착한 강아지
chakhan gang-aji
The English phrase "good dog" is expressed in Korean as 착한 강아지 (chakhan gang-aji).
This phrase is used to praise a dog for being well-behaved or obedient. Although 강아지 literally means "puppy," it is the most common and affectionate way to refer to a dog in casual settings, even when the dog is an adult.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective 착한 is the modified form of the dictionary verb 착하다, which is used here to describe the noun.
How do you pronounce it?
chakhan gang-aji
Did you know?
- Because 착하다 describes a person's moral character, using it for a dog suggests the animal has a 'kind heart' rather than just following commands.
- When praising a dog, Koreans often use high-pitched, elongated vowels, turning 강아지 into something sounding like 'gang-ah-ji!', to mimic the excitement of a child.
- The word 강아지 is actually a diminutive form that evolved from the Middle Korean word 가히 for 'dog'.
Examples in context
- 치치, 착한 개예요!Chichi, you're a good dog!
- 우리 착한 강아지, 잘했어!uri chakhan gangaji, jalhaesseo!Our good dog, you did well!
- 너 정말 착한 강아지구나.neo jeongmal chakhan gangaji-guna.You really are a good dog.
- 착한 강아지, 이리 와.chakhan gangaji, iri wa.Good dog, come here.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo is training his puppy at a park with Jieun.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo앉아! 오, 착한 강아지!anja! o, chakhan gangaji!Sit! Oh, good dog!
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 강아지가 정말 똑똑해요.hyunwoo ssi, gangajiga jeongmal ddokddokhaeyo.Hyunwoo, the dog is really smart.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨도 강아지 만져볼래요?jieun ssi-do gangaji manjyeobollaeyo?Jieun, do you want to pet the dog too?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 너무 순하고 착한 강아지네요.ne, neomu sunhago chakhan gangaji-neyo.Yes, it is such a gentle and good dog.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 강아지, CC BY-SA 4.0.
