나 예뻐
na yeppeo
In Korean, the phrase 'I am pretty' is expressed as 나 예뻐 (na yeppeo).
This phrase is a statement used to express that the speaker is physically attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 나 (na), which means 'I' and 예뻐 (yeppeo), which is the informal conjugation of the verb 'to be pretty'.
Which one should you use?
While 나 예뻐 is the standard informal way to state this, the form 나는 예뻐 is also used to mean 'I am pretty' in an informal context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you are speaking to someone older or in a formal setting, you should use the polite version 저 예뻐요 instead.
How do you pronounce it?
na yeppeo
Did you know?
- The behavior of acting charming or endearing, often while saying phrases like 나 예뻐, is described by a specific cultural term called 애교 (aegyo).
- The word 나 (na), meaning 'I', may be related to the Japanese word 'na', which also means 'I'. While they might be cognates from a prehistoric stage, it is also possible that the Korean word was borrowed into Old Japanese.
- In natural conversation, Koreans often omit the word for 'I' 나 entirely and simply say 예뻐 to mean 'I am pretty' if the context is clear.
Examples in context
- 예뻐.I am pretty.
- 다들 말하길 나 예뻐.dadeul malhagil na yeppeo.Everyone says I am pretty.
Example conversation
Jieun is asking Dohyun for his opinion on her look.
- 지은 Ji-eun나 예뻐?na yeppeo?Am I pretty?
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 정말 예뻐.eung, jeongmal yeppeo.Yes, you are really pretty.
- 지은 Ji-eun고마워, 기분 좋다!gomawo, gibun jota!Thanks, I feel great!
- 도현 Do-hyeon오늘따라 더 예쁘네.oneulttara deo yeppeune.You look even prettier than usual today.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 나, CC BY-SA 4.0.
