How to Say “Handsome” in Korean Language – Learn Here!

The most common way to say “handsome” in Korean is 잘생겼다 (jalsaenggyeotda).

This word is used to compliment someone’s good looks, typically a man, though it can be used more broadly in casual situations.

Korean, being a nuanced language, offers multiple ways to convey the idea of someone being handsome, depending on the tone, setting, and type of compliment you wish to give.

Let’s dive into the details of these expressions, with examples, explanations, and practice exercises to help you master them.

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Common Ways to Say “Handsome” in Korean

In this section, we’ll cover the most widely used terms and their variations to say “handsome.”

잘생겼다 (Jalsaenggyeotda) – Handsome and Good-Looking

잘생겼다 is the go-to term for saying “handsome” in Korean. It is used to describe someone’s physical appearance, implying they are conventionally good-looking.

Examples:

1. 그는 정말 잘생겼어요.
   (Geuneun jeongmal jalsaenggyeosseoyo.)
   (He is really handsome.)
2. 이 배우가 잘생겼죠?
   (I baeuga jalsaenggyeotjyo?)
   (This actor is handsome, right?)
3. 잘생긴 남자를 찾고 있어요.
   (Jalsaengin namjareul chatgo isseoyo.)
   (I’m looking for a handsome man.)
4. 사진 속에서 잘생겨 보여요.
   (Sajin sogeseo jalsaenggyeo boyeoyo.)
   (You look handsome in the picture.)

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Complimenting Men and Boys in Informal Settings

This section highlights terms and phrases commonly used to compliment boys or younger men.

귀엽다 (Gwiyeopda) – Handsome and Cute

While 귀엽다 primarily means “cute,” it is often used in informal settings to describe someone who is both handsome and adorable, especially boys or younger men.

Examples:

1. 남동생이 너무 귀여워요!
   (Namdongsaengi neomu gwiyeowoyo!)
   (My younger brother is so cute!)
2. 잘생기고 귀여운 친구를 봤어요.
   (Jalsaenggigo gwiyeoun chingureul bwasseoyo.)
   (I saw a friend who is both handsome and cute.)
3. 아이돌 멤버가 귀여운 얼굴을 가졌어요.
   (Aidol memberga gwiyeoun eolgureul gajyeosseoyo.)
   (The idol member has a cute face.)
4. 그는 항상 귀엽다고 들어요.
   (Geuneun hangsang gwiyeopdago deureoyo.)
   (He always hears that he’s cute.)

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How to Say “Attractive” in a General Sense

Moving beyond physical appearance, Koreans often use expressions that convey a broader sense of attractiveness.

매력적이다 (Maeryeokjeogida) – Attractive and Charming

This word emphasizes someone’s charm or overall appeal, extending beyond just physical features.

Examples:

1. 그 사람은 정말 매력적이에요.
   (Geu sarameun jeongmal maeryeokjeogieyo.)
   (That person is really attractive.)
2. 매력적인 목소리가 있어요.
   (Maeryeokjeogin moksoriga isseoyo.)
   (He has an attractive voice.)
3. 그녀의 행동이 매력적이에요.
   (Geunyeoui haengdongi maeryeokjeogieyo.)
   (Her actions are attractive.)
4. 매력적인 남자는 항상 인기가 많아요.
   (Maeryeokjeogin namjaneun hangsang ingiga manayo.)
   (Attractive men are always popular.)

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Additional Ways to Compliment Appearance

In this section, we explore a few unique phrases that can be used creatively.

화려하다 (Hwaryeohada) – Stunning and Glamorous

Used less frequently than others, 화려하다 describes someone who looks striking, glamorous, or dazzling, often in the context of fashion or charisma.

Examples:

1. 그 배우는 정말 화려해요.
   (Geu baeuneun jeongmal hwaryeohaeyo.)
   (That actor is really glamorous.)
2. 화려한 스타일로 유명해요.
   (Hwaryeohan stailro yumyeonghaeyo.)
   (He’s famous for his glamorous style.)
3. 무대에서 너무 화려해 보여요.
   (Mudaeseo neomu hwaryeohae boyeoyo.)
   (He looks so dazzling on stage.)

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Practice Section: Fill in the Blanks

Now that you know how to say “handsome” in Korean, let’s practice! Fill in the blanks with the correct Korean word from the article.

1. 그는 정말 _ (jalsaenggyeosseoyo). (He is really handsome.)
2. 그 가수는 무대에서 _ (meosisseoyo). (That singer is really cool on stage.)
3. 잘생기고 _ 친구를 봤어요. (gwiyeoun) (I saw a friend who is both handsome and cute.)
4. 그의 외모는 매우 _ (junsuhaeyo). (His appearance is very elegant.)
5. _ 스타일로 유명해요. (Hwaryeohan) (He is famous for his glamorous style.)
6. 사진 속에서 _ 보여요. (jalsaenggyeo) (You look handsome in the picture.)
7. 그는 목소리가 _ (maeryeokjeogieyo). (He has an attractive voice.)
8. 배우가 정말 _ (jalsaenggyeotjyo). (The actor is handsome, right?)

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Practice Sheet: Matching Game

Match the English sentence with its Korean equivalent:

English Sentence	Korean Sentence
1. He is really handsome.	A. 그는 정말 잘생겼어요.
2. You look so stylish today.	B. 오늘 너무 멋있어 보여요.
3. His appearance is elegant.	C. 그의 외모는 매우 준수해요.
4. That singer is cool on stage.	D. 그 가수는 무대에서 멋있어요.
5. You look handsome in pictures.	E. 사진 속에서 잘생겨 보여요.

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Final Words

Let’s practice together! Share your experiences or questions in the comments below, and let’s keep learning Korean fun and engaging!