야, 그만해
ya, geumanhae
The English phrase "hey, stop it" is translated into Korean as 야, 그만해 (ya, geumanhae).
This phrase is an informal command used to tell someone to stop doing something annoying or harmful.
What does it mean word for word?
야 (ya) means "hey" and 그만해 (geumanhae) is the informal imperative form of "to stop/cease".
Which one should you use?
While 그만해 means "stop it", using 야 (hey) at the beginning adds a tone of irritation or a call for attention. The phrase 야, 그만 좀 해 means "Hey, stop it".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase 야, 그만해 is in banmal (informal speech) and should only be used with friends, people younger than you or in very casual settings. For a formal and polite way to say "Please stop it", use 그만해주세요.
How do you pronounce it?
ya, geumanhae
Did you know?
- Because Korean is a hierarchy-based language, saying 야, 그만해 to a stranger or an elder is not just informal, it is considered an aggressive confrontation or a massive insult.
- When people are extremely angry, they may shorten the command 그만해 to just 그만 (geuman). While it literally means 'stop', shouting it alone acts as a sharp, final warning that the speaker's patience has completely run out.
- Adding the word 좀 (jom) to create 그만 좀 해 technically means 'stop it for a bit'. However, it actually makes the phrase sound more desperate or frustrated than the standard version.
Examples in context
- 야, 그만해. 진짜 짜증 나.ya, geumanhae. jinjja jjajeung na.Hey, stop it. It's really annoying.
- 야, 그만해! 아프단 말이야.ya, geumanhae! apeudan mariya.Hey, stop it! I'm saying it hurts.
- 야, 그만해. 나 지금 진지해.ya, geumanhae. na jigeum jinjihae.Hey, stop it. I am serious right now.
Example conversation
Minjun is teasing Subin about her messy hair.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준아, 장난 그만 쳐.Minjun-a, jangnan geuman chyeo.Minjun, stop joking around.
- 민준 Min-jun그냥 머리가 웃겨서 그래.geunyang meoriga utgyeoseo geurae.It's just because your hair looks funny.
- 수빈 Su-bin야, 그만해! 진짜 화나려고 해.ya, geumanhae! jinjja hwanaryeogo hae.Hey, stop it! I'm about to get angry.
- 민준 Min-jun미안, 미안. 이제 안 할게.mian, mian. ije an halge.Sorry, sorry. I won't do it anymore.
