Gaining fluency in a foreign language involves not only mastering vocabulary and grammar but also understanding the nuances of expressions and adverbs. One such adverb that frequently appears in conversation is “totally.” In Korean, there are several ways to convey the meaning of “totally” depending on the context, formality, and regional variations. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express “totally” in Korean, providing you with useful tips and examples along the way.
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Formal Ways to Say “Totally” in Korean
When speaking in formal situations, such as in business meetings or with older people or strangers, it is essential to use appropriate language. Here are some formal expressions of “totally” in Korean:
- 전적으로 (jeonjeogeuro): This is the most formal way to say “totally” in Korean. It emphasizes complete agreement or complete dedication to something. For example, if you want to say “I totally agree,” you can say “전적으로 동의합니다 (jeonjeogeuro donguihamnida).”
- 완전히 (wanjeonhi): This is another formal expression that means “totally” or “completely.” It is commonly used in formal contexts when emphasizing completeness. For instance, you can say “저는 완전히 동의합니다 (jeoneun wanjeonhi donguihamnida)” to mean “I totally agree.”
Informal Ways to Say “Totally” in Korean
In casual conversations, among friends or with people of similar age, you can use more relaxed language. Here are some informal expressions of “totally” in Korean:
- 진짜로 (jinjjaro): This is a common way to say “totally” in Korean among friends or acquaintances. It conveys a strong level of agreement or complete belief in something. For example, “진짜로 고마워 (jinjjaro gomawo)” translates to “I’m totally thankful.”
- 완전히 (wanjeonhi): This expression can also be used informally to mean “totally” or “completely.” It works well in casual conversations when expressing complete agreement. For instance, “나는 완전히 동의해 (naneun wanjeonhi donguihae)” means “I totally agree.”
Additional Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you understand the usage of “totally” in Korean:
- Context Matters: When deciding which expression to use, consider the context of the conversation. If it is a formal setting, opt for the formal expressions, but if it is a casual conversation, informal expressions are more appropriate.
- Intonation: In Korean, intonation plays a crucial role in conveying the meaning of an adverb. Pay attention to the rising or falling intonation when using these expressions to ensure proper understanding.
- Regional Variations: Korean is spoken in both South Korea and North Korea, with slight variations in vocabulary and pronunciation. However, expressions of “totally” remain relatively consistent across regions.
Example Dialogue:
A: 너 게임하면서 뭐해? (neo geimhamyeonseo mwohae?)
B: 진짜로 집중 못해. (jinjjaro jipjung mothae.)A: What are you doing while playing the game?
B: I can’t totally focus.
With these expressions and tips, you should now feel confident in using “totally” in Korean. Remember to adapt your language according to the formal or informal context, paying attention to intonation and regional variations. Practice using these expressions in various conversations to enhance your language skills. Happy learning!
