How to Say “That’s Cool” in Korean: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning how to express simple phrases like “that’s cool” is essential for engaging in everyday conversations and connecting with native speakers. In Korean, there are several ways to convey this sentiment, each with its own nuance and level of formality.

This article provides a detailed exploration of these expressions, breaking down their grammatical structures, usage rules, and cultural contexts. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to confidently say “that’s cool” in Korean.

This guide is beneficial for language learners of all levels who want to improve their conversational skills in Korean. It’s particularly useful for those interested in understanding the nuances of Korean expressions and using them appropriately in different social situations.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition: “That’s Cool” in Korean
3. Structural Breakdown of Key Phrases
4. Types and Categories of Expressions
   • Formal Expressions
   • Standard Expressions
   • Informal Expressions
   • Slang Expressions
5. Examples of “That’s Cool” in Korean
   • Formal Examples
   • Standard Examples
   • Informal Examples
   • Slang Examples
6. Usage Rules and Context
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics: Nuances and Subtleties
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Conclusion

Definition: “That’s Cool” in Korean

The English phrase “that’s cool” is a versatile expression used to convey approval, admiration, or agreement. In Korean, several phrases can express a similar sentiment, each with slightly different connotations and levels of formality.

These expressions range from formal and polite to informal and slang, reflecting the hierarchical nature of Korean culture and language. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective communication.

The most common ways to say “that’s cool” in Korean include: “멋있다 (meositta),” “좋다 (jota),” “대박 (daebak),” and “괜찮다 (gwaenchanta).” Each of these words carries its own implications, and the appropriate choice depends heavily on the context and the relationship between the speakers. For example, using a slang term with an elder or superior would be considered disrespectful.

Structural Breakdown of Key Phrases

To effectively use these phrases, it’s important to understand their grammatical structure. Let’s break down the most common expressions:

• 멋있다 (meositta): This verb means “to be cool,” “to be stylish,” or “to be awesome.” It’s an adjective verb, meaning it describes a noun. The base form is 멋있- (meosiss-), and -다 (-da) is the declarative ending used in formal situations.
• 좋다 (jota): This adjective verb translates to “to be good” or “to be nice.” While not a direct translation, it can be used to express that something is cool in the sense that it’s pleasing or agreeable. The base form is 좋- (joh-), and -다 (-da) is the declarative ending.
• 대박 (daebak): This noun literally means “jackpot” or “big hit.” It’s used as an exclamation to express amazement or approval, similar to saying “wow” or “that’s awesome.” It doesn’t follow typical verb conjugation rules.
• 괜찮다 (gwaenchanta): This adjective verb means “to be okay,” “to be alright,” or “to be acceptable.” In some contexts, it can also mean “that’s cool” in the sense that something is satisfactory or not a problem. The base form is 괜찮- (gwaenchanh-), and -다 (-da) is the declarative ending.

Types and Categories of Expressions

The expressions for “that’s cool” in Korean can be categorized based on their level of formality.

Formal Expressions

Formal expressions are used when speaking to elders, superiors, or in professional settings. They often end with the -습니다 (-seumnida) or -ㅂ니다 (-bnida) verb endings.

Example: 멋있습니다 (meosissseumnida) – “That is cool” (formal and polite).

Standard Expressions

Standard expressions are suitable for most everyday conversations with people you don’t know very well or with acquaintances. They usually end with -아요 (-ayo) or -어요 (-eoyo).

Examples: 멋있어요 (meosisseoyo) – “That’s cool” (standard polite), 좋아요 (joayo) – “That’s good/cool” (standard polite).

Informal Expressions

Informal expressions are used with close friends, family members, or people younger than you. They often end with -아 (-a) or -어 (-eo), or simply use the base form of the word.

Examples: 멋있어 (meosisseo) – “That’s cool” (informal), 좋아 (joa) – “That’s good/cool” (informal), 대박 (daebak) – “That’s awesome!” (informal, but widely used).

Slang Expressions

Slang expressions are very informal and should be used with caution. They are typically used among young people and close friends.

