젠장
jenjang
The Korean phrase for "dammit" is 젠장 (jenjang).
젠장 is an expression used to convey anger or disappointment. Other informal ways to express similar feelings include using 아이고 to convey mild frustration or annoyance, or 뭐야 to express surprise or frustration, which can be interpreted as "What the heck?" or "What's wrong?"
Meaning: expression of anger or disappointment (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
jenjang
Did you know?
- The root of 젠장 includes 난장, referring to a historical form of torture involving severe beating with sticks.
- While 젠장 is a common way to vent frustration, using it in front of elders or superiors would be considered highly disrespectful and socially inappropriate.
- While 젠장 is a harsh exclamation, Koreans often pair 아이고 with a deep sigh or a palm to the forehead to signal exhaustion rather than anger.
Examples in context
- 저런, 다시 한 번 해보세요.Drat, try it one more time.
- 젠장, 버스를 놓쳤어.jenjang, beoseureul nochyeosseo.Dammit, I missed the bus.
- 아, 젠장, 너무 늦었어.a, jenjang, neomu neujeosseo.Ah, dammit, it's too late.
- 젠장, 배터리가 다 나갔네.jenjang, baeteoriga da nagatne.Dammit, the battery is dead.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Seoyeon are at a cafe when the Wi-Fi stops working.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo젠장, 인터넷이 안 돼.jenjang, inteonesi an dwae.Dammit, the internet isn't working.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 짜증 난다.jeongmal jjajeung nanda.That's really annoying.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연아, 다시 한번 확인해 봐.seoyeona, dasi hanbeon hwaginhae bwa.Seoyeon, please check it one more time.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우야, 여전히 안 되는데?hyunwooya, yeojeonhi an doenunde?Hyunwoo, it's still not working.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 젠장, CC BY-SA 4.0.
