마초
macho
The Korean word for macho is 마초.
마초 is an adjective used to describe someone who is manly or tough. While 마초 is a loanword used to describe a macho personality, the expression 남성다운 describes someone who has masculine characteristics.
Meaning: manly, tough (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
macho
Did you know?
- While 마초 describes a tough persona, the term 짐승남 ('beast man') is often used to describe a man who is physically rugged and masculine but also romantic or gentle toward his partner.
- In Korean social contexts, calling someone a 마초 can sometimes carry a nuance of being 'too aggressive' or 'old-fashioned' rather than just being strong. It can be a subtle critique of someone who adheres to outdated gender roles.
- In Korean media, the concept of a 'macho' character is often contrasted with the 'soft man' or 'flower boy' archetype, known as 꽃미남. These two tropes represent opposite ends of the Korean spectrum of masculinity.
Examples in context
- 그는 정말 마초 스타일이에요.geuneun jeongmal macho seu-ta-il-i-e-yo.He really has a macho style.
- 영화 속 주인공은 마초 매력이 있어요.yeong-hwa sok ju-in-gong-eun macho mae-ryeok-i is-seo-yo.The protagonist in the movie has a macho charm.
- 그 남자는 너무 마초 같아 보여요.geu nam-ja-neun neo-mu macho gat-a bo-yeo-yo.That man looks so macho.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Jieun are talking about a movie character.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이 주인공 너무 마초 아니에요?i juingong neomu macho anieyo?Isn't this main character too macho?
- 지은 Ji-eun저는 그런 모습이 멋있더라고요.jeoneun geureon moseubi meosisseodoragoyo.I think that look is cool.
- 도현 Do-hyeon요즘은 조금 부담스러워요.yojumeun jogeum budamseureowoyo.It's a bit overwhelming these days.
- 지은 Ji-eun취향이 정말 다르시네요, 도현 씨.chwihyangi jeongmal dareusineyo, Dohyun ssi.Your tastes are really different, Dohyun.
