고약한
goyakhan
The English word "nasty" can be translated into Korean as 고약한 (goyakhan).
고약한 is used to describe something that is dirty or filthy. It is frequently used to describe unpleasant smells or tastes, such as in the phrase 고약한 냄새 (a nasty smell). Beyond physical sensations, it can be used figuratively to describe a person's unpleasant or wicked character/temperament, such as in the phrase 고약한 성격 (a nasty personality).
Meaning: dirty, filthy (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form is the adjective 고약하다, while 고약한 is the adjectival form used to modify a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
goyakhan
Did you know?
- The root of 고약하다 is actually linked to the word 'medicine', specifically traditional herbal medicines that were known for having an incredibly bitter or pungent taste.
- Korean has a unique way of describing 'nasty' weather using the word 궂은, which specifically refers to rainy, gloomy, or inclement days rather than general filth.
- Even though it can mean 'nasty' in a moral sense, describing a situation as 고약하다 often feels more like describing an 'unfortunate' or 'awkward' circumstance that is hard to swallow.
Examples in context
- 그 사진은 혐오스러워요That picture is disgusting.
- 끔찍한 날씨Horrible weather
- 그 방은 지저분해That room is dirty.
- 이 국은 맛이 없어This soup tastes terrible.
- 고약한 냄새가 나요.goyakhan naemsaega nayo.There is a nasty smell.
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyun are walking through a narrow alleyway.
- 민지 Min-ji여기 정말 고약한 냄새가 나요.yeogi jeongmal goyakhan naemsaega nayo.There is a really nasty smell here.
- 도현 Do-hyeon맞아요, 진짜 고약하네요.majayo, jinjja goyakhaneyo.You're right, it is truly nasty.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 얼른 여기서 나가요.Dohyun ssi, eolleun yeogiseo nagayo.Dohyun, let's get out of here quickly.
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 민지 씨 말이 맞아요.ne, Minji ssi mari majayo.Yes, you are right, Minji.
