Greetings and welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “disgusting” in Korean. Whether you are traveling to Korea, learning the language, or simply curious about new expressions, we are here to help you master this useful vocabulary. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways of expressing “disgusting” in Korean. We will also include some tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary to enrich your understanding of the language. So, let’s dive right in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Disgusting” in Korean
When it comes to expressing “disgusting” formally in Korean, you have a few options at your disposal. Each phrase carries a slightly different nuance and intensity. Here are the most common formal expressions:
- 역겨워요 (yeokgyeoweoyo) – This is the standard way to say “disgusting” in formal situations. It can be used in various contexts, from describing something visually repulsive to expressing deep aversion towards an idea or action. For example, if you see rotten food, you can say “이 음식이 역겨워요” (i eumsigi yeokgyeoweoyo).
- 혐오스럽습니다 (hyeomo-seureopsseumnida) – This phrase translates to “disgusting” or “repulsive” and is commonly used in formal settings. It conveys a strong sense of disgust and can be used to describe situations, objects, or actions that inspire revulsion. For instance, if you find a disturbing image, you can exclaim “이 그림은 혐오스럽습니다” (i geurimeun hyeomo-seureopsseumnida).
- 미운 (miun) – While “미운” primarily translates to “ugly,” it can also be used to express disgust towards someone or something. This term is slightly softer in its intensity compared to previous expressions, making it appropriate for more moderate situations where you want to convey that something is distasteful. For example, if you taste something unpleasant, you might say “이 음식은 맛이 미워요” (i eumsigeun mami miwoyo).
Informal Ways to Say “Disgusting” in Korean
When it comes to informal expressions, Korean offers a rich variety of slang and colloquial terms to describe something as “disgusting.” These terms are commonly used among friends, peers, or in casual situations. Here are some informal ways to express “disgusting” in Korean:
- 메스꺼워 (meskkeowo) – This slang term is commonly used among younger generations to convey disgust. It can be applied to various situations, and it carries a similar meaning to “gross” or “ew” in English. If you see something repulsive, you can exclaim “와, 이거 메스꺼워!” (wa, igeo meskkeowo!).
- 역겨워 (yeokgyeowo) – Similar to the formal phrase, “역겨워” can also be used in informal contexts. However, it should be noted that this version is more casual and less polite. You can use it among friends or close acquaintances to express your disgust. For instance, if your friend tells you an unpleasant story, you can say “진짜 역겨워!” (jinjja yeokgyeowo!).
- 끔찍해 (kkeumchikae) – This informal term can be translated as “horrible” or “awful” and is often used to describe something disgustingly bad or unpleasant. It carries a strong negative connotation and should be used cautiously. For example, if you want to express disgust towards a terrible smell, you can say “이 냄새 끔찍해!” (i naemae kkeumchikae!).
Regional Variations and Dialects
Korea is known for its regional variations and dialects, which add charm and diversity to the Korean language. While it’s important to understand the standard expressions, let’s explore a couple of regional variations commonly used to express “disgusting” in specific areas:
부글부글하다 (bugeul-bugeulhada) – This expression is commonly used in the Gyeongsang region, particularly in cities like Busan and Daegu. It describes something as “disgusting” or “disgustingly boiling.” If you visit this region, you might hear locals saying “이 음식 맛이 부글부글해” (i eumsik mami bugeul-bugeulhae) to express their dislike for the taste.
칙해 (chikhhae) – In Jeju Island’s dialect, you may come across the term “칙해” to convey disgust. Jeju Island, with its unique dialect, adds flavor to the way locals express themselves. For example, if you want to say “That’s disgusting!” in the Jeju dialect, you can say “취부칙해!” (chwibu chikhhae!).
Summary
In conclusion, we have explored various formal and informal ways to say “disgusting” in Korean. From the standard formal expressions like “역겨워요” (yeokgyeoweoyo) and “혐오스럽습니다” (hyeomo-seureopsseumnida) to the more casual slang terms like “메스꺼워” (meskkeowo) and “끔찍해” (kkeumchikae), we hope you now have a comprehensive understanding of how to convey disgust in Korean. Additionally, we touched upon regional variations such as “부글부글하다” (bugeul-bugeulhada) in the Gyeongsang region and “칙해” (chikhhae) in Jeju Island’s dialect, showcasing the cultural diversity of Korea.
Remember, learning the appropriate way to express your feelings is essential when communicating in a foreign language. So take these expressions, practice them with caution, and enjoy expanding your Korean vocabulary!
