그러니까 말이야
geureonikka mariya
The English phrase "I know, right?" can be translated into Korean as 그러니까 말이야 (geureonikka mariya).
This expression is used to emphasize that your opinion is identical to the listener's. It is used as a response to a complaint or a shared observation to show strong agreement.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 그러니까, which means "because" or "therefore" and 말이야, which means "it is the word/thing/talk". Literally, it translates to "That is the very thing I am saying".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This phrase is informal and should be used in casual settings with friends or with people of equal or lower social status.
How do you pronounce it?
geureonikka mariya
Did you know?
- While 그러니까 말이야 shows agreement, saying just 그러니까 with a sharp tone can actually signal impatience, as if you are saying 'That is exactly why I told you so'.
- The word 말 can also mean 'horse' in other contexts, though it has no connection to the phrase 'I know, right?' used here.
- Sometimes, instead of using the full phrase, a Korean speaker might simply repeat the last word the other person said with a rising intonation to show they are 'on the same page'.
Examples in context
- 그러니까 말이야, 진짜 덥다.geureonikka mariya, jinjja deopda.I know, right? It's really hot.
- 그러니까 말이야, 그 영화 정말 최고였어.geureonikka mariya, geu yeonghwa jeongmal choegoyeosseo.I know, right? That movie was the best.
- 그러니까 말이야, 너무 비싸다.geureonikka mariya, neomu bissada.I know, right? It's too expensive.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a difficult exam.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이번 시험 진짜 너무 어려웠어.ibeon siheom jinjja neomu eoryeowosseo.This exam was seriously too difficult.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그러니까 말이야. 나 거의 다 찍었어.geureonikka mariya. na geoui da jjigeosseo.I know, right? I guessed on almost everything.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연이도 그렇게 생각했구나.Seoyeondo geureoke saenggakhaetguna.I see Seoyeon thought so too.
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 현우 너도 고생 많았어.eung, Hyeonwu neodo gosaeng manasseo.Yeah, you went through a lot too, Hyeonwu.
