Korean Conversation · Level 173
15 words
Korean word
도무지
Pronunciation
Romanizationtomuji
Meaning
- adverbat all
Example
도무지 이해가 안 돼요.to mu ji i hae ga an twae yo
I can't understand it at all.
More examples
도무지 믿을 수가 없어요.to mu ji mi deul ssu ga eop sseo yo
I can't believe it at all.
Core concept
A strong barrier leaves no room for something to happen or be understood at all.
Common phrases
도무지 모르겠다to mu ji mo reu get tta
not know at all
도무지 이해가 안 되다to mu ji i hae ga an toe da
not understand at all
도무지 믿을 수 없다to mu ji mi deul ssu eop tta
cannot believe at all
Similar words
전혀cheonhyeo: Denies the presence of something in any amount whatsoever.
아예aye: Indicates that something never starts and is wholly left undone.
도저히tojeohi: Indicates that physical or mental limits make something impossible despite trying.
Definition in Korean
도무지는 어떤 상태나 동작이 조금도 이루어지지 않음을 강조하는 부사로, 특히 이해 불가나 실현 불가능을 표현할 때 자주 쓰인다to mu ji neun eo tteon sang tae na tong ja gi cho geum do i ru eo ji ji a neu meul kang jo ha neun pu sa ro teu ki i hae pul ga na sil hyeon pul ga neung eul pyo hyeon hal ttae cha ju sseu in da
Word origin
The historical origin of domuji is uncertain, so it is best learned as a fixed adverb rather than through an unverified word breakdown.
Usage tips
- In conversation, domuji sounds much stronger than a gentle no and can convey frustration or confusion.