넌 바보야
neon baboya
The English phrase "you're stupid" is translated into Korean as 넌 바보야 (neon baboya).
This phrase is used to tell someone that they are not intelligent or are acting foolishly. While the word 바보 can function as an insult, it is also frequently used playfully or affectionately between close friends or couples to mean "silly".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 넌 바보야 is composed of 넌 (you), 바보 (fool/idiot) and 야 (the informal version of the verb "to be").
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 넌 바보야 is informal and should only be used with close friends or people younger than you. A more polite, though still insulting, way to say it would use a more formal pronoun and the polite ending 예요, resulting in 당신은 바보예요.
How do you pronounce it?
neon baboya
Did you know?
- The word 바보 is sometimes used to describe a person who is too honest or naive to take advantage of others, framing 'stupidity' as a moral virtue.
- While 넌 바보야 is informal, using the polite version 당신은 바보예요 can actually make the insult feel colder and more aggressive because the formal distance creates a sense of sarcasm.
- If someone says 바보 while tilting their head or using a high-pitched tone, it is a form of aegyo (cute display) and is not intended as a critique of intelligence.
Examples in context
- 넌 바보야.neon baboya.You're stupid.
- 정말 넌 바보야.jeongmal neon baboya.You're really stupid.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hun are arguing about a silly mistake.
- 지은 Ji-eun이런 실수를 하다니 넌 바보야!ireon silsureul hadani neon baboya!Making a mistake like this, you're stupid!
- 지훈 Ji-hun미안해, 내가 좀 정신이 없었어.mianhae, naega jom jeongsini eopseosseo.I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking straight.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말이지 넌 바보야.jeongmaji neon baboya.Honestly, you're stupid.
- 지훈 Ji-hun다음부터는 더 조심할게.daeum-buteoneun deo josim-halge.I'll be more careful from now on.
