촌스럽다
촌스럽다 in 30 Sekunden
- 촌스럽다 means tacky, unfashionable, or outdated, often applied to clothes and styles.
- It literally translates to 'village-like,' implying a lack of urban sophistication.
- As a 'ㅂ' irregular adjective, it conjugates to '촌스러워요' in the polite present tense.
- While usually negative, it can sometimes be used nostalgically or in the 'Newtro' trend.
The Korean adjective 촌스럽다 (chon-seu-reop-da) is a fascinating word that bridges the gap between geography and aesthetics. At its most literal level, it derives from the root word 촌 (村 - chon), which means 'village' or 'countryside.' When you add the suffix -스럽다, which translates to 'having the quality of' or 'suggestive of,' you get a word that originally meant 'like the countryside.' However, in modern South Korean society, which has undergone rapid urbanization and places a high premium on being 'Seoul-style' or 'sophisticated,' the word has evolved to carry a predominantly negative connotation related to fashion, style, and social grace.
- Literal Origin
- Originating from 'chon' (village), it implies an aesthetic that lacks the refinement of the city.
- Modern Nuance
- It is most frequently used to describe clothing, interior design, or behavior that is perceived as tacky, outdated, or lacking in modern taste.
When a Korean person describes something as chon-seu-reop-da, they are often pointing out a lack of harmony in colors, an outdated silhouette in fashion, or a manner of speaking that feels unpolished. For example, wearing neon green socks with formal dress shoes might be called chon-seu-reop-da. Similarly, using slang from twenty years ago might earn you this descriptor from younger generations. It is a word deeply tied to the fast-paced nature of Korean trends; what was 'cool' last year can quickly become 'chon-seu-reop-da' this year.
그 옷은 너무 촌스러워요. (That outfit is too tacky/outdated.)
Interestingly, there has been a recent cultural shift known as 'Newtro' (New + Retro) in Korea. In this context, things that were once dismissed as chon-seu-reop-da—like old-fashioned floral patterns or 90s-style tracksuits—are being re-embraced. In these cases, someone might say '촌스러운데 힙해' (It's tacky but hip), showing how the word's usage is becoming more nuanced. However, without that 'hip' qualifier, the word remains a critique of someone's lack of fashion sense.
색깔이 너무 촌스러워 보여요. (The colors look too garish/unfashionable.)
- Social Context
- Used among friends to tease or in self-deprecation when looking at old photos.
제 옛날 사진은 정말 촌스러워요. (My old photos are really tacky/embarrassing.)
To use 촌스럽다 correctly, you must first master its conjugation. It is a 'ㅂ' irregular adjective. This means that when the root 촌스럽- meets a suffix starting with a vowel, the 'ㅂ' changes to '우'. For example, in the polite present tense, it becomes 촌스러워요 (chon-seu-reo-wo-yo), not 촌스럽아요. In the past tense, it becomes 촌스러웠어요 (chon-seu-reo-wot-eo-yo).
- Present Tense (Polite)
- 촌스러워요 (It's tacky/unfashionable.)
- Past Tense (Polite)
- 촌스러웠어요 (It was tacky/unfashionable.)
When modifying a noun directly, you use the form 촌스러운. For instance, 'a tacky bag' would be '촌스러운 가방'. This is the most common way to use the word in descriptive settings. You can apply it to almost anything aesthetic: makeup, hair, clothing, interior design, or even a font choice in a presentation.
촌스러운 스타일은 피하고 싶어요. (I want to avoid tacky styles.)
Beyond physical appearances, 촌스럽다 can describe behavior that feels 'unrefined' or 'out of place' in a sophisticated setting. If someone is overly loud in a quiet, high-end restaurant or doesn't know basic social etiquette, others might whisper that they are 촌스럽다. It implies a lack of 'nunchi' (social sense) or worldliness. However, this usage is more judgmental and should be used with caution.
이 인테리어는 조금 촌스럽지 않나요? (Isn't this interior a bit tacky?)
- Adverbial Form
- 촌스럽게 (tackily/in an unfashionable manner). Example: 촌스럽게 입지 마세요. (Don't dress tackily.)
화장이 너무 촌스러워 보여요. (The makeup looks too outdated.)
You will hear 촌스럽다 most frequently in conversations about fashion, media, and nostalgia. In Korean variety shows or reality TV programs like 'I Live Alone' or 'Running Man,' cast members often tease each other's outfits by calling them 촌스럽다. It is a staple of 'banter' between close friends. When someone shows up in an outfit that looks like it belongs in a 1980s drama, the immediate reaction is often '왜 이렇게 촌스러워?' (Why are you so tacky/outdated?).
