Nuance Dictionary / People & Relationships

당신 dangsin

you (spouses, writing, arguments)

What does 당신 mean?

당신 (dangsin) means: you (spouses, writing, arguments).

The textbook trap. Dictionaries do list it as a slightly respectful 'you', but face to face it survives in three places: husband and wife addressing each other, ads, lyrics and written text speaking to an unnamed reader, and fights — the NIKL dictionaries record a separate disparaging sense used when confronting someone. Say 당신 to a stranger or an older person and it can sound like you are picking a fight.

🔊 From the story above

너 이번 주말에 뭐 할 거야? — neo ibeon jumare mwo hal geoya, "What are you doing this weekend?"
당신이 뭔데 남의 일에 끼어들어? — dangsini mwonde namui ire kkieodeureo, "Who do you think you are, butting into other people's business?"
자기, 왜 이렇게 늦게 왔어? — jagi, wae ireoke neutge wasseo, "Babe, why are you so late?"
그쪽 생각은 어떻습니까? — geujjok saenggageun eotteoseumnikka, "What do you think? (literally: What is that side's opinion?)"
여러분, 고맙습니다. — yeoreobun, gomapseumnida, "Thank you, everyone."
너희 학교가 참으로 좋아 보이는구나. — neohui hakgyoga chameuro joa boineunguna, "Your school looks really nice."
자네가 내 딸을 행복하게 해 줄 수 있겠나? — janega nae ttareul haengbokage hae jul su itgenna, "Can you make my daughter happy?"
지수 씨, 커피 드실래요? — Jisu ssi, keopi deusillaeyo, "Jisu, would you like some coffee?"
박유민 님, 진료실로 들어오세요. — Park Yumin nim, jillyosillo deureooseyo, "Park Yumin, please come into the exam room."

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How it's actually used

  • 당신이 뭔데 남의 일에 끼어들어?
    Who do you think you are, butting into other people's business?

Related words in People & Relationships

자기 jagi그쪽 geujjok여러분 yeoreobun너희 neohui자네 jane

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