Examples: While “대박 (daebak)” is commonly used and not always considered strict slang, other slang terms exist but are constantly evolving and may not be appropriate for all learners.

Examples of “That’s Cool” in Korean

Here are several examples of how to use these expressions in different contexts. The tables below show example sentences with translations and notes on usage.

Formal Examples

The following table provides examples of using “that’s cool” in formal Korean situations.

Korean Sentence	Romanization	English Translation	Notes
그 아이디어는 정말 멋있습니다.	Geu aidi-eoneun jeongmal meosissseumnida.	That idea is really cool.	Used in professional settings or when addressing superiors.
그 발표는 매우 좋았습니다.	Geu balpyoneun maeu joasseumnida.	That presentation was very good/cool.	Expressing approval in a formal context.
이번 프로젝트 결과는 대박입니다.	Ibeon peurojekteu gyeolgwaneun daebagimnida.	The result of this project is amazing.	Using “daebak” in a slightly more formal tone.
그 제안은 괜찮습니다.	Geu jeaneun gwaenchanhseumnida.	That proposal is acceptable/cool.	Expressing that something is satisfactory in a formal setting.
사장님, 그 결정은 정말 멋있습니다.	Sajangnim, geu gyeoljeongeun jeongmal meosissseumnida.	President, that decision is really cool.	Addressing a company president.
선생님, 그 강의는 매우 좋았습니다.	Seonsaengnim, geu ganguineun maeu joasseumnida.	Teacher, that lecture was very good/cool.	Addressing a teacher.
그 디자인은 정말 멋있습니다, 고객님.	Geu dijaineun jeongmal meosissseumnida, gogaengnim.	That design is really cool, customer.	Addressing a customer.
결과가 대박입니다, 보고서를 확인하세요.	Gyeolgwaga daebagimnida, bogoseoreul hwagin haseyo.	The result is amazing, please check the report.	Presenting great results formally.
그 계획은 괜찮습니다, 진행해도 좋습니다.	Geu gyehoegeun gwaenchanhseumnida, jinhaenghaedo joseumnida.	That plan is acceptable, you may proceed.	Giving formal approval.
새로운 정책은 매우 멋있습니다.	Sae로운 jeongchaegeun 매우 meosissseumnida.	The new policy is very cool.	Describing a policy in a formal context.
그 개선 사항은 정말 좋습니다.	Geu gaeseon 사항eun jeongmal joseumnida.	Those improvements are really good.	Formally acknowledging improvements.
이번 성과는 대박입니다.	Ibeon seonggwaneun daebagimnida.	This achievement is amazing.	Formally celebrating an achievement.
그 해결책은 괜찮습니다.	Geu haegeolchaegeun gwaenchanhseumnida.	That solution is acceptable.	Accepting a solution formally.
그 아이디어는 혁신적이고 멋있습니다.	Geu aidi-eoneun hyeoksinjeogigo meosissseumnida.	That idea is innovative and cool.	Describing an innovative idea.
결과가 예상보다 훨씬 좋습니다.	Gyeolgwaga yesangboda hwolssin joseumnida.	The result is much better than expected.	Expressing satisfaction formally.
새로운 시스템은 대박입니다.	Sae로운 siseutemeun daebagimnida.	The new system is amazing.	Describing a new system.
저희는 그 제안이 괜찮다고 생각합니다.	Jeohuineun geu jeani gwaenchanhdago saenggakhamnida.	We think that proposal is acceptable.	Expressing an opinion formally.
그 전략은 실행 가능하고 멋있습니다.	Geu jeollyageun silhaeng ganeunghago meosissseumnida.	That strategy is feasible and cool.	Describing a feasible strategy.
결과가 기대 이상으로 좋습니다.	Gyeolgwaga gidae isang으로 joseumnida.	The result is better than expected.	Expressing exceeding expectations formally.
새로운 기능은 대박입니다.	Sae로운 gineungeun daebagimnida.	The new feature is amazing.	Describing a new feature.

Standard Examples

The following table provides examples of using “that’s cool” in standard Korean situations.

