English–Korean
“be reluctant” in Korean
Korean
Pronunciation
Romanizationkkeorida
Example
그는 다른 사람과 악수하는 것을 꺼렸다.keu neun ta reun sa ram gwa ak ssu ha neun keo seul kkeo ryeot tta
He was reluctant to shake hands with other people.
How to say “be reluctant” in Korean
“Be reluctant” in Korean is 꺼리다 (kkeorida).
Holding back from contact or an action because it feels uncomfortable.
Example sentences with 꺼리다
아이는 낯선 사람에게 말을 걸는 것을 꺼려했다.a i neun nat sseon sa ra me ge ma reul keol leun keo seul kkeo ryeo haet tta
The child was reluctant to talk to a stranger.
Tips for using 꺼리다
- It usually signals inner discomfort or reluctance rather than a firm refusal, so it often sounds softer than saying no outright.