키가 커요
Kiga keoyo
The English phrase "I am tall" is expressed in Korean as 키가 커요 (Kiga keoyo).
This phrase is used to describe oneself as having a height above average.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 키 (height), the subject marker 가 (subject) and 커요 (is big/large).
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 키가 커요, the subject "I" is omitted, which is standard in Korean when the context makes it clear you are talking about yourself. In the phrase 나는 키가 크다, 나는 means "I" and 키가 크다 means "am tall".
How do you pronounce it?
Kiga keoyo
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often over-use the word for "I" (나 or 저), but it is more natural to omit it in this phrase unless you need to emphasize that you specifically are the tall one.
Did you know?
- When complimenting someone's height, Koreans may say 비율이 좋다, which means 'the proportions are good', rather than just saying they are tall.
- If you want to say someone is 'too tall' in a negative way, you might use the word 껑충하다, which evokes the image of a long-legged jump.
- In Korean, you can use the phrase 키가 크다 to describe someone's stature, but if you use the word 높다 (high/tall), it would sound like you are describing the height of a building or a mountain instead of a person.
Examples in context
- 저는 키가 커요.jeoneun kiga keoyo.I am tall.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their heights.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨는 정말 키가 크네요.dohyeon ssineun jeongmal kiga keuneyo.Dohyun, you are really tall.
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 제가 키가 커요.ne, jega kiga keoyo.Yes, I am tall.
- 지은 Ji-eun부러워요. 저도 크고 싶어요.bureowoyo. jeodo keugo sipeoyo.I'm jealous. I want to be tall too.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은 씨도 충분히 커요.jieun ssido chungbunhi keoyo.Jieun, you are tall enough.
