Be like / Worthy of

The pattern -답다 attaches to a noun to create a descriptive verb (adjective) that means the subject possesses the qualities expected of that noun. It implies that the subject is living up to the ideal or standard of the noun.

Formation

Simply attach -답다 directly to the end of a noun, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or a consonant.

Noun + 답다

학생 + 답다 → 학생답다 (to be like a student)

프로 + 답다 → 프로답다 (to be like a pro)

나 + 답다 → 나답다 (to be like me / true to myself)

Usage

-답다 can be used in several ways:

As a descriptive verb: 역시 코리답다. (That's so Cory.)

As an adverb modifying a verb: Use -답게. 프로답게 일해. (Work like a pro.)

As an adjective modifying a noun: Use -다운. 친구다운 친구가 없어. (I don't have a friend worthy of the name.)

역시 코리답다. / 프로답게 일해. / 친구다운 친구가 없어. / 나다운 선택이야.

While -답다 is generally positive, its negative forms express a failure to meet expectations.

Positive (-답다)

This form implies that someone or something successfully embodies the ideal qualities of the noun. It's often a compliment or a statement of high regard.

Meaning: Worthy of the name, true to the nature of.

Example: 선생님다운 선생님 means a true teacher, one who possesses all the good qualities we expect from a teacher.

Negative (-답지 않다 / -답지 못하다)

These forms mean "unlike," "not befitting," or "unworthy of." They point out a discrepancy between the subject and the expected standard.

-답지 않다: A general negation. It simply states that the person is not acting like themselves or their role. 너답지 않게 왜 그래? (Why are you acting so unlike yourself?)

-답지 못하다: Often carries a stronger sense of failure or inability to meet a standard. It can sound more critical. 남자답지 못해. (That's not manly / You're failing to be a man.)

선생님다운 선생님이야. / 너답지 않게 왜 그래? / 남자답지 못해요.

Learners often confuse -답다 with -스럽다. While both can mean "-like," they have distinct nuances.

-답다 (Worthy of the name)

Focus: Possessing the essential qualities, qualifications, or responsibilities of a noun. It implies meeting a standard or an ideal.

Usage: Typically used with nouns for people, roles, and status (e.g., 어른, 학생, 전문가).

Example: 어른답게 행동하세요. (Act like a grown-up.) This is a command to meet the expected responsibilities of an adult.

-스럽다 (Having the feel/air of)

Focus: Giving off the impression, feeling, or appearance of a noun, without necessarily having the official status.

Usage: Can be used more broadly, including with abstract nouns (e.g., 사랑, 걱정, 자랑).

Example: 어른스럽네요. (You seem mature.) You can say this to a child who is acting mature for their age. A child can be 어른스럽다 but cannot be 어른답다 because they are not yet an adult.

In short, -답다 is about meeting the qualifications of a role, while -스럽다 is about having the qualities or feel of something.

어른답게 행동해. / 아이가 참 어른스러워요. / 그는 자랑스러운 아들이에요.

The -답다 pattern conjugates differently depending on the politeness level. The script lines show clear pairs for casual and polite speech.

Casual Speech (반말)

Used with friends, family, or those younger than you.

Statement: The base form -답다 is used. 역시 코리답다.

Command/Suggestion: The adverbial form -답게 is followed by a casual verb ending. 어른답게 행동해.

Negative: -답지 않다. 너답지 않게 왜 그래?

Polite Speech (해요체)

Used in most everyday situations with people you don't know well, colleagues, or elders.

Statement: Conjugates to -다워요. 역시 코리다워요.

Command/Suggestion: The adverbial form -답게 is followed by a polite -(으)세요 verb ending. 어른답게 행동하세요.

Negative: -답지 않으세요. 호리 씨답지 않게 왜 그러세요?

어른답게 행동해. / 어른답게 행동하세요. / 너답게 살아. / 호리 씨답게 사세요. / 리더답게 행동해. / 리더답게 행동하세요.