너무 멋지다
neomu meotjida
The English phrase "so cool" is expressed in Korean as 너무 멋지다 (neomu meotjida).
The phrase is used to express that something is very cool or stylish. In modern colloquial Korean, the word 너무 is used positively to mean "so" or "very", even though it traditionally carried a negative sense of meaning "too much". You can also use slang to express this: 짱 can mean "the best" or "awesome", and adding it before a verb can intensify a phrase. Similarly, the slang term 개 translates to "super" and can be added to enhance the meaning of a phrase to "so cool".
What does it mean word for word?
너무 멋지다 is composed of 너무 (neomu), meaning "too much" or "so" and 멋지다 (meotjida), meaning "to be cool" or "to be stylish".
Which one should you use?
While 멋지다 often refers to a stylish appearance or a grand and impressive scene, 멋있다 is more frequently used to describe a person as being "cool" or "attractive". In slang, you can use 짱 멋있다 to say "so cool" or 개 멋있다 to enhance the meaning to "so cool".
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this phrase in a polite, standard social setting, you should change the dictionary form 멋지다 to 멋져요. In casual speech with friends, 너무 멋있어 is a very common way to say "so cool" or "so handsome".
How do you pronounce it?
neomu meotjida
Did you know?
- If you want to say someone is 'so cool' using extreme slang, you might add the word 개 before the adjective. While it literally translates to 'dog', in this context it functions like the English word 'super' or 'freaking'.
- The term 짱 used in 짱 멋있다 was originally used to refer to the 'boss' or the head of a group. It evolved into a general term for 'the best' or 'top tier'.
- The root of 멋지다 is the word 멋, which refers to a certain 'spirit' or 'inner charm'. It suggests that being 'cool' is about more than just outward appearance, but an internal essence.
Examples in context
- 그의 스타일은 정말로 멋있습니다.His style is really cool.
- 그 영화는 정말로 훌륭합니다.That movie is really cool/excellent.
- 오늘 너 진짜 짱 멋있다!Today you look really cool/awesome!
- 시간을 벌었다니, 그거 개 멋있다!You saved time? That's so cool!
- 그 차 너무 멋지다.geu cha neomu meotjida.That car is so cool.
- 네 옷 너무 멋지다!ne ot neomu meotjida!Your clothes are so cool!
- 그 영화 정말 너무 멋지다.geu yeonghwa jeongmal neomu meotjida.That movie is really so cool.
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are looking at a street performer's dance.
- 민준 Min-jun와, 저 춤 너무 멋지다!wa, jeo chum neomu meotjida!Wow, that dance is so cool!
- 서연 Seo-yeon맞아, 민준아. 정말 대단해.maja, minjun-a. jeongmal daedanhae.Right, Minjun. It is truly amazing.
- 민준 Min-jun서연이 너도 저렇게 추고 싶어?seoyeon-i neodo jeoreoke chugo sipeo?Seoyeon, do you want to dance like that too?
- 서연 Seo-yeon아니, 나는 그냥 구경할래.ani, naneun geunyang gugyeolhalrae.No, I just want to watch.
