Korean word

거북하다

Pronunciation

Romanizationkeobukada

Meaning

  • adjectiveawkward

Example

그 농담 때문에 거북해요.keu nong dam ttae mu ne keo bu kae yo

That joke makes me feel awkward.

Illustration for 거북하다 (awkward)

More examples

소개 자리에서 그 말이 거북했어요.so gae cha ri e seo keu ma ri keo bu kae sseo yo

That remark felt awkward at the introductory meeting.

Core concept

A comment or action creates unease that makes a person hesitate to respond naturally.

Common phrases

  • 거북한 기분keo bu kan ki bun

    awkward feeling

  • 거북한 표정keo bu kan pyo jeong

    awkward expression

  • 거북한 분위기keo bu kan pu nwi gi

    awkward atmosphere

Similar words

어색하다eosaekada: Feeling stiff or unnatural because conversation, movement, or an atmosphere does not flow easily.
민망하다minmanghada: Feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable when a mistake draws attention in front of others.
불편하다pulpyeonhada: Making daily life hard to manage by taking away physical or mental ease.
난처하다nancheohada: Feeling troubled by an unexpected problem and unsure what action to take.

Definition in Korean

말이나 행동 때문에 마음이 편하지 않아 응대하기 주저하게 되는 상태를 가리키는 형용사.ma ri na haeng dong ttae mu ne ma eu mi pyeon ha ji a na eung dae ha gi chu jeo ha ge toe neun sang tae reul ka ri ki neun hyeong yong sa

Word origin

The historical origin is uncertain, so this native Korean adjective is best learned through its use for an uneasy reaction to words or actions.

Usage tips

  • English awkward can describe a situation, while this Korean adjective commonly focuses on a person's uneasy reaction to words or actions.

Other meanings

  • uncomfortableadjective
  • feel reluctantadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 거북함keobukamawkwardnessnoun
  • 거북스럽다keobuksseureopttauncomfortableadjective

Word lists with this word