멋져요
meotjyeoyo
The English phrase "you're cool" is translated into Korean as 멋져요 (meotjyeoyo).
Which one should you use?
While 멋져요 often refers to a sense of style or 'coolness' in vibe, 멋있어요 is more frequently used to describe someone who is physically handsome or possesses a striking, impressive presence.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 멋져요 is the polite version of the adjective, suitable for speaking to people you are not close with or who are older than you. The form 멋져 is the casual version used with close friends or people younger than you. The form 멋있어요 is a very common alternative to 멋져요, often used to describe someone's appearance or a person's impressive character. For informal settings, you can use 멋있어.
How do you pronounce it?
meotjyeoyo
Did you know?
- While 멋져요 is a compliment, Koreans often respond with a humble denial, such as 아니에요 'no it is not', rather than a simple 'thank you'.
- In contemporary Korean slang, being 'cool' or 'trendy' is sometimes expressed through the word 힙하다, derived from the English word 'hip'.
- A person can be called 멋있다 not for their clothes, but for performing a selfless or honorable act, equating 'coolness' with moral integrity.
Examples in context
- 감사합니다! 멋있으십니다Thank you! You're cool (formal)
- 고마워! 너 진짜 멋있어Thanks! You're really cool (informal)
- 헐, 너 멋있어Wow, you're cool (informal)!
- 정말 멋져요.jeongmal meotjyeoyo.You're really cool.
- 오늘 모습 정말 멋져요.oneul moseup jeongmal meotjyeoyo.You look really cool today.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are at a clothing store.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨, 이 스타일 정말 멋져요.Minji ssi, i seu-ta-il jeongmal meotjyeoyo.Minji, this style is really cool.
- 민지 Min-ji정말요? 고마워요, 지훈 씨.jeong-mal-yo? go-ma-wo-yo, Jihoon ssi.Really? Thank you, Jihoon.
- 지훈 Ji-hun진짜 잘 어울려요.jin-jja jal eo-ul-ryeo-yo.It really suits you.
- 민지 Min-ji기분이 좋네요.gi-bun-i jo-ne-yo.I feel great.