Korean Sentence	Romanization	English Translation	Notes
그 영화 진짜 멋있어요.	Geu yeonghwa jinjja meosisseoyo.	That movie is really cool.	Standard polite way to express admiration.
그 노래 좋아요.	Geu norae joayo.	That song is good/cool.	Expressing that you like a song.
오늘 날씨 대박!	Oneul nalssi daebak!	The weather today is awesome!	Using “daebak” to express excitement about the weather.
그 아이디어 괜찮아요.	Geu aidieo gwaenchanhayo.	That idea is okay/cool.	Expressing that an idea is acceptable or good.
새로 산 옷 멋있어요.	Sae로 san ot meosisseoyo.	Your new clothes are cool.	Complimenting someone’s new clothes.
그 카페 분위기 좋아요.	Geu kape bunwigi joayo.	That cafe has a good/cool atmosphere.	Expressing that you like the atmosphere of a cafe.
이 게임 진짜 대박이다!	I geim jinjja daebagida!	This game is really awesome!	Expressing excitement about a game.
그 방법 괜찮아요.	Geu bangbeop gwaenchanhayo.	That method is okay/cool.	Expressing that a method is acceptable.
여행 계획 멋있어요.	Yeohaeng gyehoek meosisseoyo.	Your travel plan is cool.	Complimenting someone’s travel plan.
그 식당 음식 좋아요.	Geu sikdang eumsik joayo.	The food at that restaurant is good/cool.	Expressing that you like the food at a restaurant.
새로 나온 드라마 대박!	Sae로나온 deurama daebak!	The new drama is awesome!	Expressing excitement about a new drama.
그 결정 괜찮아요.	Geu gyeoljeong gwaenchanhayo.	That decision is okay/cool.	Expressing that a decision is acceptable.
헤어스타일 멋있어요.	Heeoseutail meosisseoyo.	Your hairstyle is cool.	Complimenting someone’s hairstyle.
그 영화 스토리 좋아요.	Geu yeonghwa seutori joayo.	That movie’s story is good/cool.	Expressing that you like the story of a movie.
콘서트 진짜 대박이었어!	Konseoteu jinjja daebagieosseo!	The concert was really awesome!	Expressing excitement about a concert.
그 생각 괜찮아요.	Geu saenggak gwaenchanhayo.	That idea is okay/cool.	Expressing that an idea is acceptable.
인테리어 멋있어요.	Interieo meosisseoyo.	The interior design is cool.	Complimenting an interior design.
그 책 내용 좋아요.	Geu chaek naeyong joayo.	The content of that book is good/cool.	Expressing that you like the content of a book.
파티 진짜 대박이었지!	Pati jinjja daebagieotji!	The party was really awesome!	Expressing excitement about a party.
그 계획 괜찮아요.	Geu gyehoek gwaenchanhayo.	That plan is okay/cool.	Expressing that a plan is acceptable.

Informal Examples

The following table provides examples of using “that’s cool” in informal Korean situations.

