되게 (doe-ge, doege) · 엄청 (eom-cheong, eomcheong)
Both 되게 and 엄청 express intensity, but 되게 feels casual and mild, while 엄청 conveys stronger, more dramatic emphasis.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A casual and mild intensifier that sounds friendly and natural in everyday speech.
When to use
casual talk, friendly tone, moderate intensity, positive expression
The nuance
되게 is mainly used in casual conversations for positive or neutral contexts, expressing moderate intensity without exaggeration.
A strong and dramatic intensifier often used to emphasize surprise or admiration.
When to use
expressing admiration, surprise situations, strong emphasis, dramatic expression
The nuance
엄청 is used to express admiration, surprise, or very high intensity, giving a much stronger emphasis than 되게.
이 영화 되게 재미있어.
i yeong-hwa doe-ge jae-mi-iss-eo., i yeong hwa doe ge jae mi iss eo.
Appropriate as a casual and natural positive expression.
이 영화 엄청 재미있어.
i yeong-hwa eom-cheong jae-mi-iss-eo., i yeong hwa eom cheong jae mi iss eo.
Suitable for expressing strong admiration.
그 사람 되게 피곤해 보여.
geu sa-ram doe-ge pi-gon-hae bo-yeo., geu sa ram doe ge pi gon hae bo yeo.
Expresses condition in a mild and friendly way.
그 사람 엄청 피곤해 보여.
geu sa-ram eom-cheong pi-gon-hae bo-yeo., geu sa ram eom cheong pi gon hae bo yeo.
Emphasizes a very serious or extreme condition.
되게 엄청 맛있어.
doe-ge eom-cheong mas-iss-eo., doe ge eom cheong mas iss eo.
Cannot combine two intensifiers with similar meanings.
엄청 되게 피곤해.
eom-cheong doe-ge pi-gon-hae., eom cheong doe ge pi gon hae.
Redundant use of intensifiers sounds unnatural.
되게 좋아해요.
doe-ge joh-a-hae-yo., doe ge joh a hae yo.
Appropriate as a casual and friendly expression of liking.
엄청 좋아해요.
eom-cheong joh-a-hae-yo., eom cheong joh a hae yo.
Suitable for emphasizing strong feelings.
When do you use '되게' with a friend?
When is it appropriate to use '엄청'?
Which sentence is incorrect?
