깜짝이야
kkamjjagiya
The English phrase "scared me" can be expressed in Korean as 깜짝이야 (kkamjjagiya).
This phrase is used as an interjection immediately after a sudden noise or movement causes a physical startle response.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
깜짝이야 is informal and should be used with friends or people younger than you, rather than in formal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
kkamjjagiya
Did you know?
- If you are startled by someone you are not close with, you might instinctively say 깜짝이야 and then quickly apologize for using informal language, as the shock overrides social hierarchy for a split second.
- In Korean, you can use 깜짝 as a modifier to describe a 'surprise party' or 'surprise gift' using the term 깜짝 선물.
- While 깜짝이야 describes the shock, Koreans use the phrase 심장이 떨어질 뻔했다 to describe the physical sensation of the heart 'almost falling out' from a fright.
Examples in context
- 우리 친구들이 무시무시하게 나를 놀라게 했어.Our friends scared me in a creepy way.
- 깜짝이야! 진짜 놀랐잖아.kkam-jjak-i-ya! jin-jja nol-lat-ja-na.Scared me! You really startled me.
- 아, 깜짝이야. 갑자기 나타나면 어떡해?a, kkam-jjak-i-ya. gap-ja-gi na-ta-na-myeon eo-tteok-hae?Ah, scared me. What are you doing appearing so suddenly?
- 깜짝이야! 소리 좀 지르지 마.kkam-jjak-i-ya! so-ri jom ji-reu-ji ma.Scared me! Don't shout like that.
Example conversation
Dohyeon is reading a book when Jieun sneaks up behind him.
- 도현 Do-hyeon깜짝이야! 지은아, 놀랐잖아.kkamjjak-iya! jieun-a, nollatjana.You scared me! Jieun, you startled me.
- 지은 Ji-eun미안해, 도현아. 일부러 그랬어.mianhae, dohyun-a. ilbureo geuraesseo.Sorry, Dohyeon. I did it on purpose.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 너무 놀랐어.jeongmal neomu nollasseo.I was really so surprised.
- 지은 Ji-eun반응이 정말 재미있다!baneungi jeongmal jaemiitda!Your reaction is so funny!