- Shopping Contexts
- When browsing clothes with friends, you might hear '이건 색깔이 좀 촌스러운 것 같아' (I think the color is a bit tacky).
- Nostalgia
- Looking back at high school yearbooks or old Facebook photos from the early 2000s inevitably leads to the exclamation: '진짜 촌스럽다!' (So tacky!).
In the beauty industry, makeup artists use this word to describe techniques that are no longer in vogue. For example, a heavy, dark lip liner paired with a very pale lipstick might be described as 촌스러운 화장 (outdated makeup). In design circles, using too many clashing patterns or 'default' system fonts like Gulim or Batang in a professional setting is often criticized as being 촌스럽다.
요즘 누가 그런 옷을 입어요? 너무 촌스러워요. (Who wears those kinds of clothes these days? It's so unfashionable.)
Another common place to hear this word is in K-Dramas, particularly when a character from a small village moves to Seoul. The 'city' characters might use 촌스럽다 to belittle the newcomer's accent (사투리) or their simple clothes. This highlights the word's socio-economic roots. However, the protagonist often proves that being 'rustic' (촌스럽다) comes with a warmth and sincerity that the 'sophisticated' city dwellers lack.
그 영화의 배경 음악이 약간 촌스럽지만 정겨워요. (The background music of that movie is a bit tacky but heartwarming.)
- Self-Deprecation
- '제가 좀 촌스러워서 이런 걸 잘 몰라요.' (I'm a bit of a 'country bumpkin' so I don't know these things well.) - Used to show humility.
One of the most common mistakes learners make with 촌스럽다 is confusing it with other words for 'old' or 'bad.' For instance, if a shirt is physically worn out or has holes, you should use 낡다 (nak-da), not 촌스럽다. Chon-seu-reop-da refers to the style or aesthetic, not the physical condition of the item. A brand-new, expensive designer shirt can still be 촌스럽다 if the design is ugly or outdated.
- Mistake 1: Physical Condition
- Using it for 'old/worn out' objects. Use '낡다' instead.
- Mistake 2: General 'Bad'
- Using it for anything you dislike. If food tastes bad, it's '맛없다', not '촌스럽다'.
Another mistake is the conjugation. Many learners forget the 'ㅂ' irregular rule and say '촌스럽어' or '촌스럽아요.' Remember: 촌스러워 is the correct casual form. Also, be careful with the intensity. Since the word has its roots in 'countryside,' calling a person 촌스럽다 can sometimes sound like you are calling them 'low-class' or 'uneducated.' It is much safer to apply it to things (clothes, colors, hair) than to the person themselves.
Incorrect: 이 가방은 오래돼서 촌스러워요. (This bag is old [worn], so it's tacky.)
Correct: 이 가방은 디자인이 촌스러워요. (This bag's design is tacky.)
Finally, don't confuse 촌스럽다 with 유치하다 (yu-chi-ha-da - childish). While both can be used to describe something 'uncool,' 유치하다 specifically means it's like something a child would like (e.g., too many cartoons or basic colors), whereas 촌스럽다 means it lacks fashion sense or is outdated.
말투가 촌스럽다고 놀리지 마세요. (Don't tease me for having a rustic way of speaking.)
- Common Confusion
- Confusing '촌스럽다' with '어색하다' (awkward). If someone looks uncomfortable in clothes, use '어색하다'. If the clothes themselves are ugly/outdated, use '촌스럽다'.
Depending on the context, you might want to use a more specific word than 촌스럽다. Here are some alternatives and how they differ:
- 구식이다 (gu-sik-i-da)
- Meaning 'old-fashioned' or 'old-style.' This is more neutral than '촌스럽다.' It simply states that something belongs to a previous era without necessarily saying it's ugly. Example: '그의 사고방식은 구식이다' (His way of thinking is old-fashioned).
- 유치하다 (yu-chi-ha-da)
- Meaning 'childish' or 'immature.' Use this when something is 'uncool' because it lacks sophistication or depth, like a movie plot that is too predictable or a joke that is too simple.
- 투박하다 (tu-bak-ha-da)
- Meaning 'rough,' 'clunky,' or 'unrefined.' This is often used for physical objects like pottery or furniture. It can be a compliment, implying a 'sturdy' and 'honest' rural feel, unlike the purely negative '촌스럽다.'
