상관마
sang-gwan-ma
In Korean, 'mind your business' is expressed as 상관마 (sang-gwan-ma).
The phrase is a blunt command used to tell someone to stop interfering in or asking about things that do not concern them. The default form 상관마 is extremely blunt and can be perceived as rude or aggressive. It is typically used between close friends during an argument or by someone who is angry.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 상관 (sang-gwan), meaning 'relation' or 'interference' and 마 (ma), a blunt imperative particle meaning 'do not'.
Which one should you use?
While 상관마 is a blunt command, 상관하지 마 (sang-gwan-ha-ji ma) serves as a more standard informal way to say 'don't interfere'. Additionally, 신경 쓰지 마 is another informal way to tell someone to mind their own business.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
상관마 is a very blunt and aggressive form. For a more standard informal approach, use 상관하지 마. If you wish to be polite, you can use 상관 마세요 (sang-gwan ma-se-yo), which adds the particle -세요 to the verb stem. However, even this polite version still carries a strong tone of dismissal.
How do you pronounce it?
sang-gwan-ma
Did you know?
- While 상관마 is a command to stop interfering, 신경 쓰지 마 literally tells the listener not to use their 'nerves' or 'neural energy' on the matter.
- The concept of 'minding one's business' in Korea is closely tied to the social boundary of nunchi, where knowing when not to ask questions is a vital social skill.
- The word 상관 also means 'superior' or 'boss' in a professional hierarchy, which is the same root used for 'interference'.
Example conversation
Minji is hiding a gift and Jihun is asking about it.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그게 뭐야? 보여줘.geuge mwoya? boyeojwo.What is that? Show me.
- 민지 Min-ji상관마. 내 거야.sanggwanma. nae geoya.Mind your business. It's mine.
- 지훈 Ji-hun왜 이렇게 화를 내?wae ireoke hwareul nae?Why are you getting so angry?
- 민지 Min-ji그냥 상관마라고 했잖아.geunyang sanggwanmarago haetjana.I told you to just mind your business.
