How to say “Crazy” in Korean
- 미쳤다michyeotda
That's crazy / That's insane
"Crazy" in Korean is based on the verb 미치다 (michida), so "that's crazy" is 미쳤다 (michyeotda) and "are you crazy?" is 미쳤어? (michyeosseo?). Be careful: about a song or a view it is fun slang, but aimed at a person it can be quite rude.
Ways to say it
| Korean | Level | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 미쳤다 michyeotda | Casual | "That's insane!" about a thing, often as praise: a song, a goal, a view. Fine with friends. Not for elders or work. |
| 미쳤어 michyeosseo | Casual | "Are you crazy?" at a person. Close friends say it jokingly. To strangers, older people, parents, teachers or a boss it is rude, even with 요 added. |
| 장난 아니다 jangnan anida | Casual | "It's no joke", meaning crazy good or crazy hard. Not rude at all. Polite: 장난 아니에요. |
| 말도 안 돼 maldo an dwae | Casual | "That's crazy, no way." A safe way to show disbelief. Polite: 말도 안 돼요. |
| 정신 나갔어 jeongsin nagasseo | Casual | "Have you lost your mind?" Harsh and angry. Never to anyone older or anyone you need to respect. |
| 제정신이야 jejeongsiniya | Casual | "Are you in your right mind?" Very harsh, said in real anger. Never to elders, teachers or a boss. |
Examples
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Hearing a great new song
Joking with a close friend who did something reckless
Seeing a long line at a restaurant
Tips
How rude is it? 미쳤다 about a thing is everyday slang, fine among peers. 미쳤어? at a person is rude except between close friends who are joking. 정신 나갔어 and 제정신이야 are harsh and sound like a real fight. None of these belong with parents, grandparents, teachers, a boss, customers or older strangers.
미친 (michin, "crazy") before a noun can be praise, as in 미친 노래 (michin norae, "an insane song"). But 미친 put in front of a word for a person turns into a real insult. Do not use it about people.
If you are not sure, use 대박 (daebak) or 장난 아니다 instead. They show the same excitement with no risk of offending.
More on 미쳤어 in our Korean phrase guides.
Questions learners ask
Is 미쳤어 rude?
It depends on who hears it. Between close friends joking around it is normal. To anyone older, to a stranger, or to someone you should respect, it is rude and can sound like an insult.
Can I say 미쳤다 about something good?
Yes. Young Koreans often say 미쳤다 about an amazing song, dance or meal. It is casual slang, so keep it to friends.