There are so many ways to say "very" in Korean! The words you will see here are not strictly distinguished, but still, there are some slight differences. In this post, I'll explain each adverb with examples!
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1. Formal Adverbs
First, let's take a look at the ones that are often used in the formal setting. They are also often used in the written language.
아주
very, completely |
아주 shows that something is much more than usual. It is usually used in the formal or written form but also can be used in daily talking.
아주 예뻐요. It's very pretty.
It also shows that an action or state has already been completely accomplished and cannot be changed anymore.
그는 아주 떠났어요. He is compeletely gone.
무척
very, extremely |
무척 means something exceeding so that it is not comparable to any other. Unlike 아주 above which can be used for both written and spoken language, you can see 무척 more often in written language.
어머니가 무척 좋아하셨다. My mom was very happy.
매우
very, very much, greatly |
매우 shows something is much more than average. It is a formal word typically found in written or formal spoken Korean. It is used to express a high degree.
이것은 매우 중대한 사안입니다. This is a very serious matter.
굉장히
hugely, greatly, excellently |
굉장히 is used to describe something above than average. It's formal and emphasizes the intensity or magnitude of something.
김 선수, 굉장히 빠르게 달리고 있습니다! Altlete Kim runs in super speed!
2. Informal Adverbs
An informal means that you can use them in daily conversations. So, when you focus on speaking, try to use these words below.
정말
really, truly |
정말 as a noun means the truth or fact. As an adverb, it can mean literally (without lying). So, you can understand it as "truly". So, often it is translated as "really" or "very." Also, it can be used as an interjection.
나는 너를 정말 사랑해! I really love you! = I love you very much.
진짜
really, genuinely |
진짜 can be used as a noun or an adverb. It means "real" or "really." It is similar to 정말, but more casual and commonly used in spoken language.
그걸 진짜 믿어요? Do you really believe that?
진짜요? Really?
많이
a lot, much |
많이 shows a quantity, amount, degree, etc., exceeding a certain standard. It is often used with verbs.
많이 드세요. Eat a lot. (=Help yourself.)
많이 아파요? Does it hurt a lot? / Are you in pain a lot?
너무
too |
너무 also shows something past the excessive degree. It is translated as "too." It was supposed to be used in a negative situation, but in modern Korean, people use it with a positive meaning as well. Also, people use the shortened version "넘" or doubled version"넘넘" online or in daily conversation. It is one of the most commonly used words.
너무 큰거 아니야? Isn't it too big?
넘넘 맛있다! It's so yummy!
엄청
very, extremely, incredibly |
This word indicates a state of extreme excess or extreme degree.
이 집 물 엄청 싸다! This store sells things very cheap!
완전
completely, totally |
Originally it was a noun, "completeness." People often use it in daily life as "completely."
이거 완전 새 거예요. It's totally new.
완전 짜증나! It's completley annoying!
In daily life, people often repeat the same word twice or even mix many things up. In this case, you can understand it as emphasizing.
진짜 완전 정말 너를 사랑해! I really completely truly love you! = I love you very much.
3. Informal Slang
I'll show you the casual or slang words here too! Young people are often used to each other in daily life. It is not recommended to use it in a formal situation or written language. Also, avoid using it when you have to speak politely.
짱
awesome, the best |
It's a casual slang word to show something is excellent or the best. It is a bit old word. It started to be used in the 1990s and was commonly used in the early 2000s.
와! 짱이다! Wow! It's awesome!
짱이지? It's the best, isn't it?
대박
awesome, great, jackpot |
After 짱, people started to use 대박. It shows something is amazing, incredible, or to describe a big success.
와, 대박이다! Wow, awesome!
킹
top, the best |
It is a new buzzword/slang that is used these days. As you can guess, it came from the English word, king. It is used to emphasize the best quality of something, often added as a prefix to other slang for emphasis.
킹왕짱이네. It's the best.
킹 is "king." 왕 is the Korean word for "king." 짱 is a slang word to show "the best." You can understand it as people put a lot of emphasis on words to show something is cool or the best.
아 킹받네! Argg I am super upset!
4. Wrap-up: Very In Korean
In this post, you learned about various ways to say "very" in Korean. I'll say people commonly use "진짜" and "너무" in daily life. Also, many young people use "킹" these days. However, make sure not to use 킹 to someone older than you or in a situation where you need to be polite! I hope this post 완전 정말 진짜 can help you!