Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “very” in Korean. Whether you want to express something is very beautiful, very hot, or very delicious, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we will explore various formal and informal ways to convey intensity in the Korean language. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
When speaking in formal Korean, there are several ways to convey a strong degree of intensity. Let’s take a look at these expressions:
1. 매우 (mae-u)
The most common and versatile word to express “very” in formal Korean is “매우.” This word can be used with adjectives, verbs, and even nouns to intensify the degree of their meaning.
Examples:
그는 매우 행복합니다. (Geuneun mae-u haengbokhamnida.)
“He is very happy.”
식사는 매우 맛있습니다. (Siksa-neun mae-u masitseumnida.)
“The meal is very delicious.”
2. 아주 (aju)
“아주” is another formal expression that is commonly used to describe something as “very” or “extremely.” It carries a similar meaning to “매우.”
Examples:
그 사진은 아주 아름답습니다. (Geu sajin-eun aju areumdapsumnida.)
“That picture is very beautiful.”
오늘 날씨는 아주 추워요. (Oneul nalssi-neun aju chuwoyo.)
“Today’s weather is very cold.”
Informal Expressions:
When speaking informally, there are several casual expressions you can use to convey intensity. Let’s take a look:
1. 너무 (neomu)
“너무” is the most commonly used word for “very” in informal Korean. It is versatile and can be used with various parts of speech.
Examples:
이 영화 너무 재밌어! (I yeonghwa neomu jaemi-seo!)
“This movie is very fun!”
너무 춥다. (Neomu chubda.)
“It’s very cold.”
2. 존나 (jonna)
For a more colloquial and stronger expression of “very,” you can use “존나” in informal speech. However, please note that this expression is considered quite strong and can be seen as vulgar or offensive in certain contexts. Use it with caution.
Examples:
존나 맛있어! (Jonna masitseo!)
“It’s very delicious!”
존나 예뻐! (Jonna yeppeo!)
“You look very pretty!”
Regional Variations:
Korean, like any language, has regional variations in vocabulary and expressions. However, when it comes to expressing “very,” the aforementioned words can be used universally across Korea. Regional variations in intensifiers are typically more prominent with local dialects and nuances, rather than specific words for “very.”
Additional Tips and Etiquette:
- Remember to use formal expressions when speaking to someone older or in a formal setting, such as at work or in official situations.
- When using informal expressions, it’s essential to consider your relationship with the person you are speaking to and the context of the conversation.
- To further emphasize intensity, you can repeat the adjective, verb, or noun. For example, “매우 매우 좋아요” (mae-u mae-u joayo) means “very, very good.”
Overall, expressing intensity in Korean is relatively straightforward once you grasp the appropriate vocabulary and expressions. Remember to consider formality and your relationship with the person you are speaking to when selecting the most suitable “very” expression to use. With practice and these examples in mind, you’ll soon be able to convey various degrees of intensity effectively in Korean. Happy learning!
