너 섹시해
neo seksihai
The phrase "you're hot" in Korean is 너 섹시해 (neo seksihai).
This phrase is used to tell someone that they are sexually attractive. While the English term "hot" can sometimes imply that someone is physically warm, the Korean use of 섹시해 focuses exclusively on sexual attractiveness and style. It is often used to describe a person's aura, their clothing or specific movements rather than just their physical body shape.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You should only use it with people of equal or lower social status, such as close friends or younger people.
How do you pronounce it?
neo seksihai
Did you know?
- Korean speakers may use 섹시해 to describe a non-human object, such as a sleek car or a piece of modern architecture, to imply it has a sophisticated allure.
- The word 너 for 'you' may be a prehistoric relative of the Old Japanese pronoun na.
- The word 섹시해 is actually a loanword from English, using the phonetic transcription of 'sexy'.
Examples in context
- 너 섹시해.neo seksiehae.You're hot.
- 그 옷 입으니까 너 섹시해.geu ot ibeunikka neo seksiehae.You look hot in those clothes.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Subin are on a date at a lounge.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo오늘 수빈이 정말 예쁘다. 너 섹시해.oneul subini jeongmal yeppeuda. neo seksihe.Subin, you look so pretty today. You're hot.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말? 고마워, 현우야.jeongmal? gomawo, hyeonuya.Really? Thanks, Hyunwoo.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응, 진심이야. 분위기가 너무 좋아.eung, jinsimiya. bunwigiga neomu joa.Yes, I mean it. The vibe is great.
- 수빈 Su-bin그렇게 말해주니 기분 좋다.geureoke malhaejuni gibun jota.I feel good hearing you say that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 너, CC BY-SA 4.0.
