젠장
jenjang
The English phrase "damn it" is translated into Korean as 젠장 (jenjang).
젠장 is an interjection used to express surprise, outrage or frustration. In certain contexts, the word 진짜 (really) can also be used to express annoyance or frustration. Additionally, the exclamation 헐 can be used to show shock, surprise, annoyance or exasperation.
Meaning: an expression of surprise, outrage, or frustration (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
jenjang
Did you know?
- One of the roots of 젠장 comes from 제기랄, a term that originally referred to the taboo of incest.
- Unlike English where 'damn' has religious roots, the roots of 젠장 are more grounded in physical and social transgressions. It moves from a spiritual curse to a literal description of social chaos and punishment.
- Using 젠장 in a formal setting is considered very rude, even though it is less vulgar than other Korean curse words.
Examples in context
- 젠장!Damn it!This example shows how to use 젠장 as an exclamation.Tatoeba #13168001 by atitarev, translation #4032220 by Bergthor
- 아이씨, 몰라Damn it, I don't know!
- 젠장, 버스를 놓쳤어.jenjang, beoseureul nochyeosseo.Damn it, I missed the bus.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are struggling with a broken computer.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 컴퓨터가 안 켜져요.Dohyeon ssi, keompyuteoga an kyeojyeoyo.Dohyeon, the computer won't turn on.
- 도현 Do-hyeon젠장, 갑자기 왜 이러지?jenjang, gapjagi wae ireoji?Damn it, why is it doing this all of a sudden?
- 민지 Min-ji제가 한번 확인해 볼게요.Jega hanbeon hwaginhae bolgeyo.Let me try checking it once.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 짜증 나는 상황이네요.Jeongmal jjajeung naneun sanghwang-ineyo.This is a really frustrating situation.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 젠장, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