On the flip side, if you want to say something is the opposite of 촌스럽다, you can use 세련되다 (se-ryeon-doe-da), which means 'sophisticated,' 'polished,' or 'refined.' This is the ultimate compliment for someone's style or a city's atmosphere.
그녀의 스타일은 정말 세련됐어요. (Her style is really sophisticated.)
If something is 'uncool' in a more modern, slangy way, younger Koreans might use 별로다 (byeol-lo-da), which literally means 'not so much' or 'not that great.' It's a very common way to express dissatisfaction with someone's appearance or a choice without being as descriptive as 촌스럽다.
이 가구는 투박하지만 멋있어요. (This furniture is rough/unrefined but cool.)
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
In the early 20th century, as Seoul modernized, anything associated with the 'chon' (village) became a symbol of the 'old way' of life, leading to the word's current meaning of 'unfashionable.'
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'reop' as 'rop' or 'rup'.
- Not stopping the 'p' sound in 'reop' before the 'da'.
- Over-aspirating the 's' in 'seu'.
- Conjugating it as 'chon-seu-reob-a-yo' instead of 'chon-seu-reo-wo-yo'.
- Mixing up the 'u' sound in 'seu' with 'oo'.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Easy to recognize in text, but the 'ㅂ' irregular conjugation can be tricky to spot if you don't know the root.
Requires knowledge of the 'ㅂ' irregular rule to write correctly in various tenses.
Common in spoken Korean, but learners must use it carefully to avoid being rude.
Very common in variety shows and casual talk; usually easy to catch.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
ㅂ-Irregular Adjectives
촌스럽다 -> 촌스러워요, 춥다 -> 추워요
-스럽다 (Suffix)
사랑스럽다 (lovely), 자연스럽다 (natural)
-아/어 보이다 (To look like)
촌스러워 보여요 (It looks tacky)
-ㄴ 것 같다 (I think/It seems)
촌스러운 것 같아요 (I think it's tacky)
Adjective Noun-Modifying Form (-ㄴ/은)
촌스러운 옷 (tacky clothes)
Beispiele nach Niveau
이 옷은 너무 촌스러워요.
This clothing is too tacky.
Present tense polite form of 촌스럽다.
색깔이 촌스러워요.
The color is tacky.
Subject + Adjective pattern.
그 가방은 촌스러워요?
Is that bag tacky?
Question form of 촌스럽다.
촌스러운 모자예요.
It is a tacky hat.
Noun-modifying form: 촌스러운 + Noun.
제 구두는 안 촌스러워요.
My dress shoes are not tacky.
Negative form: 안 + Adjective.
머리가 조금 촌스러워요.
The hair is a bit tacky.
Adverb '조금' (a bit) modifying the adjective.
촌스러운 선물을 샀어요.
I bought a tacky gift.
Past tense verb with a modified noun.
이건 너무 촌스러워요.
This is too tacky.
Using '이건' (this thing) as the subject.
옛날 사진이 정말 촌스러워요.
My old photos are really tacky/outdated.
Using '정말' for emphasis.
촌스럽게 입지 마세요.
Don't dress tackily.
Adverbial form '촌스럽게' + negative imperative '-지 마세요'.
그 영화는 조금 촌스러웠어요.
That movie was a bit tacky/outdated.
Past tense polite: 촌스러웠어요.
이름이 조금 촌스러운 것 같아요.
I think the name is a bit old-fashioned.
-ㄴ 것 같다 (I think/It seems like) pattern.
촌스러워 보여도 비싼 옷이에요.
Even if it looks tacky, it's expensive clothing.
-아/어 보여도 (Even if it looks like...).
화장이 너무 촌스러워 보여요.
The makeup looks too tacky.
-아/어 보이다 (To look like...).
촌스러운 스타일을 좋아하세요?
Do you like tacky/retro styles?
Polite question with noun modifier.
색 조합이 정말 촌스럽네요.
The color combination is really tacky!
-네요 ending for expressing surprise or realization.
그의 말투는 약간 촌스럽지만 정겨워요.
His way of speaking is a bit rustic but warm.
-지만 (but) connecting two contrasting adjectives.
촌스러운 디자인 때문에 안 샀어요.
I didn't buy it because of the tacky design.
-때문에 (because of) indicating a reason.
이 인테리어는 너무 촌스러워서 바꾸고 싶어요.
This interior is so tacky that I want to change it.
-아/어서 (so/because) connecting cause and effect.
