Learning how to express the word “literally” in Korean can greatly enhance your ability to communicate with native speakers. This guide will provide you with formal and informal ways of saying “literally” in the Korean language, including tips and examples to help you grasp the nuances. Please note that regional variations will be mentioned only if necessary. Let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Literally” in Korean
In formal situations, it’s essential to choose your words wisely. Here are some formal alternatives to express the concept of “literally” in Korean:
“글자 그대로” (gulja geudaero) – This phrase directly translates to “as the word implies.” It is often used to emphasize that something should be interpreted exactly as it is written or stated.
“정말로” (jeongmallo) – This translates to “truly” or “really.” It can be used as a formal way to emphasize a literal meaning in a sentence.
Informal Ways to Say “Literally” in Korean
Informal situations allow for more casual expressions. As such, here are some colloquial ways to say “literally” in Korean:
“거의 그대로” (geo-eui geudaero) – This phrase translates to “almost literally.” It is often used to stress that something is very close to its literal meaning but may have minor deviations.
“직역하면” (jik-yeokhamyeon) – Translated as “if we interpret it literally,” this phrase is commonly used in casual conversations to establish a literal context.
Tips and Examples
Now, let’s delve into some tips and practical examples to help you better understand how to use these expressions:
1. Using “글자 그대로” in Formal Situations
This formal phrase “글자 그대로” is often used in formal written contexts, such as academic papers or official documents. For instance:
이 글은 사전의 의미를 글자 그대로 설명하고 있다. (I geul-eun sajeon-ui uimi-reul gulja geudaero seolmyeonghago itda.) – This article is explaining the meaning as it is literally written in the dictionary.
2. Emphasizing with “정말로” in Formal Situations
When you want to emphasize the literal interpretation of a sentence formally, you can use the word “정말로.” For example:
나 정말로 속상해. (Na jeongmallo soksanghae.) – I am literally upset.
3. Adding Nuance with “거의 그대로” in Informal Settings
If you want to express that something is “almost literally” correct or true, you can employ the phrase “거의 그대로” in casual conversations. For instance:
오늘 밤은 거의 그대로 하늘이 뚫려 있다. (Oneul bam-eun geo-eui geudaero haneuri ddul-lyeo itda.) – Tonight, the sky is literally full of stars.
4. Setting the Context with “직역하면” in Informal Settings
In informal conversations, “직역하면” is commonly used to explain the literal meaning of a phrase before elaborating. For example:
“민지는 오늘 꼭 와요.” 직역하면, “Minji will definitely come today.”
By using “직역하면,” you are providing a literal interpretation as a foundation for further discussion.
Wrapping Up
Mastering the appropriate use of “literally” in Korean will undoubtedly improve your fluency and facilitate smoother conversations. Remember the formal phrases “글자 그대로” and “정말로” for more serious contexts, and the informal expressions “거의 그대로” and “직역하면” for casual situations. Practice using these phrases in various contexts to become comfortable with their usage. Happy learning!
