Korean word

정말로

Pronunciation

Romanizationcheongmallo

Meaning

  • adverbreally

Example

이게 정말로 필요해?i ge cheong mal lo pi ryo hae

Do we really need this?

Illustration for 정말로 (really)

More examples

그 선물을 받아서 정말로 기뻐.keu seon mu reul pa da seo cheong mal lo ki ppeo

I am really happy to receive that gift.

Core concept

It adds strong force to a statement, showing that the speaker believes it or is surprised by its truth or degree.

Common phrases

  • 정말로 고마워cheong mal lo ko ma wo

    really thankful

  • 정말로 필요해cheong mal lo pi ryo hae

    really need

  • 정말로 미안해cheong mal lo mi an hae

    really sorry

Similar words

정말cheongmal: Shows especially strong agreement, surprise, admiration, or thanks in conversation.
진짜chinjja: Adds casual emphasis to show that something is truly so, often with surprise.

Definition in Korean

말하는 이가 어떤 상황이나 사실을 강하게 믿거나 놀랐을 때 그 마음을 표현하는 부사로, 정도를 강조한다.mal ha neun i ga eo tteon sang hwang i na sa si reul kang ha ge mit kkeo na nol la sseul ttae keu ma eu meul pyo hyeon ha neun pu sa ro cheong do reul kang jo han da

Word origin

The form combines the Korean word for really with ro, producing an adverb used to add force to what follows.

Usage tips

  • When this word appears in a question, the speaker may be checking sincerity or showing disbelief rather than simply requesting information.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word