촌스럽다고 생각할 수도 있지만 제 취향이에요.
You might think it's tacky, but it's my taste.
-고 생각하다 (to think that...) + -ㄹ 수도 있다 (might...).
촌스러운 옷을 입으면 자신감이 없어져요.
If I wear tacky clothes, I lose confidence.
-(으)면 (if) conditional clause.
어렸을 때는 그 가수가 촌스럽다고 생각했어요.
When I was young, I thought that singer was tacky.
Past tense indirect quotation: -다고 생각했다.
촌스러운 느낌을 없애려고 노력했어요.
I tried to get rid of the tacky feeling.
-(으)려고 노력하다 (to try/effort to...).
요즘은 촌스러운 게 다시 유행이에요.
Nowadays, tacky things are back in fashion.
Nounizing with '게' (것이) as the subject.
그 드라마는 연출이 촌스러워서 보기 힘들어요.
The drama's directing is so outdated that it's hard to watch.
Adjective describing an abstract concept (directing).
촌스럽지 않게 세련된 색을 골라보세요.
Try to pick a sophisticated color so it doesn't look tacky.
-지 않게 (so that it is not...) adverbial clause.
그는 촌스러운 행동으로 분위기를 망쳤다.
He ruined the atmosphere with his unrefined behavior.
Formal sentence structure with noun modifier.
촌스러운 티를 벗으려고 서울 말투를 배웠어요.
I learned the Seoul accent to get rid of my rustic look/vibe.
Idiom '촌스러운 티를 벗다' (to shed the rustic look).
너무 세련된 것보다 가끔은 촌스러운 게 더 나아요.
Sometimes being a bit rustic is better than being too sophisticated.
-보다 (than) comparison structure.
촌스러운 간판들이 거리의 특징을 살려준다.
The tacky signs bring out the character of the street.
Positive usage in a descriptive context.
그는 촌스러운 외모와 달리 아주 똑똑하다.
Contrary to his rustic appearance, he is very smart.
-와 달리 (unlike/contrary to).
촌스럽다는 말을 들으면 기분이 나쁠 거예요.
If you hear that you are tacky, you will feel bad.
Indirect quotation '다는' modifying '말' (word/talk).
복고풍과 촌스러움 사이의 경계는 아주 모호하다.
The line between retro style and tackiness is very vague.
Noun form '촌스러움' (tackiness).
작가는 촌스러운 언어를 통해 고향의 향수를 자극했다.
The author stimulated nostalgia for home through rustic language.
Literary usage of the adjective.
도시인들은 종종 시골의 소박함을 촌스럽다고 치부한다.
City dwellers often dismiss the simplicity of the countryside as tacky.
Verb '치부하다' (to dismiss/regard as).
지나치게 화려한 장식은 오히려 촌스러운 인상을 줄 수 있다.
Excessively flashy decorations can instead give a tacky impression.
Adverb '오히려' (rather/on the contrary).
촌스러운 감성이 대중문화의 새로운 트렌드로 부상했다.
A tacky/rustic sensibility has emerged as a new trend in popular culture.
Noun '감성' (sensibility/vibe).
그의 연기는 촌스러울 정도로 과장되어 있었다.
His acting was exaggerated to the point of being tacky.
-(으)ㄹ 정도로 (to the extent/degree that...).
촌스러운 배경 음악이 영화의 몰입을 방해하는 요소가 되었다.
The tacky background music became a factor that hindered immersion in the movie.
Complex sentence with multiple modifiers.
촌스러운 이름이라며 개명을 고민하는 사람들이 많다.
There are many people considering changing their names, saying they are too old-fashioned.
-라며 (saying that...) shortened indirect speech.
현대 미학에서 '촌스러움'은 때로 의도적인 키치로 재해석된다.
In modern aesthetics, 'tackiness' is sometimes reinterpreted as intentional kitsch.
Academic terminology: 미학 (aesthetics), 재해석 (reinterpretation).
그의 문체는 촌스럽다기보다 투박한 진실함을 담고 있다.
His writing style contains a rugged sincerity rather than being just tacky.
-다기보다 (rather than saying that...).
촌스러운 색채의 향연이 역설적으로 세련된 분위기를 자아낸다.
A feast of tacky colors paradoxically creates a sophisticated atmosphere.
Advanced vocabulary: 향연 (feast/banquet), 역설적으로 (paradoxically).
지역 소멸 위기 속에서 촌스러운 것들의 가치가 재조명받고 있다.
