짱
jjang
The Korean word for "super" is 짱 (jjang).
짱 is used to express that something is "super," "the best," or "awesome."
Meaning: better than usual (adj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
짱 is an informal and trendy word used by younger Koreans to express "super" or "the best." The word 짱 is used in an informal, slangy way to mean 'the best' or 'awesome'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'It is the best' or 'You are the best' in a casual way, you add the verb 이다 to make 짱이다.
How do you pronounce it?
jjang
Did you know?
- The term 짱 can be used as a noun to refer to a 'leader' or 'kingpin' of a group, such as a school bully or a gang leader. It transitioned from a title of authority to a general exclamation of excellence.
- One theory suggests 짱 is a nativised version of the Sino-Korean word 장, meaning 'head' or 'chief'.
- In the 1990s, the term 짱 was heavily associated with 'Iljin', a term for delinquent students. This gives the word a slightly rebellious or 'tough' historical flavor.
Examples in context
- 그 영화는 아주 재미있다.That movie is super fun.
- 그녀는 굉장히 잘 노래한다.She sings super well.
- 오늘 날씨 완전히 좋다.The weather today is super good.
- 이 신발 짱 예뻐!These shoes are super pretty!
- 오늘 기분 짱이야!oneul gibun jjang-iya!I feel super great today!
- 이 영화 진짜 짱이야.i yeonghwa jinja jjang-iya.This movie is super good.
- 그 음식 맛이 짱이었어.geu eumsik masi jjang-ieosseo.That food tasted super delicious.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are talking about a new restaurant.
- 민준 Min-jun그 식당 어땠어?geu sikdang eottaesseo?How was that restaurant?
- 수빈 Su-bin맛이 짱이었어!masi jjang-ieosseo!The taste was super good!
- 민준 Min-jun진짜? 나도 가보고 싶다.jinjja? nado gabogo sipda.Really? I want to go too.
- 수빈 Su-bin다음에 꼭 같이 가자.daeume kkok gachi gaja.Let's definitely go together next time.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 짱, CC BY-SA 4.0.
