나는 착한 여자야
naneun chakhan yeojaya
The English phrase "I am a good girl" is translated into Korean as 나는 착한 여자야 (naneun chakhan yeojaya).
This phrase is used to state that one is a kind-hearted or well-behaved girl/woman. The adjective used here specifically describes someone who is virtuous or well-behaved rather than someone who is merely skilled or proficient at a task.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 나 (I), 는 (the topic marker), 착한 (good/kind), 여자 (woman/girl) and 야 (the informal form of 'to be').
How does it change in a sentence?
The sentence ends with the informal copula 야, which is used when speaking to oneself or to someone of an equal or lower social status. To switch to a polite register, change this ending to 예요.
How do you pronounce it?
naneun chakhan yeojaya
Did you know?
- The adjective 착한 is the root of the popular Korean term 착한 가격, which literally means 'kind price' but is used to describe a bargain or a very affordable price.
- If you call a woman 착한 여자 in a romantic context, it can sometimes imply she is 'too' good, meaning she is naive or easy to manipulate.
- In social contexts, calling an adult woman 착하다 can sometimes be perceived as condescending, as it implies the speaker is in a position of authority to judge her behavior.
Examples in context
- 나는 착하고 성실한 여자입니다.I am a good and diligent girl.
- 내가 진짜 착한 여자라고 생각해.I believe that I am genuinely a kind girl.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Do-hyeon are talking about their personalities.
- 지은 Ji-eun나는 착한 여자야.Naneun chakan yeojaya.I am a good girl.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그건 나도 알고 있어.Geugeon nado algo isseo.I know that too.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 그렇게 생각해?Jeongmal geureoke saenggakhae?Do you really think so?
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 지은이는 정말 착해.Eung, Ji-eun-ineun jeongmal chakae.Yes, Ji-eun is really kind.
