뚱뚱해요
ttungttunghaeyo
The English phrase "you're fat" is translated into Korean as 뚱뚱해요 (ttungttunghaeyo).
This phrase is used to state that someone has a lot of excess body fat. Note that using 뚱뚱해요 is extremely blunt and offensive in Korean culture. To be slightly less direct, though it is still sensitive, people often use the phrase 살쪘어요 (you've gained weight) instead.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The standard polite form used in everyday conversation with people you are not intimately close to is 뚱뚱해요. If you are speaking with close friends or people younger than you, you can use the informal version 뚱뚱해. The formal way to say "You are obese" is 당신은 비만입니다.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 뚱뚱해요 is the standard polite form used in everyday conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
ttungttunghaeyo
When do people say it?
Directly commenting on someone's weight using 뚱뚱해요 is considered much more rude and socially aggressive in Korea than in many English-speaking contexts.
Did you know?
- While calling someone 'fat' is offensive, the related term 복스럽다 (bok-seureop-da) describes someone who looks 'blessed' or 'lucky' due to their rounder appearance. This suggests a person is destined for good fortune.
- The word 뚱뚱 is a 'mimetic' word, meaning it is designed to phonetically mimic the visual roundness of a shape. Many Korean adjectives for weight use these sound-symbolic patterns to create a visceral mental image.
- Korean has a distinct word 통통하다 ('tongtong-hada') for being 'plump' or 'chubby'. Unlike 뚱뚱해요, this word is often used as a compliment or a cute description, especially for children or animals.
Examples in context
- 그 사람은 좀 뚱뚱해요.geu sarameun jom ttungttunghaeyo.That person is a bit fat.
- 고양이가 너무 뚱뚱해요.goyangiga neomu ttungttunghaeyo.The cat is too fat.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are talking about health at home.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨, 요즘 너무 뚱뚱해요.Jieun ssi, yojeum neomu ttungttunghaeyo.Jieun, you are too fat these days.
- 지은 Ji-eun그렇게 말하지 마세요.geureoke malhaji maseyo.Please don't say that.
- 지훈 Ji-hun건강을 위해서 운동하세요.geongangeul wihaeseo undonghaseyo.Please exercise for your health.
- 지은 Ji-eun알겠어요, 내일부터 시작할게요.algesseoyo, naeil-buteo sijakhalgeyo.I understand, I will start tomorrow.
