잘생겼어요
jalsaeng-gyeosseoyo
The English phrase "you're handsome" is expressed in Korean as 잘생겼어요 (jalsaeng-gyeosseoyo).
This phrase is a compliment used to tell a man that he is physically attractive or to describe someone's good looks in general. For a more colloquial and light-hearted way to say "You're the best-looking," you can use 얼짱이야.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb 잘 (well) and the verb 생기다 (to be formed/to have a certain appearance), literally meaning "is well-born" or "is well-shaped".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The standard polite form is 잘생겼어요. If you are complimenting an older person or someone of higher status, use the more respectful honorific form 잘생기셨어요.
How does it change in a sentence?
While the dictionary form is 잘생겼다, in spoken conversation it is almost always conjugated to the polite form 잘생겼어요.
How do you pronounce it?
jalsaeng-gyeosseoyo
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to use the present tense 잘생겨요, but the past tense form 잘생겼어요 is the standard way to express this state in the present.
Did you know?
- In traditional Korean culture, compliments on appearance were often met with humble denial. A person might reply 아니에요 ('no it isn't') to 잘생겼어요 to avoid appearing arrogant.
- Korean has a specific term, 꽃미남 ('flower boy'), to describe men who are 잘생겼어요 in a soft, delicate, or feminine way. This aesthetic is a central part of the 'K-pop' and 'K-drama' visual identity.
- The slang term 얼짱 is a portmanteau of 얼굴 ('face') and 짱 ('best' or 'boss'). It became a global cultural phenomenon in the 2000s through internet forums where users posted photos of their most attractive classmates.
Examples in context
- 잘 생겼어! 정말 멋지다!You're handsome! You look really cool!
- 정말 잘생겼어요.jeongmal jalsaenggyeosseoyo.You are really handsome.
- 그는 매우 잘생겼어요.geuneun maeu jalsaenggyeosseoyo.He is very handsome.
- 제 남자친구는 잘생겼어요.je namjachinguneun jalsaenggyeosseoyo.My boyfriend is handsome.
Example conversation
Minji tells Jihun she thinks he looks great today.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨, 오늘 저 어때요?Minji ssi, oneul jeo eottaeyo?Minji, how do I look today?
- 민지 Min-ji와, 지훈 씨 진짜 잘생겼어요!Wa, Jihun ssi jinja jalsaenggyeosseoyo!Wow, Jihun, you are truly handsome!
- 지훈 Ji-hun고마워요. 기분 좋네요.Gomawoyo. Gibun jonneyo.Thank you. That makes me feel good.
- 민지 Min-ji정말이에요.Jeongmalieyo.I mean it.
