빌어먹을
bireomeogeul
The English phrase "damn you" can be expressed in Korean as 빌어먹을 (bireomeogeul).
빌어먹을 is an exclamation used to express strong anger or frustration. While it can be directed at a person, it is very frequently used as an expletive to describe a frustrating situation or object, similar to saying "damn it" in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally derived from the verb 빌어먹다, which means "to beg for food" or "to live by begging".
How do you pronounce it?
bireomeogeul
Did you know?
- The root verb 빌어먹다 is not just about begging but specifically describes the act of begging for food to survive. This makes the phrase 빌어먹을 a curse wishing that the target falls into extreme poverty and starvation.
- Even though 'damn' in English has religious roots in many contexts, 빌어먹을 is entirely secular and focuses on material survival and social shame.
- The phrase relates to the historical social stigma of the 'beggar' class in Confucian society, where relying on others for food was seen as the ultimate loss of dignity.
Examples in context
- 빌어먹을, 왜 나한테 그래?bi-reo-meok-eul, wae na-han-te geu-rae?Damn you, why are you doing this to me?
- 그 빌어먹을 녀석을 좀 봐.geu bi-reo-meok-eul nyeo-seok-eul jom bwa.Just look at that damn guy.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are arguing over a broken vase.
- 민준 Min-jun빌어먹을, 네가 이걸 깼어?Bireomeogeul, nega igeol kkaesseo?Damn you, did you break this?
- 수빈 Su-bin고의로 그런 게 아니야.Goeuiro geureon ge aniya.I didn't do it on purpose.
- 민준 Min-jun어떻게 이럴 수가 있어!Eotteoke ireol suga isseo!How could you do this!
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 미안해, 민준아.Jeongmal mianhae, Minjun-a.I'm really sorry, Minjun.
