똑똑한
ttokttokhan
The English phrase 'intelligent' can be translated into Korean as 똑똑한 (ttokttokhan). If unsure, use 똑똑한. Wiktionary also lists 총명한 (chongmyeonghan).
Meaning: of high or especially quick cognitive capacity, bright (adj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 똑똑한 | ttokttokhan |
| 총명한 | chongmyeonghan |
Both terms are used to describe someone with high or especially quick cognitive capacity. While 똑똑한 is a standard way to describe someone as smart, the more formal expression 지능이 뛰어난 can be used to mean 'intellectually excellent' and 지성이 뛰어난 can be used to emphasize intellectual ability.
Which one should you use?
똑똑한 is the common term for being smart, whereas 총명한 is a more formal or literary term used to describe a person's innate brightness or quick-wittedness.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective forms 똑똑한 and 총명한 are derived from the dictionary forms 똑똑하다 and 총명하다 respectively.
How do you pronounce it?
ttokttokhan
Did you know?
- The phrase 머리가 좋다, which literally translates to 'head is good', is often used more frequently in daily conversation than 똑똑한 to describe someone's intelligence.
- Korean often uses the word 영리하다 (yeong-ri-hada) for 'smart' when referring to someone being 'cunning' or 'shrewd'. While it can mean intelligent, it carries a different social weight than the purely positive 똑똑하다.
- Calling a superior 똑똑한 can sometimes be perceived as slightly rude or overstepping, as it implies the speaker is in a position to judge the superior's mental capacity.
Examples in context
- 네가 아는 사람 중에서 누가 가장 똑똑한 사람이야?Who's the most intelligent person you know?This sentence is useful for asking who is the most intelligent person someone knows using 똑똑한.Tatoeba #8422591 by Eunhee, translation #6238959 by CK
- 지능이 뛰어난 사려 깊은 친구A smart and thoughtful friend
- 그 학생은 지능이 뛰어납니다.That student is intellectually excellent.
- 그 여자는 똑똑한 것 같아요.She seems smart.
- 너는 똑똑하네!You're smart!
- 그는 정말 똑똑한 학생이에요.geuneun jeongmal ttokttokhan haksaeng-ieyo.He is a really intelligent student.
- 내 동생은 아주 똑똑한 편이에요.nae dongsaengeun aju ttokttokhan pyeon-ieyo.My younger sibling is quite intelligent.
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are talking about their new classmate.
- 민준 Min-jun민지는 새로 온 학생이 어때 보여?Minjineun saero on hagsaeng-i eottae boyeo?Minji, what do you think of the new student?
- 민지 Min-ji정말 똑똑한 사람인 것 같아.jeongmal ttogttokhan saramin geot gata.I think they are a very intelligent person.
- 민준 Min-jun나도 그렇게 생각해.nado geureoke saenggakhae.I think so too.
- 민지 Min-ji수업 시간에 질문을 아주 잘하더라고.sueop sigane jilmuneul aju jalhadeorago.They were asking very good questions in class.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “intelligent” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
