Korean word

똑똑하다

Pronunciation

Romanizationttokttokada

Meaning

  • adjectivesmart

Example

그 학생은 똑똑해요.keu hak ssaeng eun ttok tto kae yo

That student is smart.

Illustration for 똑똑하다 (smart)

More examples

회의에서 요점을 잘 짚어서 그분은 참 똑똑하네요.hoe ui e seo yo jeo meul chal chi peo seo keu bu neun cham ttok tto ka ne yo

That person is really smart because they identified the key point so well in the meeting.

Core concept

A mind that quickly understands what is happening and chooses a good response.

Common phrases

  • 똑똑한 학생ttok tto kan hak ssaeng

    clever student

  • 정말 똑똑하다cheong mal ttok tto ka da

    truly smart

Similar words

머리가 좋다meoriga chota: Having a strong mind for learning and understanding difficult ideas.
현명하다hyeonmyeonghada: Making sound choices by using knowledge and life experience.
영리하다yeongnihada: Finding a clever way to deal with a situation at the right moment.

Definition in Korean

사물이나 상황을 빠르게 파악하고 적절히 판단하는 능력이 있는 상태.sa mu ri na sang hwang eul ppa reu ge pa a ka go cheok jjeol hi pan dan ha neun neung nyeo gi in neun sang tae

Word origin

The word is commonly analyzed as a repeated form linked with clarity and sharpness plus a common Korean element that forms an adjective.

Usage tips

  • It can praise practical judgment as well as school ability, so it is not limited to talking about grades or book learning.

Opposites

  • 멍청하다meongcheonghadafoolishadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word