What's "AJOOMA" & "AJUSSHI"? (KWOW #42)

This week's episode on KWOW featured two very common words in Korean dramas: AJOOMA and AJUSSHI. If you haven't seen it yet, watcha waiting for? Watch the video below.

When I visited Seoul, I saw a woman walking on the street who lives up to the Ajooma Standard.

Short permed hair? Check. Mismatching patterned clothes and slippers? Check. She wasn't plump, but she's definitely an awesome cook. How do I know this? Because this ajooma is my mother!

If my mom finds out I posted this photo, I'll probably be grounded for the next few weeks. Regardless of how old I am. I must mention: my mother is now more fashion-conscious and wears a balanced amount of patterns.

As we learned in KWOW #42, ajooma is used towards middle-aged women. Ajusshi is the term for middle-aged males.

For those who love Lee Minho, this is for you. Scene from "City Hunter" using the term ajusshi:

There's a movie titled "Ajusshi," starring Won Bin. You'll notice the young girl calling the main character "ajusshi" even though he is not middle-aged. Remember that "ajusshi" also means "mister," thus is acceptable to use toward younger males. However it is not recommended to call females "ajooma" if they are younger than 40 years of age.

Trailer for the "Ajusshi" movie:

Another situation where ajusshi is used as "mister" rather than as "middle-aged man":

Check back next Wednesday! :)

---

---

What's "JJANG"? (KWOW #41)

In KWOW episode 41 (see below) we learned about the famous Korean slang word JJANG (짱), which means "best" or "the best."

Jjang is used by itself or in a sentence. It can also be combined with other words. Ever heard of "uljjang" (얼짱)? Also romanized as "ulzzang" with double Z's, this term literally means "best face." Ulzzang is popularly used towards females who do their makeup in a specific style of wearing circle lenses and long fake eyelashes. They tend to have small lips and light skin. It helps to take the photo at an higher angle.

Meet some ulzzang girls:

Males can be ulzzang too. Examples of ulzzang boys:

Some people love the ulzzang look. While others not so much.

Another combination is "mohmjjang" (몸짱). Mohm means body. We already know jjang means best. Thus mohm and jjang together makes "best body."

Taekwon Do reveals the content under his clothes.

Know someone who sings well? You say they are "noraejjang" (노래짱). Best singer.

Know someone who dances well? Call them "choomjjang" (춤짱). Best dancer.

And the list goes on!

---

---

---

What's "DAEBAK"? (KWOW #40)

In KWOW episode 40, we learned of a very popular Korean word: DAEBAK (대박). Daebak means "big hit/win/success." The term is commonly used for when something is very funny, epic, and/or awesome.

Here are some examples of when to use daebak:

1. You just watched a new K-pop music video and you loved it! That's when you can shout... DAEBAK!

2. A gorgeous guy or girl walks by. Your jaw drops to the ground. Before you realize it, out spills the word "daebak."

3. Your friend told you the funniest joke ever. Daebak!

4. You read the most epic book ever. Daebak!

---

Did you know that Daesung from Big Bang sang a trot song called "Daebak Eyah"? It translates into "It's a Big Hit" in English. Check it out here:

By the way, what appears to be a drumstick at 2:10 is an exaggerated thumb prop!

Here's the English translation of the "It's a Big Hit" lyrics:

2009년 복 많이 받으시고
(Happy New Year for 2009)

여러분 대박나세요!
(May everyone have big success!)

CHORUS 1:
대박이군 대대대대박이야
(It's a big hit, it's a big hit)

세세세세상 사람 모든 이가 대박이야
(Everyone in the world is awesome)

형님도 대박 언니도 대박
(Big brother is awesome, big sister is awesome)

너도 나도 우리 모두 대박이야
(You, me, everyone is awesome)

세상살이 힘들다해도
(Even though the world is difficult)

애인이 없다 하여도
(Even if you don't have a lover)

CHORUS 2:
난 괜찮아 난 괜찮아
(I'm okay, I'm okay)

속 좁게 그르지 말아
(Don't have a narrow heart)

해가 뜨고 달이 뜨고 나도 뜬다
(The sun rises, the moon rises, I too shall rise)

궁지에 몰려도 쥐구멍은 있단다
(Even though I'm cornered, there is a mouse hole)

I say 대 You say 박 대 박 대 박
(I say dae, you say bak, dae, bak, dae, bak)

웃음꽃 활짝 피며 아자아자 화이팅!
(As the laughing flower blooms, aja aja hwaiting!)

(CHORUS 1 )

수백번 넘어진대도 혼자라 느껴질때도
(Even though I may fall hundreds of times, even though I may feel alone)

(CHORUS 2)

자신있게 눈 부릅뜨고 I can do it!
(With confidence with open eyes, I can do it!)

(CHORUS 1)

오메 사업에 실패했어 사랑에 실패했어
(Oh my, I failed in business, I failed in love)

아따 거시기 참말로 답답하구마잉 얼쑤!
(Gosh, it's really frustrating!)

벌떡 일어나셔 축 쳐진 어깰 털고
(Wake up, get your sagged shoulders up)

I say 대 You say 박 대 박 대 박
(I say dae, you say bak, dae, bak, dae, bak)

해가 뜨고 달이 뜨고 나도 뜬다
(The sun rises, the moon rises, I too shall rise)

인생 역전 한 방이 눈 앞에 있단다
(You've got your whole life ahead of you)

우리네 정겨운 이웃들과 손 꼭 잡고
(Holding hands with our friendly neighbors)

I say 대 You say 성 대성합시다
(I say dae, you say bak, dae, bak, dae, bak)

CHORUS 1 (2x)

---

---