What it means
너무 is the most common intensifier in Korean — technically meaning "too" (excessive) but used colloquially as "so" or "extremely" even in positive contexts. Essential for expressing enthusiasm.
Nuance & when to use
너무 맛있어요 = It's SO delicious. Technically 너무 means "excessively" (너무 많아요 = there's too much). But Koreans use 너무 positively: 너무 예뻐요 (so beautiful!) 너무 좋아요 (I love it so much!). In formal writing, 매우 or 정말 is more appropriate for positive emphasis.
⚠ Common mistake
Technically 너무 implies excess (negative/neutral). But in modern spoken Korean, 너무 is used positively all the time. Don't correct native speakers who say 너무 예뻐요 — it's completely natural.
Example sentences
See also
FAQ
When is this used?
너무 맛있어요 = It's SO delicious. Technically 너무 means "excessively" (너무 많아요 = there's too much). But Koreans use 너무 positively: 너무 예뻐요 (so beautiful!) 너무 좋아요 (I love it so much!). In formal writing, 매우 or 정말 is more appropriate for positive emphasis.
What's a common mistake?
Technically 너무 implies excess (negative/neutral). But in modern spoken Korean, 너무 is used positively all the time. Don't correct native speakers who say 너무 예뻐요 — it's completely natural.
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