Amid the crisis of regional extinction, the value of 'rustic' things is being shed in a new light.
Sociopolitical context: 지역 소멸 (regional extinction).
촌스럽다는 사회적 낙인은 도시 중심적 사고의 산물이다.
The social stigma of being 'tacky' is a product of city-centric thinking.
Abstract concept: 사회적 낙인 (social stigma).
과거의 촌스러운 유행이 '뉴트로'라는 이름으로 소비되고 있다.
Tacky fashions of the past are being consumed under the name of 'Newtro.'
Passive form: 소비되고 있다 (is being consumed).
그 건축물은 촌스러운 장식미를 배제하고 미니멀리즘을 추구했다.
The building excluded tacky decorative beauty and pursued minimalism.
Architectural context: 장식미 (decorative beauty).
촌스럽게 여겨지던 사투리가 이제는 하나의 개성으로 인정받는다.
Regional dialects, once considered tacky, are now recognized as a form of individuality.
-게 여겨지다 (to be considered/regarded as).
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— Used when seeing something genuinely tacky or outdated.
와, 저 옷 진짜 촌스럽다.
— Used when someone is acting unrefined or making a fuss over nothing.
촌스럽게 왜 이래? 그냥 먹어.
— To act or look like a country bumpkin/unrefined person.
촌스러운 티 좀 내지 마.
— To appear tacky or unfashionable.
이 모자를 쓰면 촌스러워 보여요.
— Reassuring someone that they don't look tacky.
걱정 마, 하나도 안 촌스러워.
— Describing something that is tacky but has a certain charm.
이 카페는 촌스럽지만 멋지네요.
— Defending a past style that is now considered tacky.
이 머리 스타일, 옛날엔 안 촌스러웠어.
— To have some tacky or unrefined aspects.
그는 가끔 촌스러운 구석이 있어요.
— The height of tackiness.
이 방의 인테리어는 촌스러움의 극치예요.
— To act in a tacky or unrefined manner.
사람들 앞에서 촌스럽게 굴지 마.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Means physically old or worn out. 촌스럽다 is about the style, not the condition.
Means awkward or unnatural. Someone can look 촌스럽다 but not 어색하다 if they are confident in their tacky clothes.
Means ugly (usually for faces). 촌스럽다 is for style/taste.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To lose one's rustic look or unrefined manners; to become sophisticated.
그는 서울에 온 지 1년 만에 촌티를 벗었다.
Neutral— To be called a 'country bumpkin' due to one's behavior or appearance.
촌놈 소리 안 듣게 옷 좀 잘 입어라.
Informal/Slightly Derogatory— A dragon rising from a stream; someone successful from a humble/rustic background.
그는 개천에서 용 난 케이스예요.
Neutral— A country mouse visiting Seoul; someone overwhelmed by the city.
처음 서울에 왔을 때 시골 쥐 서울 구경 하는 기분이었어요.
Idiomatic— To be incredibly tacky (tackiness pierces the sky).
그의 패션 감각은 촌스럽기가 하늘을 찌른다.
Informal/Exaggerated— Clothes are wings (clothes make the man); the opposite of being 촌스럽다.
옷이 날개라더니, 정말 세련돼 보이네요.
Neutral— A wild apricot with a good color (looks good but tastes bad); sometimes used for things that aren't 촌스럽다 but lack substance.
그 가방은 빛 좋은 개살구예요. 예쁘지만 금방 고장 나요.
Idiomatic— A frog in a well; someone with a narrow perspective (often rustic/unrefined).
우물 안 개구리가 되지 않으려면 넓은 세상을 봐야 해요.
Neutral— Sometimes being simple/rustic is the best medicine (rarely used, usually ironic).
너무 복잡할 땐 가끔 촌스러운 게 약이죠.
Informal— A sophisticated but cold/stingy Seoulite (the opposite of the 'warm' but 촌스럽다 image).
그녀는 전형적인 서울 깍쟁이처럼 보여요.
InformalLeicht verwechselbar
Both mean 'uncool.'
유치하다 is about being childish (too simple, immature). 촌스럽다 is about being outdated or unrefined (rustic).
그 영화는 스토리가 유치해요 (childish). 그 영화는 의상이 촌스러워요 (tacky).
Both refer to things from the past.
구식이다 is a neutral statement that something is an old model. 촌스럽다 is a subjective judgment that it looks bad because it's old.
이 차는 구식이에요 (old model). 이 차는 색깔이 촌스러워요 (tacky color).