Korean Sentence	Romanization	English Translation	Notes
야, 그거 진짜 멋있어.	Ya, geugeo jinjja meosisseo.	Hey, that’s really cool.	Informal way to express admiration among friends.
어, 좋아!	Eo, joa!	Oh, good/cool!	Informal way to express agreement or approval.
대박!	Daebak!	Awesome!/Jackpot!	Exclamation of excitement or approval.
괜찮아.	Gwaenchana.	It’s okay/cool.	Expressing that something is acceptable or no problem.
니 옷 멋있어.	Ni ot meosisseo.	Your clothes are cool.	Complimenting a friend’s clothes.
그 생각 좋아.	Geu saenggak joa.	That idea is good/cool.	Expressing that you like an idea.
오늘 완전 대박!	Oneul wanjeon daebak!	Today is totally awesome!	Expressing excitement about the day.
이거 괜찮아?	Igeo gwaenchana?	Is this okay/cool?	Asking if something is acceptable.
새 폰 멋있어.	Sae pon meosisseo.	Your new phone is cool.	Complimenting a friend’s new phone.
그 영화 진짜 좋아.	Geu yeonghwa jinjja joa.	I really like that movie/That movie is cool.	Expressing that you like a movie.
오늘 날씨 대박이다!	Oneul nalssi daebagida!	The weather today is awesome!	Expressing excitement about the weather.
그 계획 괜찮아?	Geu gyehoek gwaenchana?	Is that plan okay/cool?	Asking if a plan is acceptable.
그 차 멋있어.	Geu cha meosisseo.	That car is cool.	Complimenting a car.
그 가방 좋아.	Geu gabang joa.	That bag is good/cool.	Expressing that you like a bag.
이번 시험 대박!	Ibeon siheom daebak!	This exam is awesome!	Expressing excitement about an exam result.
이 옷 괜찮아?	I ot gwaenchana?	Is this outfit okay/cool?	Asking if an outfit is acceptable.
그 신발 멋있어.	Geu sinbal meosisseo.	Those shoes are cool.	Complimenting shoes.
그 음악 좋아.	Geu eumak joa.	That music is good/cool.	Expressing that you like music.
이 파티 대박이다!	I pati daebagida!	This party is awesome!	Expressing excitement about a party.
그 선물 괜찮아?	Geu seonmul gwaenchana?	Is that gift okay/cool?	Asking if a gift is acceptable.

Slang Examples

The following table provides examples of using slang to say “that’s cool” in Korean. Note: Use with caution and primarily among close friends.

Korean Sentence	Romanization	English Translation	Notes
쩐다!	Jjeonda!	That’s awesome!/Amazing!	Very informal slang, expressing extreme amazement.
개이득!	Gae-ideuk!	That’s a great deal!/That’s awesome!	Slang for “huge benefit” or “great gain,” implying something is very cool because it’s advantageous.
헐 대박!	Heol daebak!	Wow, that’s awesome!	Combination of “헐 (heol)” (shocked expression) and “대박 (daebak).”
인정!	Injeong!	I acknowledge that!/That’s cool!	Means “acknowledgment” or “agreement,” showing you think something is cool or valid.
레알 멋있다!	Re-al meositta!	Really cool!	Using “레알 (re-al)” from the English word “real” to emphasize how cool something is.
대박 사건!	Daebak sageon!	Awesome incident!	Describing something incredibly cool or surprising.
넘사벽!	Neom-sa-byeok!	Unsurpassable!/Incredibly awesome!	Meaning “wall that can’t be overcome,” implying something is so cool it’s beyond comparison.
핵인싸템!	Haek-inssa-tem!	Must-have item for popular people!/Super cool item!	Describing an item that is trendy and cool.
인싸템!	Inssa-tem!	Popular item!/Cool item!	Describing an item that is trendy and cool.
존멋!	Jonmeot!	Extremely cool!	Shortened version of “존나 멋있다 (jonna meositta),” where “존나 (jonna)” is a very informal intensifier.
개꿀!	Gae-kkul!	Super sweet!/Awesome!	Literally “dog honey,” slang for something very good or easy.
ㅇㄱㄹㅇ!	I-geu-ri-eol!	This is real! / Totally agree!	Abbreviation for “이거 레알 (igeo re-al),” meaning “this is real,” used to emphasize agreement or that something is cool.
ㅇㅈ!	I-jeong!	Acknowledge! / Agree!	Shortened version of “인정 (injeong),” meaning “acknowledgment” or “agreement.”
ㅇㅋ!	O-key!	Okay! / Cool!	Koreanized version of “OK,” used as an informal agreement or to show approval.
ㅇㅇ!	Eung-eung!	Yeah! / Okay! / Cool!	Very informal way to say “yes” or “okay,” often used in text messages.
ㄹㅇ?	Re-al?	Really? / Is that real? / Cool?	Shortened version of “레알 (re-al),” used to ask if something is real or to express surprise.
ㅈㄴ!	Jon-na!	Very! / Extremely! / Cool!	Abbreviation of “존나 (jonna),” a very informal intensifier, often used to emphasize something is cool.
ㄱㅇㄷ!	Gi-yeok-di-geut!	Profit! / Good deal! / Cool!	Abbreviation of “개이득 (gae-ideuk),” slang for “huge benefit” or “great gain.”
ㅇㅈㅇㅇㅈ!	I-jeong-i-jeong!	Acknowledge acknowledge! / Totally agree!	Emphasizing agreement or acknowledgment even more strongly.
ㅇㄱㄹㅇ ㅂㅂㅂㄱ!	I-geu-ri-eol ban-bak-bul-ga!	This is real, no rebuttal possible! / Totally agree!	Intensifying agreement and saying there’s no arguing against it.

