Korean word

꼴

Pronunciation

Romanizationkkol

Meaning

  • nounappearance

Example

그의 꼴이 안 좋아 보여.keu ui kko ri an cho a po yeo

His appearance doesn't look good.

Illustration for 꼴 (appearance)

More examples

비가 와서 운동장의 꼴이 엉망이다.pi ga wa seo un dong jang ui kko ri eong mang i da

The rain has left the sports field a mess.

Core concept

The outward look of someone or something, including the condition suggested by that look.

Common phrases

  • 꼴이 안 좋다kko ri an cho ta

    look bad

  • 꼴이 말이 아니다kko ri ma ri a ni da

    be a sorry sight

  • 꼴을 못 보다kko reul mot po da

    can't bear the sight

  • 꼴이 좋다kko ri cho ta

    look good

Similar words

모습moseup: The visible appearance of a person or thing, including the impression it gives.
모양moyang: The shape or visible form that gives a person or thing its particular look.
상태sangtae: The overall condition of a person or thing at a given time, including health or feelings.

Definition in Korean

사람이나 사물의 외양·상태를 가리키며 문맥에 따라 자리나 등수를 뜻하기도 하는 명사sa ra mi na sa mu rui oe yang sang tae reul ka ri ki myeo mun mae ge tta ra cha ri na teung su reul tteu ta gi do ha neun myeong sa

Word origin

꼴 (kkol, "form or appearance") is an old native Korean word whose sense grew from visible form to a person's or thing's overall condition.

Usage tips

  • When this noun comments on a person, it can sound blunt, so neutral wording is safer in formal or respectful situations.

Related words

  • 꼴값kkolgapfoolish behaviornoun
  • 꼴불견kkolbulgyeondisgraceful sightnoun
  • 꼴찌kkoljjilast placenoun

Word lists with this word