The first time I stumbled upon the word 추하다 (chuhada), or ugly in Korean, I was knee-deep in K-dramas, trying to pick up phrases to impress my friends. The plot twist? I learned from the native speakers that this tiny word seemingly carries the weight of a sumo wrestler – it’s powerful and a bit intimidating. Curious? Let’s explore the depths of this simple word in this comprehensive guide.
If you’re a K-popper like me, then you probably have grown to love different groups all these years. For me, I remember being so head over heels for 2NE1 because of Sandara Park. I used to jam to their songs during my commute, and if there was one song that got really stuck in my head, then that would be Ugly. While the rhythmic sound can make me tap my feet so loud, no one can deny that this word is still kinda taboo. After all, no one wants to be labeled ugly, right?
But hey, there are many reasons why you should continue learning this word. And my friends, this is what I’ll cover with you today. So let’s get started!
What Is Ugly In Korean?
The most direct translation for the adjective ugly in Korean is 추하다 (chuhada). To use it in a sentence, you typically conjugate it to 추한 (chuhan) by adding the -ㄴ ending to the stem when describing nouns in the present tense. Here are a few examples of how 추하다 (chuhada) can be used in sentences:
- 그 그림은 정말 추해요. (Geu geurimeun jeongmal chuhaeyo.)
- That painting is really ugly.
- 그는 추한 말을 했다. (Geuneun chuhan mareul haetda.)
- He said something ugly (or mean).
- 왜 그렇게 추한 옷을 입었어? (Wae geureoke chuhan oseul ibeosseo?)
- Why did you wear such an ugly outfit?
When using 추하다 (chuhada), it’s essential to be mindful of the context and the impact it might have on the listener, as it could be interpreted as offensive or hurtful. It’s a term best reserved for situations where strong language is justified, and even then, used with caution.
What Is Very Ugly In Korean?
The word 흉측하다 (hyungcheukada) in Korean is used to describe something that is not just “ugly” but grotesque or hideous to the point of being almost shocking or repulsive. It’s a strong term, generally reserved for extreme cases where something is unpleasant to look at.
Here are some examples of when 흉측하다 (hyungcheukada) might be used:
- 그 사고 후에 차가 완전히 흉측해졌어요. (Geu sago hu-e chaga wanjeonhi hyungcheukhaejyeosseoyo.)
- The car became completely hideous after the accident.
- 그 영화에는 흉측한 괴물이 등장해요. (Geu yeonghwa-eneun hyungcheukhan goemuli deungjanghaeyo.)
- A hideous monster appears in that movie.
- 사람들은 그 흉측한 조각상을 보고 놀랐어요. (Saramdeul-eun geu hyungcheukhan jogaksangeul bogo nollasseoyo.)
- People were shocked by the hideous statue.
The use of 흉측하다 (hyungcheukada) is typically confined to contexts where there’s an element of horror or extreme distaste involved. It’s not commonly used in everyday language due to its intensity and potential to offend.
Appearance-Based Term For Ugly In Korean
Another term that’s used to label something or someone as “ugly” in Korean is 못생기다 (motsaenggida). It’s most commonly used in everyday language for describing physical appearance and, while it’s still harsh, not as much as 추하다 (chuhada).
Here are a few examples of how you can use the word 못생기다 (motsaenggida) in different sentences:
- 그 남자는 좀 못생겼어요. (Geu namjaneun jom motsaenggyeosseoyo.)
- That man is a bit ugly.
- 못생긴 개구리 인형이 왜 여기 있어요? (Motsaenggin gaeguri inhyeongi wae yeogi isseoyo?)
- Why is there an ugly frog doll here?
- 영화에서 못생긴 괴물이 나와서 놀랐어요. (Yeonghwae-seo motsaenggin goemuli nawaseo nollasseoyo.)
- I was surprised by the ugly monster in the movie.
Behavior-Based Term For Ugly In Korean
The word 험악하다 (heomakada) in Korean carries the meaning of “ugly.” But it does more than that. It can also be used to describe something as fierce, grim, or having a different appearance rather than just being physically unattractive. This word is commonly used to depict a harshness or ruggedness that can be applied to both physical appearance and situations.
When using 험악하다 (heomakada), here are some instances where it might be appropriate:
- 그의 얼굴 표정이 험악해 보였어요. (Geu-ui eolgul pyojeong-i heomakhae boyeosseoyo.)
- His facial expression looked fierce.
- 영화의 배경은 험악한 산악 지대였어요. (Yeonghwa-ui baegyeong-eun heomakhan sanak jidaeyeosseoyo.)
- The setting of the movie was in a rugged mountainous area.
- 험악한 날씨로 인해 우리는 집에 머물렀어요. (Heomakhan nalssi-ro inhae urineun jibe meomulleosseoyo.)
- We stayed home due to the severe weather.
Note: It’s best to use 험악하다 (heomakada) with discretion, it can imply intimidation or danger when describing someone’s appearance or the nature of a situation.
General Terminology For Ugly In Korean
The word 못나다, pronounced “motnada,” is another Korean adjective that can mean “ugly.” But it isn’t limited to just someone’s looks. This word has a lot of range and brings about feelings of inferiority or inadequacy. It expands on their looks and goes into the quality of their character.
Here’s how 못나다 (motnada) can be appropriately used in sentences:
- 그는 못난 행동을 자주 해요. (Geuneun motnan haengdongeul jaju haeyo.)
- He often behaves badly or in an undesirable way.
- 못난 결과에 실망했어요. (Motnan gyeolgwa-e silmanghaesseoyo.)
- I was disappointed with the poor result.
- 못난 작품이라고 생각하지 않아요. (Motnan jakpum-irago saenggakhaji anhayo.)
- I don’t think it’s a poorly made work.
Learn Korean With Ling
That’s it! We’ve journeyed through the different shades of ‘ugly’ in Korean, from the strong punch of 추하다 (chuhada) to the nuanced touch of 못나다 (motnada). Still not confident enough to use these words? Remember that every expert was once a beginner, so keep pushing yourself and practice as much as you can. Before you know it, you’ll be chatting away with your Korean friends, sharing stories and jokes about 못생긴 스웨터 (ugly sweaters).
If you’d like to learn more, why not make it fun with the Ling app? It’s practically like having your own language tutor in your pocket. Head over to the App Store or Play Store now and download Ling. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
