Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “looks good” in Korean! Whether you want to compliment someone’s appearance, clothing, or any other visual aspect, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of expressing this phrase, providing you with various tips and examples along the way.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Looks Good” in Korean
If you’re in a formal setting or speaking to someone you should show respect to, here are a few phrases you can use:
1.1. 이쁘다 (ippeuda)
This is a general term meaning “pretty” or “beautiful.” It can be used to describe both people and objects. To emphasize formality, you can add the honorific suffix -세요 (-seyo) to 이쁘다 (ippeuda) resulting in 이쁘세요 (ippeuseyo). This is a polite way to compliment someone’s appearance.
Example: 그 드레스는 아주 이쁘세요. (Geu deureseuneun aju ippeuseyo.) – That dress looks very pretty.
1.2. 멋지다 (meotjida)
This word conveys the meaning of “cool” or “handsome” and is typically used to compliment someone’s overall appearance or their fashion sense.
Example: 너 오늘 정말 멋져 보여요. (Neo oneul jeongmal meotjyeo boyeoyo.) – You look really cool today.
1.3. 잘 어울리다 (jal eoullida)
When you want to express that something looks good on someone or that their outfit matches well, you can use 잘 어울리다 (jal eoullida).
Example: 그 색깔은 너에게 잘 어울려. (Geu saekkareun neoege jal eoullyeo.) – That color suits you well.
2. Informal Ways to Say “Looks Good” in Korean
For informal situations, such as with friends, family, or people of your age group, you can use these expressions:
2.1. 예뻐 (yeppo)
예뻐 (yeppo) is a casual word for “pretty” or “beautiful.” It is commonly used between friends or when speaking to someone younger.
Example: 이 사진에 너 완전 예뻐 보여! (I sajine neo wanjeon yeppo boyeo!) – You look absolutely beautiful in this photo!
2.2. 멋있어 (meosisseo)
This informal phrase means “cool” or “awesome.” It is often used to praise someone’s appearance with a more laid-back tone.
Example: 오늘 너 완전 멋있어! (Oneul neo wanjeon meosisseo!) – You look totally cool today!
Tips and Additional Examples
1. Complement Your Phrases
Adding a compliment before expressing that something looks good will make your statement more meaningful. For example:
너무 잘 어울리는데, 그 색상도 아주 이쁘다. (Neomu jal eoulrineunde, geu saeksangdo aju ippeuda.) – It matches really well, and the color is also very pretty.
2. Consider the Context
Keep in mind that the appropriate phrase to use might vary depending on the situation. Consider your relationship with the person you are conversing with and the formality of the setting.
3. Combination with Personal Pronouns
You can also enhance your compliment by including the person’s name or personal pronouns like “you” or “I” in the sentence. This makes it more personal and sincere.
지금 너무 멋져 보여, 혜진! (Jigeum neomu meotjyeo boyeo, Hyejin!) – You look so cool right now, Hyejin!
Remember, the key to expressing “looks good” in Korean is to be both respectful and mindful of the context. By using the phrases provided above and adding your own sincere touch, you will undoubtedly make a positive impression when complimenting someone’s appearance in Korean.
