Korean word

마땅하다

Pronunciation

Romanizationmattanghada

Meaning

  • adjectivesuitable

Example

이 자리에는 마땅한 사람이 없다.i cha ri e neun ma ttang han sa ra mi eop tta

There is no suitable person for this seat.

Illustration for 마땅하다 (suitable)

More examples

그 결정은 마땅하다.keu kyeol jeong eun ma ttang ha da

The decision is appropriate.

Core concept

Someone or something matches the needs and standards of a particular situation.

Common phrases

  • 마땅한 사람ma ttang han sa ram

    suitable person

  • 마땅한 이유ma ttang han i yu

    suitable reason

  • 마땅한 방법ma ttang han pang beop

    suitable method

Similar words

적절하다cheokjjeolhada: Matching the needs and limits of a particular situation without falling short.
알맞다almattta: Neither too much nor too little for a person, thing, or situation.
적합하다cheokapada: Meeting the purpose and conditions for which something is intended.

Definition in Korean

사람이나 행동·대상이 상황에 어울려 적절하다고 여겨지는 상태sa ra mi na haeng dong tae sang i sang hwang e eo ul lyeo cheok jjeol ha da go yeo gyeo ji neun sang tae

Word origin

마땅 (mattang, "propriety") combines with 하다 (hada, "to do") to form an adjective describing what is fitting or proper for a situation.

Usage tips

  • The word often carries an expectation about the right choice, so it is less casual than saying that something merely looks good.

Other meanings

  • naturaladjective
  • reasonableadjective

Opposites

  • 부적절하다pujeokjjeolhadainappropriateadjective
  • 부적합하다pujeokapadaunsuitableadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word