Learn Korean: Noun + 치고는

Let's take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Noun + 치고는. We use this to express that someone is not the usual type of person the general public has in mind. Depending on the context, it may sound like a juicy compliment or an offensive remark. For example, I came across a really cute girl on my Instagram feed. It says on her bio that she is a fashion show model. As I browsed her photos, she didn't seem like the kind of model I (we) picture out. She has the looks, but shes pretty short. So I say She is too short for a model. The main noun is * 모델 (model). 치고는 comes after it. Then, we add the state verb.  The actual sentence is 모델 치고는 키가 작아().


농구 선수 치고는 키가 작아.

He is too short for a basketball player. (Height is regarded as essential in this particular sport)


작가 치고는 너무 예뻐.

She is too pretty for an author. (A pretty face like hers is not common to writers)


남자 치고는 너무 약해.

He is too weak for a boy. (Men are perceived as physically strong individuals)