What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is derived from the adjective 아깝다, which literally means to be a waste or to be regrettable because a small margin was missed.
Which one should you use?
While 아까워요 focuses on the feeling of a missed opportunity, other phrases in the pack describe physical or metaphorical proximity. For example, 아주 가까워요 means "very close" and is a polite way to describe being near, while 정말 가까워 means "really close" and 엄청 가까워 means "super close". Additionally, 매우 근접해 있습니다 is a formal way to express proximity.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the sentiment of "so close" or "what a shame," you can use the polite form 아까워요 or the informal form 아까워. You may also use the dictionary form 아깝다 as an exclamation in a neutral or slightly more blunt tone.
How do you pronounce it?
akkawoyo
Did you know?
- While 아까워요 expresses a missed chance, Koreans also use the root 아깝다 to describe an object they are too fond of to throw away or use up. In this context, it means something is 'too precious' to be wasted.
- When someone loses a game by a single point, a Korean speaker might say 한 끗 차이로 아깝다. The phrase 한 끗 refers to the smallest unit of measurement in traditional Korean games, emphasizing the microscopic margin of failure.
- The word 아깝다 is also used when you feel that a beautiful person or a great talent is being 'wasted' because they are not being properly appreciated.
Examples in context
- 우리 회사는 지하철역에 아주 가까워요.Our company is very close to the subway station.
- 트레일은 산과 매우 근접해 있습니다.The trail is so close to the mountains.
- 너랑 나는 정말 가까워.You and I are so close.
- 우리 가족은 엄청 가까워.Our family is super close.
- 정말 아까워요.jeongmal akkawoyo.It's so close.
- 점수가 너무 아까워요.jeomsu-ga neomu akkawoyo.The score was so close.
- 다 이겼는데 너무 아까워요.da igyeonneunde neomu akkawoyo.We almost won, it's such a shame.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Subin are talking about a game Subin almost won.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo수빈 씨, 거의 다 맞혔잖아요.Subin-ssi, geoui da machyeotjanayo.Subin, you almost got them all right.
- 수빈 Su-bin한 문제 차이라서 너무 아까워요.Han munje chairaseo neomu akkawoyo.It was just one question, so it's so close.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 아까워요, 다음에는 꼭 성공할 거예요.Jeongmal akkawoyo, daeum-eneun kkok seonggonghal geoyeyo.It's such a shame, you'll definitely succeed next time.
- 수빈 Su-bin고마워요, 현우 씨.Gomawoyo, Hyunwoo-ssi.Thank you, Hyunwoo.
