너는 원숭이야
neoneun wonsung-iya
The English phrase "you're a monkey" is translated into Korean as 너는 원숭이야 (neoneun wonsung-iya).
This phrase is used to state directly that someone is a monkey.
Which one should you use?
While 너는 원숭이야 is a direct statement that you are a monkey, the expression 원숭이 같네요 is used to say that you resemble a monkey.
How do you pronounce it?
neoneun wonsung-iya
Did you know?
- Because of the cultural nuances of the word, calling someone a monkey in Korean is generally much less likely to be perceived as a racial slur compared to its usage in many English-speaking contexts.
- While 너는 원숭이야 uses the informal 너 ('you'), using this phrase with a superior or teacher would be a grave social mistake regardless of the intent.
- The Korean Zodiac includes the monkey, and people born in the year of the 원숭이 are traditionally thought to be clever, quick-witted and resourceful.
Examples in context
- 너는 원숭이야.neoneun wonsung-iya.You're a monkey.
- 진짜로 너는 원숭이야!jinjjaro neoneun wonsung-iya!Seriously, you're a monkey!
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are playing a silly game.
- 민준 Min-jun지은아, 너는 원숭이야!Jieun-a, neoneun wonsung-iya!Jieun, you're a monkey!
- 지은 Ji-eun민준아, 그럼 너는 원숭이야?Minjun-a, geureom neoneun wonsung-iya?Minjun, then are you a monkey?
- 민준 Min-jun아니, 나는 사람이야.Ani, naneun saram-iya.No, I am a human.
- 지은 Ji-eun웃기네, 정말 웃겨.Unggine, jeongmal utgye.That's funny, really funny.
