아주
aju[a̠d͡ʑu]
In Korean, the English phrase 'very' can be translated using several different words depending on the context. The default form is 아주 (aju). Wiktionary also lists 매우 (mae'u) and 너무 (neomu).
Meaning: to a high degree (adv)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 아주 | aju | [a̠d͡ʑu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 매우 | mae'u | [mɛu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [me̞u] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 너무 | neomu | [nʌ̹mu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 굉장히 | goengjanghi | [kwe̞ŋd͡ʑa̠ŋʝi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [kø̞ŋd͡ʑa̠ŋʝi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
All these terms function as adverbs to indicate that something exists to a high degree.
Which one should you use?
While 아주 is a versatile, standard adverb, 매우 carries a more formal and written tone, often used in news reports, books or formal speeches. The word 너무 is frequently used in casual speech to mean 'very', but its literal and traditional meaning is 'too much' or 'excessively', often implying a negative consequence.
How do you pronounce it?
aju
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use 너무 to mean 'very' in positive contexts, such as 'very good'. However, in strictly formal Korean, you should reserve 너무 for negative or excessive contexts.
Did you know?
- The word 매우 is historically related to 맵다, the word for 'spicy'.
- If you want to sound highly dramatic or emphasize a grand scale, you might use 굉장히, which is derived from the Hanja 굉장, meaning 'magnificent' or 'grand'.
Examples in context
- 둘 다 너무 귀엽다.Both of them are very cute.This sentence uses 너무 to describe being cute.Tatoeba #11106775 by intertime, translation #305940 by CK
- 이 자석은 너무 강해.This magnet is very powerful.This sentence uses 너무 to describe a magnet being powerful.Tatoeba #8533644 by Eunhee, translation #8160483 by Hybrid
- 그는 매우 빨리 뛴다.He runs very fast.This sentence uses 매우 to describe running fast.Tatoeba #11105129 by intertime, translation #291572 by CK
- 111 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are eating at a restaurant.
- 민준 Min-jun이 음식 아주 맛있어요.I eumsik aju masisseoyo.This food is very delicious.
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아요. 저도 정말 좋아요.Majayo. Jeodo jeongmal joayo.You're right. I really like it too.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨는 매운 거 잘 드세요?Jieun ssineun maeun geo jal deuseyo?Jieun, can you eat spicy food well?
- 지은 Ji-eun아니요, 저는 아주 매운 건 못 먹어요.Aniyo, jeoneun aju maeun geon mot meogeoyo.No, I can't eat very spicy things.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “very” translations and entries 아주, 매우, 너무, 굉장히, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 굉장히, 너무, 매우, 아주, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
