Which one should you use?
While 멋진 is used for things that are cool or stylish, if you want to say 'wonderful' in the sense of being excellent or admirable regarding someone's character or an achievement, 훌륭한 is more appropriate. For a sense of something being wondrous or amazing in a more formal context, you can use 경이롭다. For an informal way to say something is amazing, awesome or incredible, use 대박.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 멋진 is an adjective used specifically to modify a noun that follows it. To use 'wonderful' as a predicate (for example, to say 'It is wonderful'), you must use the dictionary form 멋지다 conjugated to the appropriate politeness level. Additionally, the phrase 진짜 대단해 can be used to mean seriously amazing or totally wonderful.
How do you pronounce it?
meotjin
Did you know?
- The slang term 대박 originally meant a 'huge hit' or a 'large jackpot' in gambling. Today, it is used as an exclamation of wonder for almost anything impressive, from a delicious meal to a great movie.
- While 멋진 describes a stylish or wonderful appearance, the root word 멋 refers to a specific Korean aesthetic concept of grace and effortless style.
- When using 대박 in a text message, Koreans often use the abbreviation ㄷㅂ to quickly express that something is wonderful.
Examples in context
- 이 영화 정말 대박이다!This movie is really amazing!
- 정말 멋진 곳이네요.jeongmal meotjin gosi-neyo.It is a truly wonderful place.
- 그는 멋진 옷을 입었어요.geuneun meotjin oseul ib-eosseoyo.He wore wonderful clothes.
- 당신의 아이디어는 정말 멋진 것 같아요.dangsinui aidieoneun jeongmal meotjin geot gat-ayo.I think your idea is wonderful.
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- 민준 Min-jun이 그림 정말 멋진 것 같아요.i geurim jeongmal meotjin geot gatayo.I think this painting is truly wonderful.
- 서연 Seo-yeon맞아요, 색감이 아주 훌륭해요.majayo, saekgami aju hullyunghaeyo.You're right, the colors are excellent.
- 민준 Min-jun서연 씨도 그렇게 생각하시죠?Seoyeon ssido geureoke saenggakhasijyo?You think so too, Seoyeon?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 정말 멋진 작품이에요.ne, jeongmal meotjin jakpumieyo.Yes, it is a truly wonderful piece of art.
