잘생겼어
jalsaenggyeosseo
In Korean, the phrase for saying "he is hot" (meaning physically attractive) is 잘생겼어 (jalsaenggyeosseo).
This phrase is used to describe a man who is physically attractive or handsome. You may also encounter the slang term 훈남, which describes a man who is not just handsome, but has a warm and attractive vibe.
Which one should you use?
While 잘생겼어 focuses on facial features and overall handsomeness, you might use 섹시해 if you want to focus more on sex appeal or a "hot" aura.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some areas, the phrase 그는 정말 매력적이야. is used to convey "He is really attractive."
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 잘생겼다 is used in written journals or when speaking to oneself.
How do you pronounce it?
jalsaenggyeosseo
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using 뜨거워 to describe an attractive person. While this translates to "hot" in English, in Korean it only refers to physical heat.
Did you know?
- In Korean beauty standards, a 'hot' man often possesses 꽃미남 status, which translates to 'flower boy'. This emphasizes a soft, delicate beauty over rugged masculinity.
- The word 잘생겼어 literally means 'born well' or 'formed well'. It suggests that the person's handsomeness is a result of how they were created rather than a temporary state.
- Korean has a specific concept of 'visuals' 비주얼, borrowed from English, used to describe a person's overall 'hotness' as if they were a professional product or idol.
Examples in context
- 그 배우 진짜 잘생겼어.geu bae-u jin-jja jal-saeng-gyeot-eo.That actor is really hot.
- 옆집 남자가 정말 잘생겼어.yeop-jip nam-ja-ga jeong-mal jal-saeng-gyeot-eo.The guy next door is very handsome.
- 너는 참 잘생겼어.neo-neun cham jal-saeng-gyeot-eo.You are quite handsome.
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a movie together.
- 민지 Min-ji저 남자 주인공 좀 봐.jeo nam-ja ju-in-gong jom bwa.Look at that male lead.
- 민준 Min-jun와, 진짜 잘생겼어!wa, jin-jja jal-saeng-gyeot-eo!Wow, he is so hot!
- 민지 Min-ji민준아, 너도 멋있어.min-jun-a, neo-do meot-it-eo.Minjun, you are cool too.
- 민준 Min-jun고마워, 민지야.go-ma-wo, min-ji-ya.Thanks, Minji.
