거짓말쟁이
geojinmaljaeng'i[ˈkɘ(ː)d͡ʑinma̠ʎd͡ʑɛŋi]
The Korean word for "liar" is 거짓말쟁이 (geojinmaljaeng'i).
거짓말쟁이 is a noun used to describe someone who tells lies. The suffix –쟁이 is often used in a derogatory or teasing way to label someone by a specific habit.
Meaning: one who tells lies (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
geojinmaljaeng'i
Did you know?
- In Korean, if you want to call someone a 'big liar', you might add the word 대왕 (great king) before the noun to create a hyperbolic and almost cartoonish effect.
- In Korean, the word 말 (speech) also means 'horse'. While the context usually makes it clear, a sentence about a 'liar' could technically be read as 'false horse' by a beginner.
- The word 거짓말 can be used as a lighthearted 'no way!' expression of disbelief, rather than a literal accusation of dishonesty.
Examples in context
- 제가 거짓말쟁이라고 말씀하시는 건가요?Are you saying that I'm a liar?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is calling you a 거짓말쟁이.Tatoeba #11105740 by intertime, translation #1897610 by Spamster
- 톰은 거짓말쟁이가 아니야.Tom is not a liar.This sentence is useful for stating that Tom is not a 거짓말쟁이.Tatoeba #8396620 by Eunhee, translation #3442235 by CK
- 사장님은 항상 거짓말쟁이에 대해 엄격합니다.The boss is always strict about liars.
- 그 친구는 항상 거짓말쟁이인 것 같아요.That friend of mine always seems like a liar.
- 그는 정말 못된 거짓말쟁이야.geuneun jeongmal motdoen geojitmaljaengiya.He is a truly bad liar.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ji-eun finds out that Hyeon-woo lied about his homework.
- 지은 Ji-eun숙제 다 했다며? 거짓말쟁이!suk-je da haet-da-myeo? geo-jit-mal-jaeng-i!You said you finished your homework? Liar!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo미안해, 사실 조금 남았어.mi-an-hae, sa-sil jo-geum nam-at-eo.I'm sorry, actually there's a little bit left.
- 지은 Ji-eun어떻게 나한테 거짓말을 해?eo-tteok-hae na-han-te geo-jit-mal-eul hae?How could you lie to me?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo앞으로는 정직하게 말할게.ap-eu-ro-neun jeong-jik-ha-ge mal-hal-ge.I will speak honestly from now on.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “liar” translations and entries 거짓말쟁이, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