Both relate to a 'rustic' feel.
투박하다 is 'rough/clunky' and can be positive (sturdy). 촌스럽다 is almost always negative regarding style.
투박한 손 (rough hands). 촌스러운 손톱 (tacky nails).
Very similar meanings.
촌티 나다 is an expression meaning 'to give off a rustic vibe.' 촌스럽다 is the adjective itself.
촌티 나는 행동 (rustic behavior). 촌스러운 행동 (tacky behavior).
Both come from '촌' and '시골' (countryside).
시골스럽다 is more neutral or positive, meaning 'peaceful/rustic like the country.' 촌스럽다 is usually negative (tacky).
시골스러운 풍경 (rustic/peaceful landscape). 촌스러운 풍경 (tacky landscape - e.g., bad park decorations).
Satzmuster
이/그/저 [Noun]은/는 촌스러워요.
이 가방은 촌스러워요.
[Noun]이/가 촌스러워 보여요.
머리 스타일이 촌스러워 보여요.
촌스러운 [Noun] 때문에 [Negative Result].
촌스러운 디자인 때문에 안 샀어요.
촌스럽지만 [Positive Adjective].
촌스럽지만 귀여워요.
[Noun]이/가 촌스럽다고 생각해요.
그의 행동이 촌스럽다고 생각해요.
촌스럽지 않게 [Verb/Adjective].
촌스럽지 않게 옷을 입으세요.
[Noun]은/는 촌스러움의 극치이다.
이 인테리어는 촌스러움의 극치이다.
촌스럽다는 사회적 인식에도 불구하고...
촌스럽다는 사회적 인식에도 불구하고 이 스타일은 인기 있다.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Very High (especially in fashion and daily life)
-
촌스럽아요
→
촌스러워요
This is a ㅂ-irregular adjective. You must change ㅂ to 우.
-
촌스럽은 옷
→
촌스러운 옷
When modifying a noun, the ㅂ changes to 우 and then you add ㄴ.
-
Calling a worn-out shoe '촌스럽다'
→
낡은 신발
If the shoe is physically damaged/old, use '낡다'. If the design is ugly, use '촌스럽다'.
-
Using it for bad food
→
맛없다
촌스럽다 is for aesthetics and style, not for the quality of taste.
-
촌스럽게 했어요 (to mean 'I did it poorly')
→
엉망으로 했어요
촌스럽게 means 'in a tacky way,' not necessarily 'poorly' in terms of skill.
Tipps
Fashion Critique
Use it when a friend asks for your honest opinion on an outfit that looks like it's from their parents' generation.
The 'ㅂ' Rule
Always remember: ㅂ changes to 우. 촌스럽 + 어요 = 촌스러워요. This applies to many adjectives like 맵다 (spicy) and 춥다 (cold).
Be Gentle
When you want to say something is tacky but don't want to be mean, use '조금 촌스러운 것 같아요' (I think it's a bit tacky).
Seoul Standard
Understand that in Korea, 'Seoul-style' is the standard for 'sophisticated,' so anything else might be labeled 촌스럽다.
Root Word
Remembering that '촌' means village will help you never forget the meaning of this word.
Noun Modifier
Use '촌스러운' before a noun to describe it: 촌스러운 색깔, 촌스러운 이름, 촌스러운 스타일.
Intonation
In casual talk, the 'reop' part is often said very quickly, almost like 'chon-seu-reo'.
Variety Shows
Watch Korean variety shows; you will hear this word every time the cast has to wear funny, old-fashioned costumes.
Alternative
If you want to sound more professional, use '구식이다' (old-fashioned) instead of '촌스럽다'.
Newtro Vibe
If you see someone wearing something tacky on purpose, they are probably following the 'Newtro' trend!
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of a 'CHON' (village) person wearing a 'SUPER' (seu-reop) 'DA' (big) tacky hat. Chon-seu-reop-da!
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a bright neon green tuxedo with a purple polka-dot tie. That image is the definition of 촌스럽다.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Look at your photos from 5-10 years ago and find three things that you now think are 촌스럽다. Describe them using the word.
Wortherkunft
Derived from the Middle Korean noun '촌' (村), meaning a rural village, and the productive suffix '-스럽다'.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Originally meant 'having the qualities or appearance of a rural village dweller.'
Sino-Korean (root) + Native Korean (suffix).Kultureller Kontext
Avoid using this word to describe people's actual homes or backgrounds in rural areas, as it can be taken as an elitist insult.
