더러운
deoreoun
The English word "dirty" is translated to Korean as 더러운 (deoreoun).
The core meaning refers to something being covered with or containing dirt. Beyond physical uncleanliness, the term 더럽다 is used figuratively to describe someone's character or behavior as "dirty", "vile" or "mean".
Meaning: covered with or containing dirt (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 더럽다 and its forms imply actual dirt or filth, the synonym 지저분하다 is often used to describe a place that is simply messy or untidy. Additionally, 더러운 것 can be used to refer specifically to a "dirty thing" or "dirty stuff".
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "it is dirty" in a standard polite way, use the conjugated form 더러워요. In casual speech with friends or people younger than you, use the informal form 더러워.
How do you pronounce it?
deoreoun
Did you know?
- In specific slang contexts, 더럽게 (the adverb form of 'dirty') is used as an intensifier meaning 'extremely' or 'terribly', such as saying something is 'dirtily' difficult.
- If someone says your 'hands are dirty' using the word 더럽다, they might be accusing you of being involved in a corrupt or unethical deal rather than simply needing to wash with soap.
- In Korean, if you describe a person's speech or way of talking as 더럽다, you are not saying they are physically unclean, but rather that their language is vulgar, coarse, or filled with profanity.
Examples in context
- 동생아, 손 좀 씻어. 더러워.Little sister, wash your hands. They are dirty.
- 오늘은 집이 너무 더러워서 청소를 해야겠다.Today, my house is so dirty that I have to clean it.
- 더러운 물을 마시지 마세요.deoreoun mureul masiji maseyo.Do not drink dirty water.
- 더러운 옷은 세탁기에 넣으세요.deoreoun oseun setakigie neouseyo.Put the dirty clothes in the washing machine.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hun are cleaning the living room.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨, 이 수건 정말 더러운 것 같아요.Jihun ssi, i sugeon jeongmal deoreoun geot gatayo.Ji-hun, I think this towel is really dirty.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아요. 바로 세탁기에 넣으세요.majayo. baro setakgie neoeuseyo.You're right. Put it in the washing machine right away.
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼 저 더러운 걸레도 버릴까요?geureom jeo deoreoun geolledo beorilkkayo?Then should I throw away that dirty rag too?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 그냥 버려 주세요.ne, geunyang beoryeo juseyo.Yes, please just throw it away.
