cracking voice and 무너진 for a collapsed spirit.
Examples in context
- 이 컴퓨터는 고장난 상태입니다.This computer is in a broken state.
- 이 텔레비전은 망가졌어.This television is broken.
- 컴퓨터가 고장났어요.The computer is broken.
- 고장난 시계를 수리해야 해요.gojangnan sigyereul surihaeya haeyo.I need to repair the broken watch.
- 길가에 고장난 차가 있어요.gilgae gojangnan chaga isseoyo.There is a broken car on the roadside.
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are talking about a broken elevator in their apartment building.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 엘리베이터가 고장난 것 같아요.Jihun ssi, ellibeiteoga gojangnan geot gatayo.Jihun, I think the elevator is broken.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말요? 아까부터 고장난 상태였어요?Jeongmallyo? Akkabuteo gojangnan sangtaeyeosseoyo?Really? Has it been broken since a while ago?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 수리 기사님을 불러야겠어요.Ne, suri gisanimul bulleoyagesseoyo.Yes, I should call a repair technician.
- 지훈 Ji-hun제가 바로 전화할게요.Jega baro jeonwahalgeyo.I will call right away.
