Curious about how to say “Are you crazy?” in Korean? Learn common phrases like 미쳤어? (Michyeosseo?) and discover tips for using them appropriately, complete with examples for easy memorization!
Overview
| Phrase | Korean | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal Form | 미쳤어요? (Michyeosseoyo?) | “Have you gone crazy?” | When politeness is required. |
| Common Informal Form | 미쳤어? (Michyeosseo?) | “Are you crazy?” | Use with close friends or peers to express disbelief jokingly. |
| More Dramatic Form | 미친 거 아니야? (Michin geo aniya?) | “Aren’t you crazy?” | For expressing genuine shock or disbelief; avoid using in professional settings. |
| Milder Alternative | 왜 그래? (Wae Geurae?) | “Why are you acting like that?” | When you want to sound less confrontational or mildly curious. |
| Alternative | 돌았어? (Dorasseo?) | “Have you lost it?” | A fun and informal slang option for close relationships. |
| Alternative | 정신이 나갔어? (Jeongsini Nagasseo?) | “Has your mind gone out?” | Less direct and harsh, suitable for casual conversations but not too informal. |
| Sarcastic Form | 제정신이야? (Jejeongsiniya?) | “Are you in your right mind?” | To show surprise or disbelief in a sarcastic or semi-formal tone. |
| Playful Exaggeration | 네가 미쳤다고 생각해? (Nega Michyeotdago Saenggakhae?) | “Do you think you’re crazy?” | A joking or playful response to a bold or silly statement. |
| Surprised And Softer Expression | 진짜야? (Jinjjaya?) | “Really?” | A softer reaction to something surprising without directly questioning sanity. |
| Soft Inquiry | 정말 그래요? (Jeongmal Geuraeyo?) | “Is that really true?” | A non-confrontational way to express disbelief in formal situations. |
Sample Sentences for Are You Crazy
Formal Form: 미쳤어요? (Michyeosseoyo?)
For situations where politeness is necessary, the phrase changes to 미쳤어요? (Michyeosseoyo?).
- A: 저는 야근을 3일 연속으로 할 거예요. (Jeoneun yageuneul sam-il yeonsogeuro hal geoyeyo.) – “I’ll work overtime for three days straight.”
- B: 미쳤어요? (Michyeosseoyo?) – “Are you crazy?”
The Most Common Way: 미쳤어? (Michyeosseo?)
The most straightforward and casual way to ask “Are you crazy?” in Korean is 미쳤어? (Michyeosseo?).
- A: 내가 시험 전날에 파티 갈 거야. (Naega siheom jeonnare parti gal geoya.) – “I’m going to a party the day before my exam.”
- B: 미쳤어? (Michyeosseo?) – “Are you crazy?”
How to Say “I’m Not Crazy” in Korean
If someone jokingly accuses you of being crazy, you can respond with:
안 미쳤어. (An michyeosseo.) – “I’m not crazy.”
For a more polite version, you can say:
안 미쳤어요. (An michyeosseoyo.) – “I’m not crazy.”
미친 거 아니야? (Michin Geo Aniya?)
For a more emphatic version, you can use 미친 거 아니야? (Michin geo aniya?), which means “Aren’t you crazy?”
- Example:
- A: 내가 시험 전날에 파티 갈 거야. (Chingu: Naega siheom jeonnare parti gal geoya.) – “I’m going to a party the day before my exam.”
- B: 미쳤어? (Neo: Michyeosseo?) – “Are you crazy?”
Other Ways to Ask “Are You Crazy?” in Korean
If you want to diversify your vocabulary, here are more phrases that convey similar meanings:
- 정신이 나갔어? (Jeongsini Nagasseo?)
- Literal Meaning: “Has your mind gone out?”
- A slightly more formal and less confrontational way to say “Are you crazy?”
- 제정신이야? (Jejeongsiniya?)
- Meaning: “Are you in your right mind?”
- Often used when someone makes a surprising or unreasonable statement.
- 왜 그래? (Wae Geurae?)
- Meaning: “Why are you acting like that?”
- A softer alternative to directly asking if someone is crazy.
Disclaimer & Cultural Insights: Using “Are You Crazy?” in Korea
While phrases like 미쳤어? or 미친 거 아니야? are common in informal conversations, they can come off as rude or offensive if used with the wrong tone or in formal situations.
- Be Mindful of Tone and Context while it’s common to hear phrases like 미쳤어? or 미친 거 아니야?, they can come off as rude or harsh if your tone is too serious. If you’re joking, pair it with a smile or playful tone.
- Formal Situations: Avoid using it with people you don’t know well or in professional settings, just as you wouldn’t use “Are you crazy?” or “You’re nuts” in formal situations in English. Instead, opt for a more neutral expression like:
- Comedy and K-Dramas: You’ll frequently hear 미쳤어? or 미친 거 아니야? in Korean dramas and variety shows. It’s often used in humorous or exaggerated reactions, making it a great way to pick up on natural intonation.
