이상하다
isanghada[ˈi(ː)sʰa̠ŋɦa̠da̠]
The English word 'strange' can be translated into Korean using several terms depending on the context, with 이상하다 (isanghada) being the default form. Wiktionary also lists 낯설다 (natseolda).
Meaning: not normal (adj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 이상하다 | isanghada | [ˈi(ː)sʰa̠ŋɦa̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 낯설다 | natseolda | [na̠ss͈ʌ̹ɭda̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
이상하다 is used when something is weird, suspicious or deviates from the norm. It is also a common way to describe feeling physically unwell or that something is wrong with one's body.
Which one should you use?
While 이상하다 describes something that is weird or abnormal, 낯설다 is used specifically when something feels 'strange' because it is unfamiliar or new to you, such as a person or a place.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 이상하다 changes based on the level of politeness: 이상해 is the informal or casual version, while 이상해요 is the polite or standard version.
How do you pronounce it?
isanghada
Did you know?
- The root of 이상하다 is based on Hanja, the traditional Chinese characters used in Korean, specifically 異 for 'different' and 常 for 'normal'.
- The term 낯설다 is rooted in the word 낯, which means 'face'.
- In certain contexts, 이상하다 can be used to describe a flavor that is 'off' or spoiled, even if the food does not smell bad.
Examples in context
- 그 사람은 이상하다고 생각합니다.I think he is strange.This sentence is useful for expressing an opinion about someone being strange using 이상하다.Tatoeba #6304348 by Queserasera, translation #6829693 by yesjustryan
- 몸이 이상하다. 오늘은 좀 쉬어야겠다.I feel strange. I'm going to have to take a break today.This sentence shows how to use 이상하다 to describe feeling physically unwell.
- 다른건 다 맞는데 이거 하나만 맞지 않아서 뭔가 이상하다.This is strange because everything else is right except for this one.This sentence illustrates using 이상하다 to point out that something is not quite right.
- 이 영화는 기이하다.This movie is strange.
- 너 오늘 왜 이상해 보여?Why do you look strange today?
- 그 집의 분위기가 괴상해.The atmosphere of that house is weird.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are looking at a weird-looking painting in a gallery.
- 수빈 Su-bin이 그림 정말 이상하다.i geurim jeongmal isanghada.This painting is really strange.
- 민준 Min-jun맞아요. 색깔이 너무 특이해요.majayo. saekkkari neomu teugihayeyo.You're right. The colors are very unusual.
- 수빈 Su-bin왜 이런 그림을 그렸을까요?wae ireon geurimeul geuryeosseulkkayo?I wonder why they painted it like this?
- 민준 Min-jun예술이라서 그런 것 같아요.yesuriraseo geureon geot gatayo.I think it's because it's art.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strange” translations and entries 이상하다, 낯설다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
