Grammar — hanokphrases

In today’s blog we will be learning the phrase “지루하다" in Korean! Here in Singapore, we often use the word “sian” (pronounced see-anne) which originated from a Chinese dialect called Hokkien. It basically means bored or sick and tired of something. Similarly, “지루하다” is used as an expression of feeling bored or tired of something or doing something. People often get it mixed up with 심심하다 which means bored as there is nothing to do.  See our example sentences below to get a better grasp of these two phrases. 1)지루하다 수업이 너무 길다, 너무 지루하다 = This lesson is too...

In today’s blog we will be learning the phrase 답답하다 in Korean!   Often mixed with a sigh (어휴), 답답하다 is used as an expression of frustration and Koreans use it commonly in their daily speech when problem/issue arises. It also includes some meaning of “disbelief” / “can’t believe it” in a negative way.   It is also used to mean “stuffy” during hot weather or similar situations when one is feeling trapped.   어휴 또 틀렸어? 진짜 답답하다. = You made a mistake again? I’m really frustrated/i can’t believe you.   버스가 너무 느려요, 답답해요! = The bus is...

In today’s blog we will be learning the phrase 큰일 났다. This is a part of the #hanokphrases content series from our Instagram! 큰일 났다 is often expressed when one gets into trouble or exclaimed as "oh no!" The phrase comes from the words “big issue” and “happened”: 큰 - from 크다 which means big 일 - 일 has various meanings but in this context, it means an issue / thing 났다 - past tense of 나다 which means happening  Together, it means something big has happened. We normally use it in a negative context. The formal form of this can be...