이 녀석
i nyeoseok
The English phrase "you little brat" can be translated into Korean as 이 녀석 (i nyeoseok).
이 녀석 is a way to address a child or a younger person. While it can be used to scold, it is frequently used by adults toward children or younger people in a playful, affectionate or fond manner.
Which one should you use?
꼬맹이 is an informal term used to affectionately tease someone younger or acting immaturely, similar to "little squirt" or "little rascal".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
이 녀석 is an informal phrase. It should only be used by someone of higher social status or older age toward a younger person.
How do you pronounce it?
i nyeoseok
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using 이 녀석 toward people older than you or in formal settings, as it can be perceived as condescending or rude.
Did you know?
- Although it translates to 'brat', using 이 녀석 toward a pet is very common and changes the meaning to something like 'this little guy'.
- In Korean cinema and dramas, the phrase 이 녀석 is frequently used as a 'tsundere' expression, where a character pretends to be annoyed while actually showing deep care.
- The word 녀석 is not actually a synonym for 'brat' in a dictionary sense, but refers to a 'fellow' or 'guy'. Its 'bratty' nuance comes entirely from the social way an older person uses it to address a younger person.
Examples in context
- 이 녀석, 정말 못 말리겠네!i nyeoseok, jeongmal mot malligessne!You little brat, you're really something!
- 이 녀석이 감히 내 과자를!i nyeoseogi gamhi nae gwajareul!You little brat, how dare you take my snacks!
Example conversation
Subin is teasing Minjun because he successfully finished his difficult homework early.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준아, 벌써 다 한 거야?Minjun-a, beolsseo da han geoya?Minjun, did you finish it all already?
- 민준 Min-jun응, 나 진짜 빠르지?Eung, na jinja ppareuji?Yeah, I'm really fast, right?
- 수빈 Su-bin이 녀석, 아주 잘난 척하네!i nyeoseok, aju jallan cheokhane!You little brat, acting so proud of yourself!
- 민준 Min-jun헤헤, 그래도 잘했잖아.Hehe, geuraedo jalhaetjana.Hehe, but I did a good job.
