Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 똑똑하다 | ttokttokhada | [t͈o̞k̚t͈o̞kʰa̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 영리하다 | yeongnihada | [ˈjɘ(ː)ŋniɦa̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 머리가 좋다 | meoriga jota | ||
| 령리하다 | ryeongnihada | North Korea |
The primary way to describe someone as smart is to use terms that imply intellectual knowledge. Depending on the nuance, you might describe someone as generally smart, quick-witted and resourceful or possessing high intelligence.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 머리가 좋다 is an idiomatic way to describe intelligence and literally means 'the head is good'.
Which one should you use?
While 똑똑하다 is a general term for being smart, 영리하다 often carries the nuance of being 'clever' or 'shrewd', suggesting a sense of resourcefulness or quick-wittedness.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The spelling 령리하다 is the North Korean orthography for 영리하다.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form 똑똑하다 changes depending on your relationship with the listener. In casual speech with friends or younger people, use the informal form 똑똑해. To speak politely to someone you are not close with, use the polite form 똑똑해요.
How do you pronounce it?
ttokttokhada
Did you know?
- The word 똑똑하다 is an onomatopoeic-based adjective. Its root 똑똑 mimics the sound of a clear, sharp knock, reflecting the 'sharpness' of a smart mind.
- The word 영리하다 is a homonym with two different meanings. While one version means 'smart' or 'clever', another version means 'to make a profit' or 'to be for-profit'.
- When describing a child as 영리하다, it often suggests they are 'precocious' or 'shrewd' rather than just academically smart. This can sometimes imply the child is too clever for their own good.
Examples in context
- 너 똑똑하다.You're smart.This example shows how to say 'You're smart' using 똑똑하다.Tatoeba #2656053 by KoreanBeaver, translation #2203371 by CK
- 그 사람은 지적인 사람입니다.That person is a smart individual.
- 그 어린이는 똑똑한 아이입니다.That child is a smart kid.
- 너는 정말 영리한 학생이야.You are a really smart student.
- 그는 정말 똑똑하다.geuneun jeongmal ttokttokhada.He is really smart.
- 우리 언니는 아주 똑똑하다.uri eonnineun aju ttokttokhada.My older sister is very smart.
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are talking about a classmate.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨는 정말 똑똑하다.Jihun ssi-neun jeongmal ttokttokhada.Jihun, you are really smart.
- 지훈 Ji-hun아니에요, 수빈 씨가 더 똑똑해요.anieyo, Subin ssi-ga deo ttokttokhaeyo.No, Subin, you are smarter.
- 수빈 Su-bin칭찬 고마워요.chingchan gomawoyo.Thanks for the compliment.
- 지훈 Ji-hun별말씀을요.byeolmassseumeulyo.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smart” translations and entries 똑똑하다, 영리하다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 똑똑하다, 영리하다, 좋다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
