잘생겼어요
jalsaenggyeosseoyo
The English phrase "you look handsome" is translated into Korean as 잘생겼어요 (jalsaenggyeosseoyo).
This phrase is a compliment used to tell a man that he is physically attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb 잘 (well) and the past tense of the verb 생기다 (to be formed/to appear), literally meaning 'has been well-formed'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
잘생겼어요. is a common way to express someone's good looks formally. The form 잘생기셨어요 is a more respectful version used when complimenting someone older or of higher social status. In informal settings, you can use 잘 생겼어! or 진짜 잘 생겼다! to say someone is handsome or really good-looking or use 완전 멋져! to emphasize that someone is cool and attractive.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plain form 잘생겼다 is used in casual speech with close friends or when writing in a diary, whereas the default form 잘생겼어요 is polite.
How do you pronounce it?
jalsaenggyeosseoyo
Did you know?
- In modern Korean pop culture, the term 얼굴 천재 (face genius) is used to describe someone so handsome it is considered a special talent.
- To describe a man as 'flower-like' or having soft, pretty features, Koreans use the term 꽃미남, which combines 'flower' and 'handsome man'.
- In Korea, many people might prefer the compliment 훈남 (hun-nam), which describes a man who is 'warm' and 'handsome', rather than just focusing on sharp features.
Examples in context
- 오늘 정말 잘생겼어요.oneul jeongmal jalsaenggyeosseoyo.You look really handsome today.
- 그는 아주 잘생겼어요.geuneun aju jalsaenggyeosseoyo.He is very handsome.
- 새 옷을 입으니 잘생겼어요.sae oseul ibeuni jalsaenggyeosseoyo.You look handsome in your new clothes.
Example conversation
Ji-eun meets Hyun-woo at a cafe after he changed his hairstyle.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 오늘 정말 잘생겼어요!Hyun-woo ssi, oneul jeongmal jalsaenggyeosseoyo!Hyun-woo, you look really handsome today!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말요? 고마워요, 지은 씨.jeongmalyo? gomawoyo, Ji-eun ssi.Really? Thank you, Ji-eun.
- 지은 Ji-eun머리 스타일이 아주 잘 어울려요.meori seutaili aju jal eoullyeoyo.The hairstyle suits you very well.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo칭찬해줘서 기분이 좋네요.chingchanhaejwoseo gibuni jonneyo.It makes me feel good that you complimented me.
