Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to express the word “really” in South Korean! This versatile term can be used to convey intensity, emphasize a point, or express surprise. Like in any language, there are various ways to express “really” in South Korean, depending on formality and context. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways and provide you with tips, examples, and even a few regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Really”
When you want to express “really” in a formal context, there are a few useful phrases you can use:
정말로 (jeongmallo) – This is the most straightforward and commonly used word for “really” in formal Korean. It can be used in various situations and carries a sense of sincerity and truthfulness.
Let’s see some examples:
정말로 친절하시네요. (Jeongmallo chinjeolhasineyo) – You are really kind.
그거 정말로 믿을 만한 얘기예요. (Geugeo jeongmallo mideul manhan yaegiyeoyo) – That’s a really believable story.
Another formal way to express “really” is:
참 (cham) – This word conveys a sense of sincerity and is often used to mean “really” or “truly” in formal settings.
Here are a few examples:
참 멋있게 생겼네요. (Cham meositge saenggyeossneyo) – You really look cool.
이 음식은 참 맛있어요. (I eumsigeun cham masisseoyo) – This food is really delicious.
Informal Ways to Say “Really”
When you’re speaking informally in South Korean, you have some additional options to express “really.” Here are a few commonly used phrases:
진짜 (jinjja) – This is one of the most commonly used words for “really” in informal Korean. It can be used in a wide range of situations and is often used casually among friends.
Let’s look at some examples:
진짜 재미있네요! (Jinjja jaemiissneyo) – It’s really fun!
오늘 날씨 진짜 좋아요. (Oneul nalssi jinjja johayo) – The weather is really nice today.
Another informal way to say “really” is:
엄청 (eomcheong) – This word is often used to emphasize the degree or intensity of something. It can mean “really,” “very,” or “extremely.”
Here are a few examples:
그 영화 엄청 재밌었어. (Geu yeonghwa eomcheong jaemitseosseo) – That movie was really entertaining.
그녀랑 엄청 친한가봐. (Geunyeorang eomcheong chinhangabwa) – He’s really close with her.
Regional Variations
While the expressions mentioned above are widely used throughout South Korea, there can be slight regional variations. Here is a regional variation of “really” you might encounter:
진짜로 (jinjjaro) – This phrase is popular in some regions of South Korea, adding the suffix “-로 (ro)” for emphasis.
For instance:
진짜로 아파요. (Jinjjaro apayo) – It really hurts.
우리 집은 진짜로 크다. (Uri jibeun jinjjaro keuda) – Our house is really big.
Remember, these regional variations may not be used or understood by everyone, so it’s best to stick to the commonly used expressions mentioned earlier.
Tips and Usage
Here are a few tips and additional usage examples to help you use “really” effectively in South Korean:
- Pay attention to formalities: In South Korean society, maintaining appropriate levels of formality is important. When speaking to someone older or in a formal setting, it’s best to use the formal expressions mentioned above.
- Context matters: The way you emphasize or convey intensity with “really” may change depending on the context. Make sure to adapt your choice of expression to suit the situation.
- Practice intonation: Just like in English, changing your intonation can help convey different meanings even when using the same word. Experiment with your tone to express surprise, doubt, or enthusiasm when using “really.”
- Listen and learn: When interacting with native South Korean speakers, pay attention to how they use “really” in conversations. This will help you gain a better understanding and improve your own usage over time.
Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “really” in South Korean, take the opportunity to practice and incorporate these expressions into your conversations. Learning how to emphasize and add intensity to your statements will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in any situation. Keep practicing and enjoy your language journey!