Similar to calling something 'tacky,' 'cheesy,' or 'corny.' In the UK, it might be 'naff.'
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Fashion and Clothing
- 옷이 촌스러워요
- 촌스러운 스타일
- 촌스럽게 입지 마
- 유행이 지나서 촌스러워
Interior Design
- 방이 촌스러워 보여요
- 벽지 색깔이 촌스럽다
- 촌스러운 가구
- 인테리어가 구식이고 촌스러워요
Personal Behavior
- 행동이 촌스럽다
- 말투가 촌스러워요
- 촌스럽게 왜 그래?
- 촌스러운 티를 내다
Media and Art
- 영화가 촌스러워요
- 촌스러운 연출
- 음악이 너무 촌스럽다
- 그림이 조금 촌스러운 느낌이에요
Nostalgia
- 옛날 사진은 다 촌스러워
- 촌스러운 추억
- 그땐 안 촌스러웠는데
- 촌스러운 매력이 있어요
Gesprächseinstiege
"이 옷 어때요? 혹시 너무 촌스러워 보여요? (How is this outfit? Does it look too tacky?)"
"옛날 사진 보면 정말 촌스럽지 않나요? (Don't you look really tacky in old photos?)"
"요즘은 촌스러운 게 유행이라는데 어떻게 생각해요? (They say tacky things are trendy these days; what do you think?)"
"이 디자인이 촌스러운 것 같아요, 아니면 빈티지한 것 같아요? (Does this design look tacky or vintage?)"
"어떤 색깔이 가장 촌스럽다고 생각하세요? (Which color do you think is the most tacky?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
내가 예전에 좋아했지만 지금 보면 촌스러운 스타일은 무엇인가요? (What style did I like before but now find tacky?)
왜 사람들은 어떤 것을 '촌스럽다'고 느끼는지 적어보세요. (Write about why people feel something is 'tacky.')
촌스러운 것이 매력적으로 느껴질 때가 언제인가요? (When does something tacky feel charming?)
내가 생각하는 '세련된 스타일'과 '촌스러운 스타일'의 차이점은? (What are the differences between 'sophisticated style' and 'tacky style' in my opinion?)
한국의 '뉴트로' 유행에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요? (What do you think about the 'Newtro' trend in Korea?)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but be careful. If you call a person 촌스럽다, it implies they lack style or are unrefined. It's better to say their 'style' (스타일) or 'clothes' (옷) are 촌스럽다 to be less offensive.
The most common opposite is 세련되다 (se-ryeon-doe-da), which means sophisticated or polished. You can also use 멋있다 (meot-it-da) for 'cool'.
Usually, yes. However, in the context of 'Newtro' (New + Retro), it can be used to describe a charmingly old-fashioned vibe. Phrases like '촌스러운 매력' (tacky charm) exist.
Because it's a 'ㅂ' irregular, you change 'ㅂ' to '우' and add '어', then the past tense suffix: 촌스러웠어요 (chon-seu-reo-wot-eo-yo).
Not really. If food looks poorly presented, you might say it looks 촌스럽다, but you wouldn't use it for the taste. For taste, use 맛없다 (tastes bad).
You can use it to critique a design or a font choice, but use it professionally. For example: '이 디자인은 약간 촌스러운 느낌이 있습니다' (This design feels a bit tacky).
촌티 literally means 'village-dust' or 'village-vibe.' It's a noun used to describe the 'look' of someone who seems like they are from the countryside.
They are very similar, but 촌스럽다 has a stronger connection to the idea of being 'rural' or 'unrefined,' whereas 'tacky' often focuses more on 'cheapness' or 'bad taste' in general.
Yes! If a song has an outdated melody or sounds like a cheap song from the 80s, you can say '노래가 촌스러워요'.
You can say '하나도 안 촌스러워요' (Ha-na-do an chon-seu-reo-wo-yo).
Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen
Write a sentence in Korean: 'That hat is tacky.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Korean: 'I don't like tacky clothes.'
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Write a sentence in Korean: 'The interior of this cafe is a bit tacky.'
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Write a sentence in Korean: 'My old hair style was really tacky.'
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Write a sentence in Korean: 'Don't dress tackily when you meet the client.'
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Write a sentence in Korean: 'I think the color combination is tacky.'
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Write a sentence in Korean: 'He shed his rustic look after moving to Seoul.'
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Write a sentence in Korean: 'The line between retro and tacky is thin.'
