이 녀석
i nyeoseok
The English phrase "you punk" can be translated into Korean as 이 녀석 (i nyeoseok).
이 녀석 is used to address a young person who is behaving badly. It can serve as a mild insult or, depending on the context, be used affectionately by an older person toward a younger person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally structured as "this guy" or "this fellow."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This is an informal phrase. It should only be used by someone who is of a higher social status or older than the person being addressed.
How does it change in a sentence?
While it is used to mean "you punk" in English, the literal Korean structure is "this guy/fellow."
How do you pronounce it?
i nyeoseok
Did you know?
- Using 이 녀석 toward someone older than you is a severe social breach and is viewed as an act of extreme aggression or defiance.
- The word 녀석 was historically used as a neutral term for a young male, but evolved over time into a more condescending or playful term.
- The word 녀석 is almost exclusively used for males, but in modern slang, it is sometimes used gender-neutrally to describe a mischievous person regardless of their sex.
Examples in context
- 이 녀석, 정말 못 말리네.i nyeoseok, jeongmal mot malline.You punk, you really are something.
- 이 녀석이 감히 나를 속여?i nyeoseogi gamhi nareul sogyeo?You punk, how dare you trick me?
- 이 녀석, 아주 똑똑하구나!i nyeoseok, aju ttokttokhaguna!You punk, you're quite smart!
Example conversation
Seoyeon catches Dohyeon playing a prank on her.
- 서연 Seo-yeon이 녀석, 내 간식을 다 먹었어?i nyeoseok, nae gansigeul da meogeosseo?You punk, did you eat all my snacks?
- 도현 Do-hyeon들켰네, 미안해 서연아.deulgyeonne, mianhae seoyeon-a.I got caught, sorry Seoyeon.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 못 말리는 녀석이라니까.jeongmal mot mallineun nyeoseogiranikka.You really are a handful.
- 도현 Do-hyeon다음엔 안 그럴게!daeum-en an geureulge!I won't do it next time!
