Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “thin” in Korean. Whether you are a language enthusiast, traveler, or just curious about the Korean language, this guide will provide you with the essential vocabulary, regional variations, formal and informal expressions, as well as numerous examples. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Thin” in Korean
When it comes to formal expressions, Korean offers several options to convey the meaning of “thin.” Here are some commonly used phrases:
예쁘게 마르다 (Yebbuge Mareda)
This expression translates to “to become thin beautifully” and is often used to describe someone losing weight gracefully. It emphasizes the aesthetic aspect of being thin.
날씬하다 (Nalsshinada)
The word “날씬하다” directly means “to be thin,” and it is a neutral and widely-used term in formal situations. It is often used to describe someone who has a slender and fit physique.
Informal Ways to Say “Thin” in Korean
For informal occasions or casual conversations, you can use the following expressions:
얇다 (Yalda)
A simple and common way to say “thin” in Korean is using the verb “얇다.” This word can describe both objects and people, referring to a slim or slender appearance. It’s commonly used among friends, family, and peers.
마른 (Mareun)
“마른” is an adjective meaning “thin” or “skinny.” It is commonly used to describe someone’s physical appearance and can be used in various informal situations.
Regional Variations
While Korean is primarily spoken in South Korea and North Korea, slight regional variations do exist. Here are a few:
갉다리 (Galtari) – Busan Dialect
In the Busan dialect spoken in the southern regions of South Korea, “갉다리” is a commonly used term to describe someone as being thin. It’s frequently used in casual conversations among locals.
얇짜 (Yaljjah) – Jeolla Dialect
In the Jeolla dialect, spoken in the southwestern regions of South Korea, “얇짜” is used as a casual term for thinness. It conveys a similar meaning to “얇다” but with a regional touch.
Tips and Examples
Polite and Respectful
In formal scenarios, it is crucial to show politeness and respect by using honorific speech. To say someone is a “thin” you can use the following phrases:
그 분은 예쁘게 마르셨어요. (Geu bun-eun yebbuge maresyeosseoyo)
그 분은 날씬하셨어요. (Geu bun-eun nalsshinhasyeosseoyo)
Both expressions highlight the respectful way to acknowledge someone’s weight loss or slender figure.
Casual and Friendly
When speaking casually or with friends, you can use the following expressions:
너 얇아졌어 (Neo yalatyeosseo)
너 완전 마르긴 했네 (Neo wanjeon mareugin haenne)
These phrases showcase the informal and friendly way to comment on someone’s weight loss or overall slimness.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed our comprehensive guide on how to say “thin” in Korean. Now you possess a range of expressions, spanning from formal to informal, allowing you to convey the desired meaning in various situations. Remember to adapt your language choice depending on the formality and the people you are conversing with.