Usage Rules and Context

Choosing the right expression for “that’s cool” depends heavily on the social context and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. Always consider the level of formality required in the situation.

• Formality: Use formal expressions with elders, superiors, or in professional settings. Stick to standard expressions with acquaintances or people you don’t know well. Use informal expressions only with close friends, family, or people younger than you.
• Context: The specific situation also matters. For example, “대박 (daebak)” is generally used to express excitement or amazement, while “괜찮다 (gwaenchanta)” is used to express that something is acceptable or okay.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of Korean cultural norms regarding respect and hierarchy. Using overly casual or slang expressions with someone older or in a position of authority can be considered rude.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes that learners make when expressing “that’s cool” in Korean.

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
선생님, 대박!	선생님, 정말 좋습니다. (Seonsaengnim, jeongmal joseumnida.)	Using “대박 (daebak)” with a teacher is too informal. Use a more respectful expression like “정말 좋습니다 (jeongmal joseumnida).”
친구, 멋있습니다.	친구, 멋있어. (Chingu, meosisseo.)	Using “멋있습니다 (meosissseumnida)” with a friend is too formal. Use the informal “멋있어 (meosisseo).”
그것은 좋다.	그거 좋아. (Geugeo joa.) or 그거 좋아요. (Geugeo joayo.)	While grammatically understandable, it sounds unnatural. It’s better to use “좋아 (joa)” or “좋아요 (joayo).”
괜찮습니다, 친구.	괜찮아, 친구. (Gwaenchana, chingu.)	Mixing formal and informal language is awkward. Use either all formal or all informal.
대박입니다, 사장님.	결과가 매우 좋습니다, 사장님. (Gyeolgwaga maeu joseumnida, sajangnim.)	While “대박입니다” can be used in a formal setting, it’s better to use a more professional expression when speaking to your boss.
옷이 괜찮아, 고객님.	옷이 괜찮습니다, 고객님. (Osi gwaenchanhseumnida, gogaengnim.)	Using informal language with a customer is inappropriate. Use formal language instead.
계획이 멋있어, 팀장님.	계획이 멋있습니다, 팀장님. (Gyehoegeun meosissseumnida, timjangnim.)	Using informal language with your team leader is inappropriate. Use formal language instead.
아이가 대박, 할머니.	아이가 정말 귀엽습니다, 할머니. (Aiga jeongmal gwiyeopseumnida, halmeoni.)	Using slang with your grandmother is inappropriate. Use formal language instead.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Choose the appropriate expression for “that’s cool” based on the context.

Exercise 1: Choose the correct expression for the following situations.

