Gross. It’s a word we often use to express our disgust and displeasure. Whether you’re expressing personal distaste or simply describing something as unappetizing, having the right vocabulary at your disposal is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “gross” in Korean, including formal and informal expressions. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways
If you find yourself in a more formal or polite setting, here are some appropriate Korean expressions for “gross”:
1. 역겨워요 (yeokgyeowoyo)
This word is commonly used in formal situations to express something as “disgusting” or “repulsive.” It can be used to convey a sense of strong aversion without being too informal.
Example: 이 음식 정말 역겨워요. (I eumsik jeongmal yeokgyeowoyo.) – This food is really gross.
2. 혐오스러워요 (hyeomoseureowoyo)
When you want to express something as “disgusting” or “revolting” in a formal manner, 혐오스러워요 is a suitable word to use. It carries a stronger sense of repulsion and can be employed in various situations.
Example: 그 영화는 정말로 혐오스러워요. (Geu yeonghwaneun jeongmallo hyeomoseureowoyo.) – That movie is really gross.
Informal Ways
If you’re in a casual and relaxed environment, perhaps among friends or family, you can use these more informal expressions for “gross” in Korean:
1. 못 먹겠어 (mot meokgesseo)
A popular informal phrase, 못 먹겠어 directly translates to “can’t eat” and is often used to describe food or situations that are unappetizing or gross. It has a conversational tone and is commonly employed in everyday speech.
Example: 오늘 학교 급식 정말 못 먹겠어. (Oneul hakgyo geupsik jeongmal mot meokgesseo.) – I really can’t eat the cafeteria food today; it’s so gross.
2. 지린다 (jirinda)
지린다 is a slang expression that translates to something similar to “gross” or “disgusting.” It is often used among friends in informal situations and can be considered quite strong in terms of expression.
Example: 그 사진 보니까 정말 지린다. (Geu sajin bonikkka jeongmal jirinda.) – That picture is really gross.
Regional Variations
When it comes to regional variations, it’s important to note that the Korean language doesn’t have significant differences in vocabulary for “gross.” The expressions mentioned above can be used universally throughout Korea. However, certain local slang variations may exist in different regions. Here are a few notable examples:
인물병 (inmulbyeong) – This expression is commonly used in the Busan dialect and can mean “gross” or “disgusting.” It is the equivalent of the standard Korean terms mentioned earlier.
Tips for Usage
When using these expressions for “gross” in Korean, it’s essential to consider the context and your relationship with the person or people you’re speaking to. Formally or informally, your choice of words should align with the level of familiarity and politeness required in the situation.
Furthermore, body language and tone play vital roles in conveying your meaning accurately. Make sure to use appropriate facial expressions and gestures when expressing disgust or using these words to clearly communicate your feelings.
In Conclusion
Now that you have a variety of ways to say “gross” in Korean, both formally and informally, you can expand your vocabulary and effectively convey your feelings of disgust. Remember to consider the context and your relationship with others when choosing the right expression. So go ahead and add these expressions to your Korean language repertoire, and have fun exploring the nuances of the language!
