아이 진짜
ai jinjja
The phrase "oh come on" in Korean is translated as 아이 진짜 (ai jinjja).
아이 진짜 is used to express exasperation, disbelief or annoyance, serving a similar function to saying "Oh, seriously?" or "Oh, come on!" in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the interjection 아이, which is an exclamation of frustration and 진짜, which means "really" or "seriously".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
아이 진짜 is an informal expression and should be avoided when speaking to superiors or in formal settings. For a formal way to say "oh come on", you can use 제발요.
How do you pronounce it?
ai jinjja
Did you know?
- While 아이 진짜 is used for frustration, the word 아이 is also the standard Korean word for 'child'.
- Depending on the intonation, 진짜 can flip from meaning 'oh come on' to 'really?' as a genuine question or 'wow' as an expression of awe.
- Although it sounds like a simple modern sound, the second syllable of the ancient version of 아이 is linked to the Middle Chinese word for 'child'.
Examples in context
- 제발요, 그렇게 말씀하시면 부끄럽습니다.Oh come on, if you say that, I feel embarrassed.
- 아이 진짜, 또 늦었어?ai jinja, tto neujeosseo?Oh come on, are you late again?
- 아이 진짜, 너무해!ai jinja, neomuhae!Oh come on, that's too much!
- 아이 진짜, 그만 좀 해.ai jinja, geuman jom hae.Oh come on, stop it.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo is trying to play a game while Minji keeps teasing him.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아이 진짜, 방해하지 마.ai jinja, banghaehaji ma.Oh come on, don't disturb me.
- 민지 Min-ji현우야, 너 너무 진심이야.Hyunwoo-ya, neo neomu jinsim-iya.Hyunwoo, you are taking this too seriously.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아이 진짜, 이번 판은 중요해.ai jinja, ibeon paneun jung-yohae.Oh come on, this round is important.
- 민지 Min-ji그냥 한 판만 하고 쉬자.geunyang han pan-man hago swija.Let's just play one more round and rest.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아이, 진짜, CC BY-SA 4.0.
