Processing keyword: 너무 [neomu] (Too, very)

Korean Grammar Point: 너무 [neomu] (Too, very)

너무 (neomu) - Too, Very

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean adverb 너무 (neomu), which translates to "too" or "very" in English. It's a versatile word used to express intensity or excessiveness. Mastering 너무 will enhance your ability to describe situations, feelings, and actions more vividly in Korean.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

• 너무 (neomu) is an adverb used to:
  • Indicate something is "too" excessive or more than desirable.
  • Emphasize that something is "very" or extremely in degree.

Structure and Placement

• 너무 is placed before adjectives or verbs it modifies.

Formation Diagram

너무 + Adjective/Verb

Detailed Explanation

1. Expressing Excessiveness ("Too")
   • When you want to say that something exceeds a certain limit or is more than desired. Example:
     • 이 옷은 너무 커요.
       • I oseun neomu keoyo.
       • "This clothes are too big."
2. Expressing High Degree ("Very")
   • When you want to emphasize the intensity of an adjective or verb. Example:
     • 영화가 너무 재미있어요.
       • Yeonghwaga neomu jaemiisseoyo.
       • "The movie is very interesting."

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing 너무, 매우 (maeu), and 아주 (aju)

While 너무, 매우, and 아주 can all mean "very," they have subtle differences.

• 너무 can indicate both "too much" (negative connotation) and "very" (positive emphasis), especially in spoken Korean.
• 매우 is more formal and typically used in writing or formal contexts.
• 아주 is neutral and widely used without implying excessiveness.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 가격이 너무 비쌉니다.
   • Gagyeogi neomu bissamnida.
   • "The price is too expensive."
2. 그 문제는 너무 어렵습니다.
   • Geu munjeneun neomu eoryeopseumnida.
   • "That problem is very difficult."

Informal Speech

1. 너무 피곤해요.
   • Neomu pigonhaeyo.
   • "I'm so tired."
2. 이 케이크 너무 맛있어!
   • I keikeu neomu masisseo!
   • "This cake is so delicious!"

Written Context

1. 그의 노력은 너무나도 감동적이었다.
   • Geuui noryeogeun neomunado gamdongjeogieotda.
   • "His effort was so moving."

Spoken Context

1. 오늘 날씨가 너무 좋아요.
   • Oneul nalssiga neomu joayo.
   • "The weather is so nice today."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean culture, expressing emotions intensely is common in everyday conversation.
• Using 너무 adds emotional emphasis, making statements more heartfelt.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• 너무 itself is neutral, but the level of formality is indicated by the verb endings.
  • Formal: -습니다, -어요
  • Informal: -아/어, 반말

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 너무하다
   • Means someone is being unreasonable or going too far.
   • Example:
     • 친구가 약속을 안 지키는 건 너무해요.
       • Chinguga yaksogeul an jikineun geon neomuhaeyo.
       • "It's too much that my friend doesn't keep promises."
2. 너무나도
   • An emphatic form of 너무, meaning "so very" or "extremely."
   • Example:
     • 그 영화는 너무나도 아름다웠다.
       • Geu yeonghwaneun neomunado areumdawotda.
       • "That movie was so very beautiful."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using 너무 excessively in formal writing where a different adverb would be more appropriate.
  • Correction: Use 매우 or 아주 in formal contexts.
• Mistake: Misinterpreting 너무 as only negative ("too much") and missing the positive emphasis.
  • Tip: Pay attention to context and tone of voice.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • Think of 너무 as "no more" to remember it can mean "too much."
• Tip:
  • When expressing a negative excess, 너무 often pairs with negative situations.
  • For positive emphasis in formal settings, prefer 매우.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 너무 (neomu) means "too" or "very" and is used to intensify adjectives and verbs.
• It can convey both negative excessiveness and positive emphasis.
• Context and intonation are crucial for interpreting 너무 correctly.
• Be mindful of formality levels when choosing synonyms like 매우 or 아주.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Question: Where is 너무 placed in a sentence?
   • Answer: Before the adjective or verb it modifies.
2. Question: Which adverb is more appropriate in formal writing to mean "very"?
   • Answer: 매우 (maeu)
3. Question: Translate to Korean: "It's too salty."
   • Answer: 너무 짜요.
     • Neomu jjayo.
4. Question: True or False? 너무 can only be used in negative contexts.
   • Answer: False. It can be used for positive emphasis as well.

By understanding and practicing the use of 너무, you'll be able to express yourself more naturally and accurately in Korean. Remember to consider the context to convey the right nuance!