놀란
nollan
The English phrase "surprised" is translated into Korean as 놀란 (nollan).
In Korean, the concept of being surprised is often expressed using the intransitive verb 놀라다 rather than a passive construction.
Meaning: caused to feel surprise (adj)
Which one should you use?
Use 놀란 to describe a person who is feeling surprised, whereas 놀라운 is used to describe a thing or situation that is surprising.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective 놀란 is derived from the verb 놀라다, which means to be surprised or to be startled.
How do you pronounce it?
nollan
Did you know?
- Koreans often use the phrase 깜짝이야 as an instinctive exclamation when surprised. It functions like a reflexive shout rather than a full sentence.
- If you see something surprising in a movie, you might use the slangy exclamation 헐 (heol) instead of the formal adjective 놀라운.
- In Korean, the verb 놀라다 is used for both the internal feeling of surprise and the physical act of being startled. This means the same word describes seeing a magic trick and jumping because a balloon popped.
Examples in context
- 그 여자는 정말 놀란 것 같았다.She seemed to be very surprised.This sentence shows how to describe a person who seems to be in a state of being surprised using 놀란.Tatoeba #1535362 by mysonhs, translation #315708 by marcelostockle
- 고슴도치에 놀란 호랑이 밤송이 보고 절한다.A tiger surprised by a hedgehog will bow before the chestnut burrs.This sentence illustrates a situation where a tiger is surprised by a hedgehog using 놀란.Tatoeba #2655665 by KoreanBeaver, translation #2834010 by 0ni
- 완전 놀랐어!I was completely surprised!
- 놀란 가슴을 진정시키고 있어요.nollan gaseumeul jinjeongsikigo isseoyo.I am calming my surprised heart.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Subin are talking about a sudden noise in the house.
- 도현 Do-hyeon방금 큰 소리에 놀란 거야?banggeum keun sorie nollan geoya?Were you surprised by that loud noise just now?
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 너무 놀란 표정이었지?eung, neomu nollan pyojeongieotji?Yes, did I look really surprised?
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 놀란 것 같았어.jeongmal nollan geot gatasseo.You looked truly surprised.
- 수빈 Su-bin심장이 아직도 두근거려.simjangi ajikdo dugeungeoryeo.My heart is still pounding.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