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Write a sentence in Korean: 'I bought it because of the charmingly tacky vibe.'
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Write a sentence in Korean: 'The acting in that drama was excessively tacky.'
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Describe a tacky outfit you once wore (3 sentences).
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Explain why 'Newtro' makes tacky things cool (4 sentences).
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Compare '촌스럽다' and '세련되다'.
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Write a short dialogue between two friends shopping.
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Write a journal entry about looking at old photos.
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Write a sentence using '촌스럽게' as an adverb.
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Write a sentence about a 'tacky name.'
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Write a formal sentence about design feedback.
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Write a sentence using the noun form '촌스러움'.
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Write a sentence using '촌티 나다'.
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Say: 'This color is tacky.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'Don't you think this is tacky?'
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Say: 'My old photo is really tacky.'
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Say: 'I don't like tacky styles.'
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Say: 'It was tacky but fun.'
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Say: 'Don't act tackily.'
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Say: 'I think the design is a bit tacky.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'He looks like a country bumpkin.'
Read this aloud:
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Say: 'Is my makeup tacky?'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'That movie was too outdated.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Roleplay: Tell a friend their choice of tie is tacky but in a nice way.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Roleplay: Defend your 'tacky' shirt as being 'vintage.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'I want to shed my rustic image.'
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Say: 'The line between retro and tacky is thin.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'I think the name is a bit old-fashioned.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'The font is tacky.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'Who wears those clothes these days?'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'Stop being so tacky.'
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Say: 'It's tacky but it has charm.'
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Say: 'It looks sophisticated, not tacky.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Listen and choose: '와, 이 가방 진짜 촌스럽다. 누가 사?' What does the speaker think of the bag?
Listen and choose: '어렸을 때는 이 머리가 유행이었는데 지금 보니까 너무 촌스러워요.' When was the hair stylish?
Listen and choose: '촌스럽게 굴지 말고 그냥 받아.' What is the speaker's tone?
Listen and choose: '디자인이 조금 촌스러운 것 같아서 고민이에요.' Why is the speaker worried?
Listen and choose: '그 사람은 서울에 오래 살았는데 아직도 촌티가 나요.' What is true about the person?
Listen and choose: '이 색깔은 너무 촌스러워서 우리 브랜드랑 안 맞아요.' Why is the color rejected?
Listen and choose: '촌스러운 게 아니라 빈티지라고 하는 거야.' What is the speaker correcting?
Listen and choose: '그 드라마 연출이 너무 촌스러워서 채널 돌렸어.' Why did the speaker change the channel?
Listen and choose: '이름이 촌스러워서 개명했대요.' Why did the person change their name?
Listen and choose: '촌스러운 매력으로 승부하는 카페예요.' What is the cafe's strategy?
Listen and choose: '화장이 촌스러워 보이지 않게 조심하세요.' What should one be careful about?
Listen and choose: '이 옷은 촌스러운 게 매력이에요.' What is the attraction of the clothes?
Listen and choose: '촌티 좀 내지 마.' What is the speaker asking?
Listen and choose: '그땐 그게 제일 세련된 거였는데 지금은 촌스럽네.' What changed?
Listen and choose: '촌스러운 농담 좀 그만해.' What should the person stop doing?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 촌스럽다 is the go-to Korean adjective for calling something 'tacky' or 'uncool.' It’s deeply rooted in the urban-rural divide. Use it to describe outdated fashion (e.g., '이 옷은 촌스러워요'), but avoid using it toward people you aren't close with to avoid giving offense.
- 촌스럽다 means tacky, unfashionable, or outdated, often applied to clothes and styles.
- It literally translates to 'village-like,' implying a lack of urban sophistication.
- As a 'ㅂ' irregular adjective, it conjugates to '촌스러워요' in the polite present tense.
- While usually negative, it can sometimes be used nostalgically or in the 'Newtro' trend.
Fashion Critique
Use it when a friend asks for your honest opinion on an outfit that looks like it's from their parents' generation.
The 'ㅂ' Rule
Always remember: ㅂ changes to 우. 촌스럽 + 어요 = 촌스러워요. This applies to many adjectives like 맵다 (spicy) and 춥다 (cold).
Be Gentle
When you want to say something is tacky but don't want to be mean, use '조금 촌스러운 것 같아요' (I think it's a bit tacky).
Seoul Standard
Understand that in Korea, 'Seoul-style' is the standard for 'sophisticated,' so anything else might be labeled 촌스럽다.
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표백제
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탈색
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