예쁜 여자
yeppeun yeoja
The English phrase "pretty lady" is translated into Korean as 예쁜 여자 (yeppeun yeoja).
The phrase is used to describe a woman who is physically attractive. However, it is a descriptive phrase rather than a way to address someone directly. In Korean, calling a stranger 예쁜 여자 to their face would sound unnatural and objectifying. The phrase is more commonly used when talking about a third person.
What does it mean word for word?
예쁜 is the modified form of the adjective meaning "pretty", and 여자 is the noun for "woman".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective 예쁘다 (to be pretty) changes to the form 예쁜 when it is used to modify a noun such as 여자 (woman).
How do you pronounce it?
yeppeun yeoja
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 예쁜 여자 to address a woman directly, as this sounds objectifying.
Did you know?
- The concept of 'pretty' can be much more nuanced in Korean culture, where the term 귀엽다 (to be cute) is frequently used for adult women in a way that might seem patronizing in English.
- To avoid the objectifying tone mentioned on this page, Koreans often use the term 언니 (older sister) or 누나 (older brother's version of sister) when addressing women of similar or slightly older age, even if they aren't related.
- The word 여자 uses the character 子, which literally means 'child' or 'offspring'. In this context, it acts as a noun-forming suffix rather than implying the woman is a child.
Examples in context
- 오늘 회의에 참석한 예쁜 여자분은 누구세요?Who is the beautiful lady attending today's meeting?
- 내 여친은 정말 예쁜 여자야!My girlfriend is really a pretty lady!
- 그녀는 정말 예쁜 여자예요.geunyeoneun jeongmal yeppeun yeojayeyo.She is a really pretty lady.
- 예쁜 여자를 좋아해요.yeppeun yeojareul joahaeyo.I like pretty ladies.
- 저기 예쁜 여자가 지나가요.jeogi yeppeun yeojaga jinagayo.A pretty lady is passing by over there.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Subin are walking through a crowded park.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo와, 저기 예쁜 여자다!wa, jeogi yeppeun yeojada!Wow, look at that pretty lady!
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨, 정말 너무하시네요.Hyunwoo ssi, jeongmal neomuhashineyo.Hyunwoo, you are really too much.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo사실을 말한 것뿐이에요.sasireul malhan geotppunieyo.I was just stating the fact.
- 수빈 Su-bin앞만 보고 빨리 가세요.apman bogo ppalli gaseyo.Just look ahead and walk quickly.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 여자, CC BY-SA 4.0.
