정말 착하시네요
jeongmal chakasineyyo
In Korean, "you're so nice" is expressed as 정말 착하시네요 (jeongmal chakasineyyo).
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they have a kind and generous personality.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 정말 착하시네요 is composed of 정말 (really), 착하다 (to be kind/good-hearted) and the honorific marker -시- combined with the polite ending -네요.
Which one should you use?
The phrase 정말 착하시네요 is polite and suitable for strangers or elders. In contrast, 정말 착해 is the informal version used with close friends or younger people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 정말 착하시네요 uses the honorific suffix -시- to show respect to the person being complimented.
How do you pronounce it?
jeongmal chakasineyyo
Did you know?
- While 정말 착하시네요 is a compliment, calling an adult 착하다 can sometimes sound condescending, as if the speaker is praising a child.
- The word 정말 (really) literally translates to 'correct word', suggesting that what you are saying is an undeniable truth rather than just an opinion.
- The ending -네요 expresses a sense of spontaneous discovery, suggesting the speaker just realized the person is nice in that moment.
Examples in context
- 선생님은 항상 친절하십니다.The teacher is always so nice.
- 정말 착하시네요.jeongmal chakhasineyo.You're so nice.
- 도현 씨는 정말 착하시네요.Dohyeon ssineun jeongmal chakhasineyo.Dohyeon, you are so kind.
Example conversation
Dohyeon helps Jieun carry a heavy box.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은 씨, 제가 도와줄게요.Jieun ssi, jega dowajulgeyo.Jieun, let me help you.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 착하시네요, 도현 씨.Jeongmal chakhasineyo, Dohyeon ssi.You're so nice, Dohyeon.
- 도현 Do-hyeon별말씀을요.Byeolmalsseumeullyo.Don't mention it.
- 지은 Ji-eun고마워요.Gomawoyo.Thank you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 정말, CC BY-SA 4.0.
