너무 잘생겼다
neomu jalsaenggyeotda
The English phrase "so handsome" is translated into Korean as 너무 잘생겼다 (neomu jalsaenggyeotda).
This phrase is used specifically for people (usually men) and is not used to describe inanimate objects or scenery.
Which one should you use?
The forms provided vary by level of formality and nuance. For a more emphasized or different nuance of coolness, you might use 진짜 멋있어 (really cool) or 아주 멋지시네요 (you look very handsome). In casual settings, 엄청 잘 생겼어 means 'you look incredibly handsome'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual speech with friends or younger people, you can use the plain form 너무 잘생겼어.
How do you pronounce it?
neomu jalsaenggyeotda
Did you know?
- In Korean pop culture, the term 얼굴 천재 or 'face genius' is used as a superlative for men who are 너무 잘생겼다.
- The word 너무 was originally used to mean 'too much' in a negative or excessive sense, such as 'too much salt'. In recent decades, however, it has become perfectly acceptable in everyday speech to use it as an intensifier for positive qualities like being 'so handsome'.
- The verb part of the phrase, 생겼다, literally translates to 'has come into existence' or 'has appeared'. When you say someone is 'handsome', you are essentially saying that certain features have 'appeared' or 'formed' on their face.
Examples in context
- 진짜 멋있어! 너무 잘 생겼어!You look really cool! You're so handsome!
- 그 배우는 너무 잘생겼다.geu baeuneun neomu jalsaenggyeotda.That actor is so handsome.
- 내 친구는 진짜 너무 잘생겼다.nae chinguneun jinjja neomu jalsaenggyeotda.My friend is really so handsome.
- 사진 속의 그 남자는 너무 잘생겼다.sajin sogui geu namjaneun neomu jalsaenggyeotda.The man in the photo is so handsome.
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are looking at a celebrity photo on a phone.
- 민지 Min-ji이 모델 정말 너무 잘생겼다!i model jeongmal neomu jalsaenggyeotda!This model is so handsome!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그래, 진짜 잘생긴 것 같아.geurae, jinjja jalsaenggin geot gata.Yeah, I think he is really handsome.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 너도 스타일이 괜찮아.hyunwoo neodo seutairi gwaenchana.Hyunwoo, your style is good too.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo고마워, 민지야.gomawo, minjiya.Thanks, Minji.
