유독한
yudokhan
The English word 'toxic' is translated into Korean as 유독한 (yudokhan).
유독한 is used to describe something toxic, harmful or poisonous in a formal manner. It is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts to describe poisonous substances rather than describing 'toxic' people or relationships.
Meaning: severely negative or harmful (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 유독한 can refer to physical toxicity, you should use 해로운 when describing a 'toxic' person, relationship or environment in a social sense, as it is often a more natural choice. Additionally, 유해한 is a formal version of toxic, indicating something is harmful or dangerous.
How do you pronounce it?
yudokhan
Did you know?
- The word 유독 can also mean 'uniquely' or 'exceptionally' when used as an adverb. This creates a linguistic coincidence where a word rooted in 'poison' can be used to describe someone being particularly or singularly noticeable in a crowd.
- To describe a 'toxic' person in modern slang, Koreans often use the English word 'toxic' written in Hangul as 톡식, rather than the traditional words 해로운 or 유해한.
- Korean has a specific term 독설 (poisonous tongue) to describe someone who speaks in a toxic or caustic manner, rather than calling the person 유독한.
Examples in context
- 이 물은 유독한 성분이 있어서 마시면 안 됩니다.This water contains toxic substances, so you shouldn't drink it.
- 지난 주에 그 업체에서 일하면서 상사한테 독한 말을 들었어.Last week, while working at that company, I heard toxic words from my boss.
- 이 식물은 유독한 성분이 있어요.i sikmul-eun yudok-han seongbun-i isseoyo.This plant has toxic components.
- 그 연기는 매우 유독한가요?geu yeongi-neun maeu yudok-hangayo?Is that smoke very toxic?
- 유독한 물질을 만지지 마세요.yudok-han muljil-eul manjiji maseyo.Do not touch the toxic substances.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are looking at a warning sign in a lab.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이 액체는 정말 유독한가요?i aekche-neun jeongmal yudok-hangayo?Is this liquid really toxic?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 현우 씨, 조심해야 해요.ne, Hyunwoo-ssi, josimhaeya haeyo.Yes, Hyunwoo, you must be careful.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨가 조심하라고 해서 다행이네요.Jieun-ssi-ga josim-harago haeseo dahaeng-ineyo.I am glad you told me to be careful, Jieun.
- 지은 Ji-eun안전이 제일 중요하니까요.anjeon-i jeil jung-yohanikkayo.Because safety is the most important thing.
