Tinimo

If you’re a Korean drama fan, you’ve be probably encountered some interesting expressions. In real life, Koreans use these phrases frequently, so what do these expressions mean, and how can you use them in everyday situations? Let’s find out!

1. 강추 [Gangchu] / 강추하다 [Gangchuhada]

“강추” is short for “강력 추천”, which translates to “strongly recommend”. It is often used when you want to emphasize how much you like something or think someone else should try it. This usage conveys your enthusiasm and encourages others to check it out.

So, when you want to say “I highly recommend it.”(English), “Lo recomiendo encarecidamente.”(Spanish), or “Ik raad het ten zeerste aan.”(Dutch), these are the examples how to speak in Korean :

• 이 식당 정말 맛있어. 특히, 김치찌개가 완전 강추야.
• 이 영화 꼭 보세요. 너무 재미있어요. 완전 강추!
• 요즘 강추하는 드라마가 뭐예요?
• 스페인 여행 가? 좋겠다. 그럼 나는 세비야에 가보는 걸 강추해.

2. 널널하다 [Nulnulhada]

“널널하다” describes a feeling of ease or a relaxed atmosphere. It is often used to express that something is not too demanding or stressful, in terms of having plenty of time. “널널하다” conveys a sense of overall feeling of ease or lack of pressure, so it can be connected to the interpretations like “I am free on …” or “I have no plans for …”.

What you can say “It is easy-going.”(English), “Es relajado.”(Spanish), or “Het is ontspannen.”(Dutch), these are the examples of Korean way :

• 이번 주 금요일에 널널해요. 금요일에 만날까요?
• 원래 수요일이 제일 바빴는데, 요즘은 수요일이 제일 널널해요.
• 바쁜 일이 다 끝나서 이제 좀 널널해.

3. 빡세다 [Bbakseda]

“빡세다” is contrast to “널널하다”, refers to something that is intense, demanding, or exhausting. It is commonly used to describe situations that require a lot of effort, such as rigorous study or physical activity.

Instead of saying, “It’s tough.”(English), “Es duro.”(Spanish), or “Het is zwaar.”(Dutch), you can say “빡세다” in Korean. If you’ve had a long day of classes or work, what you can say is “빡세다”. :

• 오늘 수업 너무 빡세다. 힘들어.
• 요즘 일이 너무 빡세. 매일 야근이야.
• 살 빼기 정말 빡세다. 아무리 운동을 많이 해도 살이 안 빠지네.

4. 득템하다 [Deuktemhada]

“득템하다” is often used when you shop, as it means “to get a great deal”. It refers to when someone manages to obtain something desirable, especially at a good price. You might hear it when someone finds a great bargain while shopping.

“득템하다” is a combination of two parts :

• 득 : This character is derived from Chinese, meaning “to get” or “to acquire”.
• 템 : This part comes from the ending(tem) of English word “item”.

Together, “득템하다” literally means “to get an item” but is commonly used to express the idea of scoring a great deal or successfully obtaining something desirable at a good price. It reflects the excitement of finding something special while shopping.

• 오늘 청바지 사러 갔는데, 내가 갖고 싶던 청바지가 세일인거야! 득템했어!
• 그걸 2000원에 샀다고? 완전 득템했네?

Now you’re ready to sound more like a local in your Korean conversations!

Whether you’re 강추-ing your favourite K-drama, enjoying a 널널한 day, or celebrating a 득템 moment at the mall, these expressions will spice up your language skill.

Happy learning, and may your language journey be filled with fun and excitement!