좋다
jota[ˈt͡ɕo̞(ː)tʰa̠]
To be good in Korean is expressed by 좋다 (jota).
The word 좋다 means good or to be good. In many contexts, it is used to express that someone finds something pleasant or likes something, rather than just describing a quality.
Which one should you use?
The adjective 좋다 (to be good/pleasant) is often confused with the verb 좋아하다 (to like), which requires an object.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on the level of politeness and the setting. 좋습니다 is the formal form used in professional settings, news broadcasts or when speaking to a large audience. 좋아요 is the polite form used in everyday conversation with people you are not close to or who are older than you. 좋아 is the informal form used with close friends, siblings or people younger than you. You can also use 좋아요? to ask "Is it good?"
How do you pronounce it?
jota
Did you know?
- When a Korean speaker says 좋아요 in response to a suggestion, they are not describing the quality of the idea but rather signaling their agreement or consent.
- The word 좋다 can be used to describe a person's physical appearance, such as having a 'good face', as seen in historical texts from 1103.
- Using the informal 좋아 to a superior or an older person is not just seen as impolite but can be interpreted as a social transgression in traditional settings.
Examples in context
- 이 음식은 맛있습니다.This food is delicious.
- 이 영화는 진짜 좋아!This movie is really good!
- 오늘 날씨가 좋아.The weather is good today.
- 날씨가 정말 좋다.nalssiga jeongmal joda.The weather is really good.
- 이 영화는 정말 좋다.i yeonghwaneun jeongmal joda.This movie is really good.
Example conversation
Jieun and Minjun are deciding on a place to eat.
- 지은 Ji-eun여기 파스타집 어때요?yeogi pasutajip eottaeyo?How about this pasta place?
- 민준 Min-jun후기가 좋아서 궁금해요.hugiga joaseo gunggeumhaeyo.I'm curious because the reviews are good.
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼 여기로 가요.geureom yeogiro gayo.Then let's go here.
- 민준 Min-jun네, 정말 좋다!ne, jeongmal jota!Yes, that's great!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 좋다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 좋다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
