젠장
jenjang
The English word "damn" is expressed in Korean as 젠장 (jenjang).
젠장 is an exclamation used to express frustration, annoyance or contempt when something goes wrong. It is typically used as a standalone exclamation. If you want to express that a situation is unbelievable or that you cannot believe it without resorting to profanity, you might also use the expression 어이가 없다.
Meaning: non-vulgar expression of contempt etc. (intj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
젠장 is an informal exclamation.
How do you pronounce it?
jenjang
Did you know?
- The first syllable of 젠장 is actually a contraction of 제기랄, a term that historically carries a very heavy taboo related to 'incest'.
- In many Korean contexts, instead of a verbal exclamation like 젠장, people often express the same level of frustration through a sharp exhale or a specific sound of clicking the tongue.
- Using 젠장 can feel slightly old-fashioned or cinematic to younger generations, who might prefer different slang for similar feelings of annoyance.
Examples in context
- 젠장!Damn it!This sentence shows how to use 젠장 as an exclamation.Tatoeba #13168001 by atitarev, translation #4032220 by Bergthor
- 젠장, 버스를 놓쳤어.jenjang, beoseureul nochyeosseo.Damn, I missed the bus.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Hyeon-u are walking in the park when it starts raining unexpectedly.
- 지은 Ji-eun젠장, 갑자기 비가 오네.jenjang, gapjagi biga one.Damn, it's suddenly raining.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨, 우산 있어요?ji-eun ssi, usan isseoyo?Ji-eun, do you have an umbrella?
- 지은 Ji-eun아니, 없어요.ani, eopseoyo.No, I don't.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그럼 제 우산을 같이 써요.geureom je usaneul gachi sseoyo.Then let's share my umbrella.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 젠장, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
