아 맞다
a matda
The English phrase "oh right" can be translated into Korean as 아 맞다 (a matda).
아 맞다 is an exclamation used during a sudden realization or a "eureka" moment. It is specifically used when a forgotten fact or task suddenly enters your mind.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the interjection 아 (ah) and the verb 맞다 (to be right/correct).
Which one should you use?
While 아 맞다 is used for a sudden realization, the phrase 알았어 can also mean "oh right" in the sense of "got it."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
아 맞다 is an informal expression and should only be used with friends or people younger than you. If you want to say "oh, that's right" politely to strangers or superiors, you should use the polite form 아, 맞아요.
How do you pronounce it?
a matda
Did you know?
- The word 맞다 in 아 맞다 comes from a native Korean verb meaning 'to be correct', which shares the same root as the word for 'hitting' or 'striking' a target.
- In historical texts like the 1447 'Seokbo sangjeol', the verb 맞다 was already documented, showing that this way of expressing correctness has remained stable for centuries.
- In Korean, 맞다 can be used to describe an answer that is correct, but also a person who is 'matched' or a pair that fits together.
Examples in context
- 아 맞다, 가스 불 껐나?a matda, gaseu bul kkeonna?Oh right, did I turn off the gas stove?
- 아 맞다, 오늘 약속 있었지!a matda, oneul yaksok isseotji!Oh right, I had an appointment today!
- 아 맞다, 우산 가져와야 돼.a matda, usan gajyeowaya dwae.Oh right, I need to bring my umbrella.
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are leaving the house to meet friends.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 준비 다 됐어요?Dohyun ssi, junbi da dwaesseoyo?Dohyun, are you all ready?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 다 됐어요. 출발할까요?ne, da dwaesseoyo. chulbalhalkkayo?Yes, I'm ready. Shall we go?
- 수빈 Su-bin아 맞다, 제 지갑을 두고 왔어요!a matda, je jigabeul dugo wasseoyo!Oh right, I left my wallet behind!
- 도현 Do-hyeon빨리 다시 들어가서 가져와요.ppalli dasi deureogaseo gajyowayo.Go back in quickly and get it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 맞다, 아, CC BY-SA 4.0.
