좋음 (joh-eum, joheum) · 보통 (bo-tong, botong) · 나쁨 (na-ppeum, nappeum)
좋음 (joheum), 보통 (botong), and 나쁨 (nappeum) express positive, neutral, and negative evaluations respectively, chosen depending on context.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Indicates a positive evaluation, describing a state that is above expectations or satisfactory.
When to use
Positive evaluation, Expressing satisfaction, Giving compliments
The nuance
Use 좋음 when something exceeds expectations or is satisfactory. Suitable for positive feelings or states.
A neutral evaluation indicating an ordinary or average state, neither particularly good nor bad.
When to use
Ordinary state, Neutral evaluation, Neither below nor above expectations
The nuance
Use 보통 to describe something with no special pros or cons, an average or ordinary state.
Indicates a negative evaluation, describing a state that is below expectations or unsatisfactory.
When to use
Negative evaluation, Expressing dissatisfaction, Criticizing
The nuance
Use 나쁨 when something falls short of expectations or is unpleasant. Suitable for negative feelings or states.
이 영화 정말 좋음!
i yeong-hwa jeong-mal joh-eum!, i yeong hwa jeong mal joh eum!
Appropriate to express a positive and satisfactory evaluation of the movie.
이 영화 보통임.
i yeong-hwa bo-tong-im., i yeong hwa bo tong im.
Suitable to indicate the movie is neither particularly good nor bad.
이 영화 나쁨.
i yeong-hwa na-ppeum., i yeong hwa na ppeum.
Appropriate to express a negative and unsatisfactory evaluation of the movie.
음식이 보통 좋음.
eum-sik-i bo-tong joh-eum., eum sik i bo tong joh eum.
보통 and 좋음 have different meanings; using both together is unnatural. Choose one.
서비스가 나쁨하지 않아요.
seo-bi-seu-ga na-ppeum-ha-ji an-a-yo., seo bi seu ga na ppeum ha ji an a yo.
나쁨 is a noun form and does not combine with 하다. Use 나쁘지 않다 instead.
그 사람 성격이 보통이에요.
geu sa-ram seong-gyeok-i bo-tong-i-e-yo., geu sa ram seong gyeok i bo tong i e yo.
Appropriate to express the personality is neither particularly good nor bad.
그 사람 성격이 좋음이에요.
geu sa-ram seong-gyeok-i joh-eum-i-e-yo., geu sa ram seong gyeok i joh eum i e yo.
좋음 is a noun; for personality, use 좋다 adjective instead.
날씨가 나쁨이다.
nal-ssi-ga na-ppeum-i-da., nal ssi ga na ppeum i da.
나쁨 is a noun; '날씨가 나쁘다' is the natural and standard expression.
Which expression shows a positive evaluation?
Which word is appropriate for expressing an ordinary, unremarkable state?
Which word is used for a negative evaluation below expectations?
