좋다
jota[ˈt͡ɕo̞(ː)tʰa̠]
The English phrase "good" is translated into Korean as 좋다 (jota).
This term is an adjective used to describe something as pleasant or enjoyable. While it primarily functions as an adjective meaning "to be good" or "to be pleasant," it is important to note that its meaning can shift to a verb meaning "to like" depending on the grammatical particle used alongside it.
Meaning: pleasant, enjoyable (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 좋다 is the base form meaning "to be good/pleasant," other forms are used to express different levels of intensity or specific nuances. For example, 훌륭합니다 is a stronger way to say "good," often used to describe something that is excellent or outstanding.
How does it change in a sentence?
The way you use this word depends on its position in a sentence. In speech, the dictionary form 좋다 changes to 좋아요 for polite everyday conversation or 좋아 for informal conversation. If you want to use "good" as an adjective directly before a noun, you must use the form 좋은. Additionally, the informal form 괜찮아 can be used to mean either "good" or "okay" depending on the context.
How do you pronounce it?
jota
Did you know?
- The word 좋다 can be used to describe a smell or a sound, but it is rarely used to describe the taste of food, where 맛있다 (delicious) is preferred.
- To describe someone as 'good' at a skill or talent, Koreans use 잘하다 instead of 좋다.
- While 좋다 means 'good', Koreans often use the phrase 괜찮아요 to mean 'I am good' when declining an offer of more food or help.
Examples in context
- 아주 좋다.It's very good.This sentence demonstrates the use of 좋다 to express that something is very good.Tatoeba #10603157 by ssuss32, translation #37872 by CK
- 섹스는 좋다.Sex is good.This sentence shows how 좋다 can be used to describe an activity as good.Tatoeba #6305401 by Queserasera, translation #5158420 by RobinvanderVliet
- 오늘은 날씨가 좋다.The weather is good today.This sentence illustrates using 좋다 to describe the weather.Tatoeba #11106183 by intertime, translation #1867475 by CM
- 오늘 날씨가 좋습니다.Today's weather is good.
- 네, 정말 좋습니다.Yes, it's really good.
- 어제 파티 재미있었어?Was the party fun yesterday?
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are visiting a new cafe.
- 수빈 Su-bin여기 분위기 정말 좋다.yeogi bunwigi jeongmal jota.The atmosphere here is really good.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아, 노래도 아주 좋다.maja, noraedo 아주 jota.Right, the music is very good too.
- 수빈 Su-bin커피 맛은 어때?keopi maseun eottae?How does the coffee taste?
- 지훈 Ji-hun커피 향이 정말 좋다.keopi hyangi jeongmal jota.The aroma of the coffee is really good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 좋다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
