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.)