아주 멋진
aju meotjin
The English word 'gorgeous' can be said in Korean as 아주 멋진 (aju meotjin).
아주 멋진 is used to describe something as very beautiful, often implying that the subject is cool, stylish or impressive. For a more radiant or dazzling effect, you might use 눈부시다.
Meaning: very beautiful (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 아주 (aju) meaning 'very' and 멋진 (meotjin) meaning 'cool' or 'wonderful'.
Which one should you use?
While 아주 멋진 carries a sense of being 'cool' or 'impressive', the phrase 아주 예쁜 is used more specifically to describe visual 'prettiness' or 'cuteness'.
How does it change in a sentence?
아주 멋진 is an adjective in its attributive form, meaning it must be placed directly before a noun to describe it, such as 아주 멋진 사람 (a gorgeous person). If you want to use the word as a predicate to say 'It is gorgeous', you should use the polite form 아주 멋져요 instead.
How do you pronounce it?
aju meotjin
Did you know?
- The word 멋 is so central to Korean aesthetics that it is often paired with 흥 (excitement or joy) to describe the complete essence of traditional Korean arts and performances.
- Korean speakers often distinguish between 'pretty' and 'cool' using different adjectives, so calling a man 'gorgeous' with 아주 예쁜 might actually sound patronizing or overly feminine.
- The adverb 아주 was recorded as 아조 in the 1576 text called the 'Sinjeung yuhap'.
Examples in context
- 그녀는 아름다운 여인이다.She is a gorgeous woman.
- 이곳은 정말 아름다운 곳이다.This place is truly gorgeous.
- 그 옷이 정말 아름답다.That dress is really gorgeous.
- 그녀는 너무 눈부시다.She is so gorgeous/dazzling.
- 이 사진 너무 이쁘다!This picture is so gorgeous/pretty!
- 오늘 너무 예쁘다!You look gorgeous/pretty today!
- 정말 아주 멋진 풍경이네요.jeongmal aju meotjin punggyeong-ineyo.It is a truly gorgeous scenery.
- 그 옷은 아주 멋진 디자인이에요.geu ot-eun aju meotjin dijain-ieyo.That clothing has a very gorgeous design.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are looking at a sunset in a park.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨, 저 노을 좀 보세요.Jieun-ssi, jeo noeul jom boseyo.Jieun, look at that sunset.
- 지은 Ji-eun와, 정말 아주 멋진 풍경이에요!Wa, jeongmal aju meotjin punggyeong-ieyo!Wow, it is a truly gorgeous scenery!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo맞아요, 색깔이 정말 아름다워요.Majayo, saekkkal-i jeongmal areumdawoyo.You're right, the colors are truly beautiful.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨도 같이 봐서 좋아요.Hyunwoo-ssi-do gat-i bwa-seo jo-ayo.I'm glad you're seeing this too, Hyunwoo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아주, CC BY-SA 4.0.
