정상
jeongsang[ˈt͡ɕɘ(ː)ŋsʰa̠ŋ]
The English word "normal" can be translated into Korean as 정상 (jeongsang).
정상 is used to represent the standard, usual or normal state of things.
Meaning: usual, ordinary (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 정상 is a noun meaning "normalcy" or "the normal state", if you want to use a descriptive adjective to say something is "normal" or "regular", you should use 정상적. For a mathematical context meaning a line perpendicular to another, the word 법선 is used instead.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
정상 functions as a noun, whereas 정상적 is the adjective form used for more descriptive purposes.
How do you pronounce it?
jeongsang
Did you know?
- Because 정상 also means 'summit', it is frequently used in Korean news to describe 'summit meetings' between world leaders, known as 정상회담.
- The same pronunciation 정상 can mean both 'normalcy' and 'mountain peak'.
- While 정상 covers the 'standard' state, Koreans often use the word 평범 to describe a 'normal' or 'ordinary' person in a social sense.
Examples in context
- 모든 것이 정상이야.Everything's normal.This sentence is useful for showing how to say everything is in a normal state using 정상.Tatoeba #8361487 by Eunhee, translation #2111846 by CK
- 톰의 맥박은 정상이야.Tom's pulse is normal.This sentence shows how to describe a medical value like a pulse as being within the normal range using 정상.Tatoeba #8366710 by Eunhee, translation #3319233 by CK
- 상황은 정상입니다.The situation is normal.
- 긴 하루 끝에 피곤한 건 정상입니다.It's normal to feel tired after a long day.
- 그는 평범한 사람이에요.He is an ordinary person.
- 이것은 정상적인 상태입니다.igeoseun jeongsangjeogin sangtaeimnida.This is a normal state.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are checking a computer screen.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo화면이 왜 이래?hwamyeoni wae irae?Why does the screen look like this?
- 민지 Min-ji지금은 정상 상태야.jigeumeun jeongsang sangtaeya.It is in a normal state now.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말? 다행이다.jeongmal? dahaeng-ida.Really? That's a relief.
- 민지 Min-ji응, 다시 확인해 봐.eung, dasi hwaginhae bwa.Yes, check it again.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 정상, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 정상, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
