정말 예쁘다
jeongmal yeppeuda
The phrase 'really pretty' in Korean is 정말 예쁘다 (jeongmal yeppeuda).
This phrase is used to describe something or someone that is very attractive or beautiful. It can be applied to people, typically females, as well as inanimate objects such as flowers or clothes.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 정말, which means 'really' or 'truly' and 예쁘다, which means 'to be pretty'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form 예쁘다 changes depending on the social context of your conversation. In polite conversation, use the form 정말 예뻐요. In casual conversation with friends or people younger than you, the phrase becomes 정말 예뻐.
How do you pronounce it?
jeongmal yeppeuda
Did you know?
- The word 예쁘다 originally meant 'pitiful' or 'to be felt sorry for' in Middle Korean.
- In modern Korean slang, instead of using the adverb 정말, people often use the much more casual and emphatic 진짜 (jin-jja) to say 'really pretty'. While 정말 sounds sincere and standard, 진짜 is what you will most often hear in K-dramas and among teenagers.
- While 예쁘다 is common for women and objects, calling a man 예쁘다 often suggests a 'pretty boy' aesthetic rather than traditional masculinity.
Examples in context
- 언니, 정말 예뻐요.Older sister, you look really beautiful.
- 언니, 진짜 이쁘다!Older sister, you're really pretty!
- 꽃이 정말 예쁘다.kkoci jeongmal yeppeuda.The flowers are really pretty.
- 이 옷 정말 예쁘다!i ot jeongmal yeppeuda!This clothing is really pretty!
- 풍경이 정말 예쁘다.punggyeongi jeongmal yeppeuda.The scenery is really pretty.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hun are looking at a sunset at the park.
- 지은 Ji-eun노을이 정말 예쁘다.noeuri jeongmal yeppeuda.The sunset is really pretty.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아, 정말 예쁘다.maja, jeongmal yeppeuda.You're right, it is really pretty.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈아, 사진 찍어줄까?jihuna, sajin jjigeojulkka?Ji-hun, shall I take a photo for you?
- 지훈 Ji-hun응, 고마워.eung, gomawo.Yes, thanks.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 예쁘다, 정말, CC BY-SA 4.0.
