매우 아름다운
maeu areumdaun
The Korean phrase for "very beautiful" is 매우 아름다운 (maeu areumdaun).
This phrase is used to describe someone or something that has a high degree of aesthetic beauty.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 매우 (maeu) functions as an adverb meaning "very" or "extremely".
Which one should you use?
매우 아름다운 (very beautiful) is more formal and profound than 매우 예쁜 (very pretty), which is more commonly used for everyday aesthetics.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 매우 아름다운 is an adjective form used to modify a noun, whereas the dictionary form 매우 아름답다 is used to state "is very beautiful". To use "very beautiful" in a polite sentence without a following noun, you should use the conjugated form 매우 아름다워요.
How do you pronounce it?
maeu areumdaun
Did you know?
- The word 매우 (maeu) shares a historical linguistic connection to the word 맵다 (maepda), which means 'to be spicy' or 'pungent'.
- The word 아름답다 is often linked to the word 알음, meaning 'knowledge' or 'understanding', suggesting that true beauty is something that is understood or recognized rather than just seen.
- In modern Korean slang, the word 대박 is frequently used instead of 매우 to express that something is 'insanely' or 'shockingly' beautiful.
Examples in context
- 그 옷은 아주 이뻐요.That outfit is very beautiful.
- 매우 아름다운 풍경이에요.mae-u areum-da-un pung-gyeong-i-e-yo.It is a very beautiful scenery.
- 그녀는 매우 아름다운 목소리를 가졌어요.geu-nyeo-neun mae-u areum-da-un mok-so-ri-reul ga-jyeot-eo-yo.She has a very beautiful voice.
- 이곳은 매우 아름다운 정원입니다.i-got-eun mae-u areum-da-un jeong-won-im-ni-da.This is a very beautiful garden.
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are visiting an art museum.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 이 그림 정말 매우 아름다운 것 같아요.jihun ssi, i geurim jeongmal mae-u areumdaun geot gat-ayo.Jihun, I think this painting is very beautiful.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아요, 수빈 씨. 색감이 정말 멋져요.majayo, subin ssi. saekgami jeongmal meotjyeoyo.You're right, Subin. The colors are wonderful.
- 수빈 Su-bin여기 있는 모든 작품이 다 훌륭해요.yeogi inneun modeun jakpumi da hulryunghaeyo.Every piece of work here is great.
- 지훈 Ji-hun다음 작품도 같이 구경해요.da-eum jakpumdo gati gugyeonghaeyo.Let's go look at the next piece together.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 매우, CC BY-SA 4.0.
