괴짜
goejja
The Korean word for "weirdo" is 괴짜 (goejja).
괴짜 can be translated to eccentric or weirdo and is often used playfully or affectionately.
Meaning: strange person (noun)
Which one should you use?
Other informal ways to refer to a strange person include 이상한 놈, which is a common way among friends to refer to someone peculiar or odd and 이상한 친구, which is a less offensive way to refer to someone as a weirdo in a lighthearted or teasing manner.
How do you pronounce it?
goejja
Did you know?
- While 괴짜 describes an eccentric person, Koreans use the term 4차원 (4D) to describe someone whose thoughts and behavior are so 'weird' they seem to exist in a different dimension.
- The character 괴 in 괴짜 is the same character used in the word 괴물, which means 'monster'.
- While 괴짜 is often playful, using 이상한 놈 can quickly escalate from 'strange guy' to a genuine insult depending on your tone.
Examples in context
- 그는 정말 유명한 괴짜예요.geuneun jeongmal yumyeonghan goejaeyeyo.He is a truly famous weirdo.
- 우리 할아버지는 약간 괴짜예요.uri harabeojineun yakgan goejaeyeyo.My grandfather is a bit of a weirdo.
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyun are observing a person at a park.
- 민지 Min-ji저기 있는 저 사람 괴짜 아니에요?jeogi itneun jeo saram goeja anieyo?Isn't that person over there a weirdo?
- 도현 Do-hyeon맞아요, 정말 이상한 괴짜예요.majayo, jeongmal isanghan goejayeyo.You're right, he is a truly strange weirdo.
- 민지 Min-ji왜 그렇게 생각해요?wae geureoke saenggakhaeyo?Why do you think so?
- 도현 Do-hyeon혼자서 계속 이상한 춤을 춰요.honjaseo gyesok isanghan chumul chwoyo.He is dancing strangely by himself.
