내 스타일
nae seutail
The English phrase "my type" can be translated into Korean as 내 스타일 (nae seutail).
In Korean, 내 스타일 is used colloquially to describe a person or a specific look that matches your personal preferences. When you want to say "You are my type" or "It is my style" in a complete sentence, you typically add the verb 이야 to the end to form 내 스타일이야.
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is a loanword construction. The part 내 (nae) means "my" and 스타일 (seutail) is the phonetic transliteration of the English word "style".
Which one should you use?
While 내 스타일 is used colloquially to express that someone is your type, the standard and more formal noun for one's "ideal type" is 이상형. Additionally, if you want to speak about your tastes or preferences more broadly, you can use 내 취향 or the polite version 저의 취향.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For polite or formal settings, you should use 제 스타일이에요 instead. If you are referring to your general tastes or preferences, 저의 취향 is the polite option, whereas 내 취향 is the informal version.
How do you pronounce it?
nae seutail
Did you know?
- The word 내 used in 내 스타일 was once the general Korean word for 'smoke', but it was eventually replaced by the Sino-Korean term 연기 because 내 had too many homophones.
- In South Korean variety shows and dating programs, guests often list their 이상형 as a set of very specific requirements, sometimes including a specific blood type or height, rather than just a general vibe.
- In Korea, asking about someone's 이상형 is a common social icebreaker used to subtly flirt or gauge if two people are compatible.
Examples in context
- 내 취향은 댄스 음악이야.My taste is dance music.
- 그는 정말 내 스타일이야.geuneun jeongmal nae seutail-iya.He is really my type.
- 완전 내 스타일인 사람을 만났어.wanjeon nae seutail-in saram-eul mannasseo.I met someone who is totally my type.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new colleague at work.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo새로 온 직원이 내 스타일이야.saero on jigwoni nae seutail-iya.The new employee is my type.
- 민지 Min-ji정말? 어떤 점이 좋아?jeongmal? eotteon jeomi joa?Really? What do you like about him?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo성격이 정말 내 스타일이야.seonggyeogi jeongmal nae seutail-iya.His personality is totally my type.
- 민지 Min-ji그럼 잘해봐, 현우야.geureom jalhaebwa, Hyeon-u-ya.Then go for it, Hyeon-u.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 내, CC BY-SA 4.0.
