바보
babo[ˈpa̠(ː)bo̞]
The Korean word for jackass is 바보 (babo).
바보 is used to refer to a foolish or stupid person. It is often used playfully.
Meaning: foolish or stupid person (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 바보 is often used playfully, 멍청이 is a stronger, more direct way to call someone an idiot or a jackass. Additionally, 머저리 refers to someone who is behaving recklessly or foolishly.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 'jackass' as an adjective (e.g., 'a jackass move' or 'a foolish person'), use the form 바보 같은.
How do you pronounce it?
babo
Did you know?
- In Korean romantic contexts, 바보 is frequently used as a term of endearment, similar to calling a partner 'silly'.
- Another theory links 바보 to the Chinese words for 'eight months' 八朔, suggesting the term originally implied a premature birth.
- The suffix -보 in 바보 is used to create nouns that describe someone characterized by a specific habit, such as 먹보 for a glutton.
Examples in context
- 그는 정말 바보예요.geuneun jeongmal baboyeyo.He is a real fool.
- 바보 같은 소리 좀 하지 마.babo gat-eun sori jom haji ma.Don't say such foolish things.
- 나를 바보로 만들지 마세요.nareul baboromandulji maseyo.Don't make a fool out of me.
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are talking about a clumsy friend.
- 민준 Min-jun민준: 내 친구가 휴대폰을 잃어버렸어.Minjun: nae chinguga hyudaeponeul ireobeoryeosseo.My friend lost his phone.
- 민지 Min-ji민지: 걔는 정말 바보구나.Minji: gyaeneun jeongmal baboguna.He is such a jackass.
- 민준 Min-jun민준: 맞아요, 매번 그래요.Minjun: majayo, maebeon geuraeyo.You're right, he does that every time.
- 민지 Min-ji민지: 정말 답답하네요.Minji: jeongmal dapdaphaneyo.It's really frustrating.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 바보, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 바보, CC BY-SA 4.0.
