How to Say “Cool” in Korean?

When you want to say “cool” in Korean, the word you use will depend on the context.

The Most Common Way: “멋있다 (meo-shi-da)”

The term 멋있다 is the go-to word for describing someone or something as stylish, impressive, or attractive.

It’s often used to compliment people or things that are visually or behaviorally cool.

When to Use 멋있다

Use 멋있다 when you want to express admiration for someone’s appearance, actions, or overall vibe.

It’s a versatile word that can describe anything from a person’s looks to an amazing performance.

Examples of 멋있다 in Sentences

1. 그는 정말 멋있어요.
   (Geu-neun jeong-mal meo-shi-seo-yo.)
   He is really cool.
2. 그 차가 정말 멋있다!
   (Geu cha-ga jeong-mal meo-shi-da!)
   That car is really cool!
3. 당신의 아이디어는 멋있어요.
   (Dang-shin-ui ai-di-eo-neun meo-shi-seo-yo.)
   Your idea is cool.
4. 이 영화는 너무 멋있었어요.
   (I yeong-hwa-neun neo-mu meo-shi-sseo-sseo-yo.)
   This movie was so cool.
5. 그는 멋진 옷을 입고 있었어요.
   (Geu-neun meo-jin ot-eul ip-go iss-eo-sseo-yo.)
   He was wearing cool clothes.

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Describing Cool Weather or Refreshing Things: “시원하다 (si-won-ha-da)”

The word 시원하다 is used when talking about something that feels refreshing or cool, such as weather, food, or drinks.

It’s more about physical or emotional comfort than style.

When to Use 시원하다

Use 시원하다 when describing cool temperatures, breezes, or the satisfying feeling after drinking something cold on a hot day.

Examples of 시원하다 in Sentences

1. 오늘 날씨가 시원해요.
   (O-neul nal-ssi-ga si-won-hae-yo.)
   The weather is cool today.
2. 이 음료는 정말 시원하다!
   (I eum-nyo-neun jeong-mal si-won-ha-da!)
   This drink is really refreshing!
3. 바람이 시원해서 기분이 좋아요.
   (Ba-ram-i si-won-hae-seo gi-bun-i jo-a-yo.)
   The breeze is cool, so I feel good.
4. 시원한 물 좀 주세요.
   (Si-won-han mul jom ju-se-yo.)
   Please give me some cool water.
5. 여름에는 시원한 곳에서 쉬는 게 최고예요.
   (Yeo-reum-e-neun si-won-han got-e-seo swi-neun ge choe-go-ye-yo.)
   In summer, resting in a cool place is the best.

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Talking About Someone’s Personality: “쿨하다 (kul-ha-da)”

The word 쿨하다 is derived from the English word “cool” and is used to describe someone who is relaxed, easygoing, or has a “chill” personality.

When to Use 쿨하다

Use 쿨하다 when referring to someone’s behavior or attitude. It’s often used in casual conversations among friends.

Examples of 쿨하다 in Sentences

1. 그는 정말 쿨해요.
   (Geu-neun jeong-mal kul-hae-yo.)
   He is really cool (easygoing).
2. 그녀는 모든 일을 쿨하게 처리해요.
   (Geu-nyeo-neun mo-deun il-eul kul-ha-ge cheo-ri-hae-yo.)
   She handles everything coolly.
3. 쿨한 사람들과 어울리는 게 좋아요.
   (Kul-han sa-ram-deul-gwa eo-ul-li-neun ge jo-a-yo.)
   I like hanging out with cool (relaxed) people.
4. 친구가 쿨하게 이해해줬어요.
   (Chin-gu-ga kul-ha-ge i-hae-hae-jwot-seo-yo.)
   My friend understood it in a cool way.
5. 그가 쿨한 태도를 보여줬어요.
   (Geu-ga kul-han tae-do-reul bo-yeo-jwot-seo-yo.)
   He showed a cool attitude.

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Informal or Fun Expressions: “짱 (jjang)”

In informal or slang Korean, 짱 is a fun way to say “cool,” “awesome,” or “the best.” It’s more casual and often used among younger people.

When to Use 짱

Use 짱 to describe something or someone as outstanding or amazing. It’s more playful and less formal than the other options.

Examples of 짱 in Sentences

1. 이 가게 진짜 짱이에요!
   (I ga-ge jin-jja jjang-i-e-yo!)
   This store is really cool!
2. 네 사진 진짜 짱이다!
   (Ne sa-jin jin-jja jjang-i-da!)
   Your photo is so cool!
3. 그 배우는 정말 짱이야.
   (Geu bae-u-neun jeong-mal jjang-i-ya.)
   That actor is really cool.
4. 이 노래 짱 좋아요.
   (I no-rae jjang jo-a-yo.)
   I really like this song; it’s cool.
5. 너 오늘 진짜 짱 멋있어.
   (Neo o-neul jin-jja jjang meo-shi-sseo.)
   You look super cool today.

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Expressing “Cool” in Situations: Context Matters

In Korean, the way you say “cool” depends heavily on the situation. Here’s a quick breakdown of which word to use in different contexts:

• 멋있다: To compliment someone’s style, actions, or appearance.
• 시원하다: To describe the weather, a drink, or a refreshing feeling.
• 쿨하다: To talk about someone’s chill or easygoing personality.
• 짱: For informal, playful, or youthful expressions of coolness.

By understanding these distinctions, you can use the right word to fit the situation perfectly!

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Let’s Practice Saying “Cool” in Korean

Now that you know the different ways to say “cool” in Korean, try using them in your daily conversations.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask us!