저리 가
jeori ga
In Korean, "get away from me" is said as 저리 가 (jeori ga).
This phrase is a command used to tell someone to move away from you or leave your presence. While it literally tells someone to move to a different location, it is the standard way to express "get away from me" in a dismissive or angry manner.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 저리 (over there) and 가 (go), literally meaning "go over there".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite version, you can say 저리 가세요, which functions as a firm request to distance oneself. For a more formal expression, such as "Please stay far away from me", you can use 저로부터 멀리 떨어져 주세요. Another informal option is 나한테 좀 떨어져, which means "Stay away from me.".
How do you pronounce it?
jeori ga
Did you know?
- While 저리 가 is usually a command to leave, if said with a playful or whining tone between couples, it can function as a flirtatious way of pretending to be annoyed.
- In Korean, the level of politeness is so strict that using the informal 저리 가 to a stranger could be seen as a serious social confrontation rather than just a request for space.
- The word 가 (go) in this phrase is formed using the very first consonant and the very first vowel of the Hangul alphabet, ㄱ and ㅏ.
Examples in context
- 저리 가!jeori ga!Get away from me!
- 꼴 보기 싫으니까 저리 가.kkol bogi silheunikka jeori ga.I don't want to see your face, so get away.
- 방해되니까 저리 가.banghaedoenikka jeori ga.You're in my way, so get away.
Example conversation
A heated argument between two siblings in the living room.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo말도 섞기 싫어. 저리 가!maldo seokgi sileo. jeori ga!I don't even want to talk to you. Get away from me!
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우야, 화가 많이 났구나.hyeonu-ya, hwaga mani nateguna.Hyunwoo, you seem very angry.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo진짜 저리 가라고!jinja jeori garago!I said seriously, get away!
- 서연 Seo-yeon알았어, 그만할게.arasseo, geumanhalge.Alright, I'll stop.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 가, 저리, CC BY-SA 4.0.
