못생긴
motsaenggin
The English phrase "pangit" can be translated to Korean as 못생긴 (motsaenggin).
못생긴 is used to describe someone or something that is not physically attractive.
Which one should you use?
The term 추한 can be used to describe something as "ugly" in a formal context.
How do you pronounce it?
motsaenggin
Did you know?
- The word 못생기다 is composed of the adverb 못 meaning 'cannot' and the verb 생기다 meaning 'to arise' or 'to be formed', literally suggesting someone was 'not formed well'.
- In modern Korean internet slang, the word 빻았다 is used as a harsh way to call someone or something 'ugly'. While it literally means 'is crushed' or 'is ground', it is used aggressively to describe physical features.
- If you want to be more indirect or polite when discussing looks, Koreans might avoid 못생긴 and instead use the phrase 매력 없다, which literally means 'to lack charm'.
Examples in context
- 못생긴 캐릭터예요.motsaenggin kaerikteoyeyo.It is an ugly character.
- 그 영화 속 주인공은 너무 못생긴 것 같아요.geu yeonghwa sok juingungeun neomu motsaenggin geot gatayo.I think the main character in that movie is so ugly.
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are talking about a cartoon character.
- 민준 Min-jun민지야, 저 캐릭터 진짜 못생긴 것 같지 않아?Minjiya, jeo kaerikteo jinja motsaenggin geot gatji ana?Minji, don't you think that character is really ugly?
- 민지 Min-ji응, 조금 못생겼지만 귀여워.Eung, jogeum motsaenggyeotjiman gwiyeowo.Yeah, he's a bit ugly, but he's cute.
- 민준 Min-jun나는 못생긴 캐릭터는 별로야.Naneun motsaenggin kaerikteoneun byeolloya.I'm not really a fan of ugly characters.
- 민지 Min-ji취향이 참 확고하네, 민준아.Chwihyangi cham hwakgohane, Minjuna.You certainly have strong preferences, Minjun.
