안녕 못난아
The English phrase "hi ugly" is translated into Korean as 안녕 못난아.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 안녕 (hi/hello) and 못난아, which is an informal vocative form of ugly person.
Which one should you use?
While 안녕 못난아 is a direct informal greeting, the form 안녕 못난이 씨 is grammatically polite due to the addition of the honorific suffix 씨. However, this version creates a sarcastic or mocking tone because the core of the phrase remains an insult.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
안녕 못난아 is highly informal. It should only be used between very close friends as a joke. Using it with strangers or acquaintances can be offensive.
Did you know?
- The word 못난이 is often used as a term of endearment for children or pets in Korea. Using it as a joke with friends relies on this 'cute' nuance to prevent the phrase from becoming a genuine fight.
- The word 못나다, from which 못난아 comes, literally means 'to be poorly made'. It describes someone who didn't 'turn out' right, regardless of their actual physical features.
- The word 안녕 comes from the Sino-Korean characters for 'peace' and 'tranquility'. In its original sense, you are not just saying 'hi', but rather asking if the person is in a state of peaceful repose.
Example conversation
Two close friends meet at a cafe and joke with each other.
- 민지 Min-ji안녕 못난아, 뭐 해?annyeong motnan-a, mwo hae?Hi ugly, what are you doing?
- 민준 Min-jun야, 누가 못난이야!ya, nuga motnan-iya!Hey, who are you calling ugly!
- 민지 Min-ji그냥 장난이야, 민준아.geunyang jangnan-iya, minjun-a.I'm just joking, Minjun.
- 민준 Min-jun알았어, 민지야. 들어와.arasseo, minji-ya. deureowa.Alright, Minji. Come in.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 안녕, CC BY-SA 4.0.
