너무 아름다워요
neomu areumdawoyo
The Korean phrase for "so beautiful" is 너무 아름다워요 (neomu areumdawoyo).
This phrase is used to express that someone or something is very attractive or aesthetically pleasing. While 아름답다 can describe people, it is most commonly used for scenery, art or abstract concepts like a beautiful soul or a beautiful melody.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 너무 (so/too much) and 아름다워요 (is beautiful).
Which one should you use?
Use 예뻐요 (pretty) for more casual, everyday beauty (like a person's face or a cute object), whereas 아름다워요 (beautiful) carries a more profound, aesthetic or grand weight.
How does it change in a sentence?
Using the -습니다 ending makes the phrase 너무 아름답습니다 highly formal and polite, suitable for speeches or formal presentations.
How do you pronounce it?
neomu areumdawoyo
Did you know?
- The word 아름답다 is thought by some linguists to be related to the word 알음, which refers to 'knowledge' or 'understanding'.
- Because 너무 historically meant 'excessively' in a way that was often negative, some strict grammar enthusiasts once discouraged its use as a positive intensifier.
- The root of the word 'too much' in this phrase, 넘다, is the same verb used to describe 'crossing' a boundary or a river.
Examples in context
- 이 옷 정말 너무 예뻐.This outfit is so beautiful.
- 노을이 너무 아름다워요.no-eul-i neo-mu a-reum-da-wo-yo.The sunset is so beautiful.
- 이 꽃은 너무 아름다워요.i kkot-eun neo-mu a-reum-da-wo-yo.This flower is so beautiful.
- 풍경이 너무 아름다워요.pung-gyeong-i neo-mu a-reum-da-wo-yo.The scenery is so beautiful.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이 그림은 너무 아름다워요.i geu-rim-eun neo-mu a-reum-da-wo-yo.This painting is so beautiful.
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아요, 정말 멋지네요.ma-ja-yo, jeong-mal meot-ji-ne-yo.You're right, it's really wonderful.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨도 그렇게 생각해요?Ji-eun ssi-do geu-reok-ke saeng-gak-hae-yo?Do you think so too, Jieun?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 정말 마음에 들어요.ne, jeong-mal ma-eum-e deul-eo-yo.Yes, I really like it.
