When it comes to learning a new language, it’s not just about mastering formal speech. Knowing some slang can help you understand colloquial conversations and connect with locals on a more casual level. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say “hot” in Korean slang, including both formal and informal ways, along with a few tips and examples. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Hot”
If you’re looking for a polite and formal way to express “hot” in Korean, the following terms are commonly used:
1. 덥다 (deopda) – This is the standard verb for “hot” when referring to the weather. It can also mean “to be stuffy” or “to be warm.”
Example: 여름이라서 날씨가 덥다. (yeoreumiraseo nalssiga deopda) – The weather is hot because it’s summer.
2. 뜨겁다 (tteugeopda) – This term mainly translates to “to be hot” when describing something physically hot like an object, food, or drink.
Example: 차가 너무 뜨겁다. (chaga neomu tteugeopda) – The tea is too hot.
Informal Ways to Say “Hot”
When it comes to informal or slang expressions for “hot” in Korean, you’ll encounter a few more options. Here are some common ones:
- 뜨끈뜨끈하다 (tteukkeuntteukkeunhada) – This phrase is used to describe something that is boiling hot or piping hot.
Example: 국물이 뜨끈뜨끈하다. (gugmul-i tteukkeuntteukkeunhada) – The soup is piping hot.
뜨거워 (ddeugeowo) – This is a simple and widely used slang term for “hot” in Korean. It’s often used to express hot weather or when something is trendy and popular.
Example: 오늘 날씨가 뜨거워. (oneul nalssiga ddeugeowo) – Today’s weather is hot.
데워 (deweo) – This slang expression derived from the verb “데우다 (deuda)” meaning “to heat up.” It’s commonly used among friends to describe something as hot.
Example: 이 바지 새로운데워! (i baji saeroun deweo) – These pants are so hot! (referring to a trendy fashion item)
애끈하다 (aekkeunhada) – This slang term refers to something that is hot and sexy. It’s often used when describing an attractive person or a seductive atmosphere.
Example: 그 남자 정말 애끈하다. (geu namja jeongmal aekkeunhada) – That guy is really hot (attractive).
Regional Variations
While the slang terms mentioned above are widely used across South Korea, it’s worth noting that some regional differences exist. Here are a couple of regional variations of “hot” in Korean slang:
1. 뜨거하다 (tteugeohada) – This term is commonly used in the Jeolla region of South Korea. It has the same meaning as “hot” in standard Korean.
2. 온푸다 (onpuda) – This is a slang term used in the Busan dialect. It means “hot” and is often used to describe the weather.
Keep in mind that regional variations may not be as commonly understood outside of their respective regions.
Final Tips
Now that you know various ways to say “hot” in Korean slang, here are a few additional tips to help you:
- Context Matters: Pay attention to the situation and adapt your language accordingly. Formal expressions are more suitable for professional or unfamiliar situations, while slang is best used in casual conversations among friends.
- Listening and Observing: Immerse yourself in Korean media, such as movies, TV shows, and music, to get a better sense of how native speakers use slang naturally.
- Practice: Experiment with using slang and observe the reactions of native speakers. This will help you refine your use of slang in the appropriate context.
- Have Fun: Learning slang helps you connect with locals and have a deeper understanding of Korean culture. Enjoy the journey and don’t be afraid to embrace the language’s more relaxed side!
With these tips and expressions in your repertoire, you’ll be well-equipped to express “hot” in Korean slang. Remember to use the appropriate expression based on formality and context, and embrace the warmth of the Korean language!
