멋있다
meositda[mʌ̹ɕʰit̚t͈a̠]
The phrase for "someone is cool" in Korean is 멋있다 (meositda).
멋있다 is used to describe someone's outward appearance, style or a person's impressive/cool demeanor.
Which one should you use?
The expression 대박 is used among the younger generation to describe something or someone as awesome or cool.
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite form 멋있어요 is used when speaking to people you are not close with or who are older than you. The casual form 멋있어 is used with close friends or people younger than you. The formal form 멋있습니다 is used in very professional settings or public speeches.
How do you pronounce it?
meositda
Did you know?
- The word 멋있다 looks almost identical to the word for 'delicious', which is 맛있다. Only one syllable differs, making it easy to confuse the two in writing or speech if you are not careful.
- Giving a compliment like 멋있어요 to a senior can be risky because it may sound like you are evaluating their appearance rather than showing respect.
- The concept of 멋 is viewed as something a person actively cultivates through their taste and attitude, unlike beauty which is often seen as innate.
Examples in context
- 그는 업무적으로도 멋진 모습을 보여준다.He shows a cool presence even professionally.
- 오늘 너 진짜 멋있다.You look really cool today.
- 이번 공연에서 너의 댄스 실력 정말 멋있었어.Your dancing skills were amazing in this performance.
- 너 오늘 자전거 스턴트할 때 정말 대박이었어!You were amazing doing bike stunts today!
- 그 배우는 정말 멋있다.geu bae-u-neun jeong-mal meos-it-da.That actor is really cool.
- 새 옷을 입은 모습이 멋있다.sae ot-eul ib-eun mo-seub-i meos-it-da.The look in the new clothes is cool.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are looking at a photo of a famous actor.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 이 배우 정말 멋있다!Minjun ssi, i baeu jeongmal meositda!Minjun, this actor is really cool!
- 민준 Min-jun맞아요. 정말 멋있어요.majayo. jeongmal meosisseoyo.You're right. He is very cool.
- 수빈 Su-bin옷 입는 스타일도 멋있다.ot imneun seuta-ildo meositda.The way he dresses is cool too.
- 민준 Min-jun저도 그렇게 생각해요.jeodo geureoke saenggakhaeyo.I think so too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 멋있다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 멋있다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
