바보 같은
babo gateun
The English word "silly" can be translated into Korean as 바보 같은 (babo gateun).
The phrase is used to describe someone or something that shows a lack of good sense or wisdom.
Meaning: foolish, showing a lack of good sense and wisdom (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 바보 (babo), meaning "fool" and 같은 (gateun), meaning "like" or "resembling".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 바보 같은 is an adjectival phrase used to modify a noun directly, such as in the phrase 바보 같은 행동 (silly behavior).
How do you pronounce it?
babo gateun
Did you know?
- One theory suggests 바보 could be linked to the Chinese term for 'eight months', implying the person was a premature baby.
- The suffix -보 in 바보 is used to create nouns for people with specific traits, such as 먹보 for a glutton or 울보 for a crybaby.
- In Korean pop culture and music, the 'pure-hearted fool' trope often uses 바보 to describe someone who is too honest or naive to play social games.
Examples in context
- 그녀가 그런 말을 믿었어요. 그녀는 어리석은 사람이었어요.She believed those words. She was a silly person.
- 바보 같은 실수였어요.babo gateun silsu-yeosseoyo.It was a silly mistake.
- 그 질문은 너무 바보 같은 것 같아요.geu jilmun-eun neomu babo gateun geot gat-ayo.That question seems so silly.
- 바보 같은 생각을 하지 마.babo gateun saenggak-eul haji ma.Don't have silly thoughts.
Example conversation
Jieun and Jihun are talking about a mistake Jihun made at work.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨, 무슨 일이에요?Jihun ssi, museun il-ieyo?Jihun, what's the matter?
- 지훈 Ji-hun바보 같은 실수를 했어요.babo gateun silsu-reul haesseoyo.I made a silly mistake.
- 지은 Ji-eun너무 걱정하지 마세요.neomu geokjeong-haji mase-seyo.Don't worry too much.
- 지훈 Ji-hun고마워요, 지은 씨.gomawoyo, Jieun ssi.Thank you, Jieun.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 같은, 바보, CC BY-SA 4.0.