Situation	Options	Answer
Talking to your best friend about a new movie.	a) 멋있습니다 (meosissseumnida) b) 멋있어 (meosisseo) c) 멋있어요 (meosisseoyo)	b) 멋있어 (meosisseo)
Giving a presentation to your boss.	a) 대박 (daebak) b) 좋습니다 (joseumnida) c) 좋아 (joa)	b) 좋습니다 (joseumnida)
Reacting to a friend’s exciting news.	a) 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanhayo) b) 대박 (daebak) c) 괜찮아 (gwaenchana)	b) 대박 (daebak)
Commenting on a colleague’s idea during a meeting.	a) 괜찮아 (gwaenchana) b) 괜찮습니다 (gwaenchanhseumnida) c) 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanhayo)	c) 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanhayo)
Complimenting your younger sibling’s drawing.	a) 멋있습니다. (meosissseumnida) b) 멋있어. (meosisseo) c) 멋있어요. (meosisseoyo)	b) 멋있어. (meosisseo)
Praising a senior colleague’s work.	a) 대박! (daebak!) b) 좋습니다! (joseumnida!) c) 좋아! (joa!)	b) 좋습니다! (joseumnida!)
Talking to your close friend about a concert.	a) 괜찮아요? (gwaenchanhayo?) b) 대박이었다! (daebagieotda!) c) 괜찮습니다. (gwaenchanhseumnida.)	b) 대박이었다! (daebagieotda!)
Responding to your manager’s suggestion.	a) 괜찮아. (gwaenchana.) b) 괜찮습니다. (gwaenchanhseumnida.) c) 괜찮아요. (gwaenchanhayo.)	c) 괜찮아요. (gwaenchanhayo.)
Admiring your friend’s new car.	a) 멋있습니다. (meosissseumnida) b) 멋있어. (meosisseo) c) 멋있어요. (meosisseoyo)	b) 멋있어. (meosisseo)
Expressing satisfaction in a formal business meeting.	a) 대박! (daebak!) b) 좋습니다! (joseumnida!) c) 좋아! (joa!)	b) 좋습니다! (joseumnida!)

Exercise 2: Translate the following sentences into Korean using the appropriate expression.

English Sentence	Correct Korean Translation
That’s cool! (to a close friend)	야! 그거 멋있다! (Ya! geugeo meosisseo!)
That’s cool! (to your boss)	그것은 정말 좋습니다! (Geugeoseun jeongmal joseumnida!)
That’s awesome! (exclamation of excitement)	대박! (Daebak!)
That’s okay/cool. (in a standard polite way)	괜찮아요. (Gwaenchanhayo.)
Your new hairstyle is cool! (to a friend)	머리 스타일 멋있어! (Meori seutail meosisseo!)
That plan is acceptable/cool. (in a business meeting)	그 계획은 괜찮습니다. (Geu gyehoegeun gwaenchanhseumnida.)
This concert is awesome! (to a friend at the concert)	이 콘서트 대박이다! (I konseoteu daebagida!)
That movie was really cool! (to your colleague)	그 영화 정말 멋있었어요! (Geu yeonghwa jeongmal meosisseosseoyo!)
Your presentation was really cool! (to your professor)	발표가 정말 좋았습니다, 교수님! (Balpyoga jeongmal joasseumnida, gyosunim!)
This new app is amazing! (to your friend)	이 새로운 앱 대박이야! (I saeroun aep daebagiya!)

Advanced Topics: Nuances and Subtleties

Beyond the basic translations, understanding the nuances and subtleties of Korean expressions for “that’s cool” can significantly enhance your communication skills. Here are some advanced topics to consider:

• Using Intensifiers: Words like “진짜 (jinjja)” (really), “정말 (jeongmal)” (very), and “완전 (wanjeon)” (totally) can be added to emphasize your approval or excitement. For example, “진짜 멋있어 (jinjja meosisseo)” means “that’s really cool.”
• Combining Expressions: You can combine expressions to convey more complex emotions. For example, “대박, 진짜 좋아! (daebak, jinjja joa!)” means “Wow, that’s awesome, I really like it!”
• Regional Variations: Like any language, Korean has regional dialects that may use different expressions for “that’s cool.” While the expressions covered in this article are widely understood, be aware that there may be local variations.
• Evolving Slang: Slang terms are constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay updated on current trends. Pay attention to how native speakers, especially younger generations, use these expressions in real-life conversations and media.
• Using body language: Non-verbal cues can amplify the meaning of your words. A smile, nod, or enthusiastic gesture can make your expression of approval even more impactful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Mastering the art of saying “that’s cool” in Korean involves understanding the nuances of formality, context, and cultural sensitivity. By learning the various expressions, practicing their usage, and avoiding common mistakes, you can effectively communicate your approval and connect with native speakers on a deeper level.

Remember to always consider your relationship with the person you’re speaking to and the specific situation to choose the most appropriate expression. Keep practicing and immersing yourself in Korean culture, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering this essential phrase.