정교한
jeonggyohan
In Korean, the English phrase 'elaborate' (as a verb) can be expressed in several ways depending on the context.
Meaning: to give further detail or explanation (verb)
Which one should you use?
The phrase 상세히 말하다 is used when you want to express the act of talking in detail or elaborating in a formal setting. In contrast, 더 자세하게 말해 줘 is used to informally ask someone to tell you more specifically.
How do you pronounce it?
jeonggyohan
Did you know?
- In the informal phrase 더 자세하게 말해 줘, the word 줘 means 'give'. This shows that Korean conceptually treats an explanation or a piece of information as a physical object that can be handed to someone.
- If you are asking a superior to 'elaborate' on a command or a policy, using the informal 더 자세하게 말해 줘 would be a major social blunder. You would instead need to use highly honorific verbs to request further information.
- While 정교한 means 'elaborate' in terms of design or craftsmanship, you cannot use it to describe an elaborate explanation or a detailed speech. For those contexts, you must use words related to 'detail' or 'description'.
Examples in context
- 각 항목을 좀 더 자세히 설명해 주실 수 있으신가요?Can you elaborate a bit more on each item?
- 신입 사원들에게 프로젝트 계획을 상세히 말해주세요.Please explain the project plan in detail to the new employees.
- 어제 밤에 있었던 일에 대해서 자세히 설명해 줄래?Can you elaborate on what happened last night?
- 지금 얘기하는 것 좀 더 자세하게 말해 줄래?Can you elaborate more on what you're talking about now?
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are discussing a project proposal.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨, 이 아이디어는 너무 단순해요.Minji ssi, i aideieo-neun neomu dansunhaeyo.Minji, this idea is too simple.
- 민지 Min-ji그럼 조금 더 정교한 계획을 세워볼까요?geureom jogeum deo jeonggyohan gyehoek-eul seowobolkkayo?Then shall we make a more elaborate plan?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 세부 사항을 더 추가해 주세요.ne, sebu sahang-eul deo chugahae juseyo.Yes, please add more details.
- 민지 Min-ji알겠습니다. 다시 준비해서 가져올게요.algetseumnida. dasi junbihaeseo gajyeoolgeyo.Understood. I will prepare it again and bring it.
