How to Say "Totally" in Korean

완전히

wanjeonhi[wa̠ɲd͡ʑʌ̹nʝi]

The English word 'totally' is expressed in Korean as 완전히 (wanjeonhi).

완전히 is an adverb used to describe an action or state being done in a total manner or completely.

Meaning: In a total manner, completely (adv)

What does it mean word for word?

The adverb 완전히 is derived from the root 완전, which means 'complete' or 'perfect'.

While 완전히 describes the degree or manner of an action (completely), the word 전부 is used to describe the entirety of a quantity (all/everything).

In casual spoken Korean, the adverb 완전히 is often shortened to 완전 to function as an intensifier meaning 'totally' or 'completely'.

wanjeonhi

In casual conversation, using 완전 can make you sound much younger, whereas using the full 완전히 can sometimes feel overly formal or academic.
The Hanja root of 완전 is 完全, where '완' (完) means 'complete' and '전' (全) means 'whole' or 'entire'.
Using 완전 as an intensifier is very common in K-pop lyrics and variety shows to express extreme emotion or shock.

매튜는 완전히 본능적으로 반응했다.
Matthew reacted totally on instinct.
This sentence shows the use of 완전히 to describe an instinctive reaction.
Tatoeba #14030807 by Ldyhippo, translation #11584926 by Amastan
완전히 하얗네.
Wow, it's totally white.
This sentence demonstrates using 완전히 to emphasize the color white.
Tatoeba #11153320 by Eunhee, translation #11165268 by Layla
전적으로 동의합니다
I totally agree
진짜로 고마워
I'm totally thankful
문제가 완전히 해결되었어요.
munje-ga wan-jeon-hi hae-gyeol-doe-eo-sseo-yo.
The problem has been completely resolved.

Two friends are discussing a project at a cafe.

서연 Seo-yeon

그 프로젝트는 어떻게 됐어?
geu peu-ro-jek-teu-neun eo-tteoh-ge dwaet-eo?
How did that project go?
현우 Hyeon-woo

완전히 끝났어. 이제 걱정 안 해도 돼.
wan-jeon-hi kkeun-nat-eo. i-je geok-jeong an hae-do dwae.
It's completely finished. You don't have to worry anymore.
서연 Seo-yeon

정말 다행이다, 현우야.
jeong-mal da-haeng-i-da, hyeon-u-ya.
That is such a relief, Hyunwoo.
현우 Hyeon-woo

응, 서연아. 고마워.
eung, seo-yeon-a. go-ma-wo.
Yeah, Seoyeon. Thanks.

Sources

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