What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 그거, which is a contraction of 그것 meaning "that thing" and 좋아요, the polite form of the verb 좋다 which literally means "to be good" but is used to express that something is liked.
Which one should you use?
While 그거 좋아요 is a polite and respectful way to say "I like that" or "That is nice", you can use 정말 좋아요 to express strong enthusiasm, meaning "I really like that".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several levels of formality depending on your relationship with the listener. Use 그거 좋습니다 in professional settings or to show great respect. The standard polite form is 그거 좋아요. For casual settings, such as speaking with friends or people younger than you, use the informal version 그거 좋아. To add emphasis and enthusiasm informally, you can say 정말 좋아.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 좋아요 is the polite form of 좋다, which literally means "to be good" but is used to express that something is liked.
How do you pronounce it?
geu-geo joahae-yo
Did you know?
- In digital spaces, Koreans often use the word 좋아요 as a noun to mean 'a Like' on social media, similar to how it is used on Facebook or Instagram.
- While 좋아요 means 'I like it' in this context, it is technically an adjective meaning 'to be good'. To express an active feeling of liking or loving someone, Koreans use a different verb, 좋아하다.
- If you want to say you like a person rather than a thing, you cannot use the phrase 그거 좋아요 because 그거 specifically refers to inanimate objects or abstract concepts.
Examples in context
- 그거 좋아요.geugeo joayo.I like that.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Min-jun are looking at a menu together.
- 지은 Ji-eun이 메뉴 어때요?i menyu eottaeyo?How about this menu item?
- 민준 Min-jun오, 그거 좋아요.o, geugeo joayo.Oh, I like that.
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼 이걸로 주문할까요?geureom igeollo jumunhalkkayo?Then shall we order this?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 좋아요.ne, joayo.Yes, sounds good.
