이상한
isanghan
The English phrase 'weird' is translated into Korean as 이상한 (isanghan).
이상한 is used to describe something that deviates from the norm or is bizarre. Depending on the context, the meaning can range from simply being 'unusual' to being 'suspicious'.
Meaning: deviating from the normal, bizarre (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 이상한 is the standard way to express that something is weird or strange, you can use 특이한 if you want to convey that someone or something is 'unique' or 'peculiar' in a less negative way. For more formal writing or serious situations involving a deep sense of strangeness, the word 기이하다 is often used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form (or base form) of this adjective is 이상하다, which means 'to be weird'. When you want to use the word to modify a noun directly (e.g., 'a weird dream'), you use the adjectival form 이상한.
How do you pronounce it?
isanghan
Did you know?
- While 이상한 means 'weird', the word 이상 can also mean 'ideal' (理想) or 'above/more than' (以上) depending on the Hanja characters used.
- In Korean, 이상하다 is the standard word used to describe a malfunctioning electronic device or a glitchy app, translating to 'it is acting up'.
- If a Korean speaker says 이상해 (it's weird) while tasting food, they are often implying that the taste is 'off' or the food has spoiled.
Examples in context
- 나 어젯밤 이상한 꿈을 꿨어.I had a weird dream last night.This example shows how to use 이상한 to modify a noun like 'dream'.Tatoeba #8363639 by Eunhee, translation #2045360 by CK
- 내가 이상한 거야?Am I weird?This example shows how to use 이상한 to ask a question about oneself.Tatoeba #13058653 by Uwe, translation #8101800 by Hybrid
- 이 소리는 정말 이상한 것 같아.i sorineun jeongmal isanghan geot gata.This sound seems really weird.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Do-hyeon are looking at a strange-looking fruit at a market.
- 지은 Ji-eun이 과일 모양이 좀 이상한 것 같지 않아?i gwail moyangi jom isanghan geot gatji ana?Doesn't this fruit's shape look a bit weird?
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 정말 이상한 모양이네.eung, jeongmal isanghan moyangine.Yeah, it is a really weird shape.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨, 이거 먹어도 될까?dohyeon ssi, igeo meogeodo doelkka?Do-hyeon, do you think we can eat this?
- 도현 Do-hyeon글쎄, 너무 이상해서 못 먹겠어.geulsse, neomu isanghaeseo mot meokgesseo.I don't know, it's too weird to eat.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
