Core Pattern Rule: Noun + -투성이
The pattern -투성이 is a suffix that attaches directly to a noun to express that something is "full of," "covered with," or "riddled with" that noun. It carries a strong nuance of something being messy, undesirable, or excessive.
Formation
Simply attach -투성이 to the end of a noun. There are no changes for vowels or consonants.
Noun + -투성이
쓰레기 (trash) → 쓰레기투성이 (full of trash)
먼지 (dust) → 먼지투성이 (full of dust)
실수 (mistake) → 실수투성이 (riddled with mistakes)
Usage
Use this pattern to emphasize a negative state. It's often used to complain, lament, or describe a chaotic situation. Think of it as an exaggeration to highlight how bad something is.
방이 쓰레기투성이야. / 이력서가 오타투성이야. / 창고가 먼지투성이야.
Native Nuance & Mistakes
To use -투성이 naturally, it's crucial to understand its strong negative connotation and its flexibility with different types of nouns.
Strong Negative Nuance
This pattern is almost exclusively used for things that are undesirable, messy, or problematic. Using it for positive or neutral things sounds very unnatural in everyday conversation.
Natural: 옷이 진흙투성이야. (My clothes are covered in mud.)
Awkward: (X) 하늘이 별투성이야. (The sky is full of stars.)
Correction: For positive things, use 가득하다. e.g., 하늘에 별이 가득해.
Concrete vs. Abstract Nouns
A key feature of -투성이 is that it works for both physical, tangible things and abstract concepts.
Concrete: 피투성이 (covered in blood), 땀투성이 (covered in sweat), 먼지투성이 (covered in dust)
Abstract: 거짓말투성이 (full of lies), 변명투성이 (full of excuses), 문제투성이 (riddled with problems)
온몸이 땀투성이야. / 이 보고서는 실수투성이야. / 거짓말투성이야.
Synonyms & Differences
The most common way to say "full of" is -(으)로 가득하다. While it can seem similar to -투성이, the nuance is very different.