Korean word

겁

Pronunciation

Romanizationkeop

Meaning

  • nounfear

Example

그는 겁이 많다.keu neun keo bi man ta

He is very timid.

Illustration for 겁 (fear)

More examples

밤길에 혼자 걸을 때 겁이 났다.pam gi re hon ja keo reul ttae keo bi nat tta

I got scared when I walked alone at night.

Core concept

The inner alarm that makes a person hesitate, withdraw, or choose safety over danger.

Common phrases

  • 겁이 많다keo bi man ta

    be timid

  • 겁을 먹다keo beul meok tta

    get scared

  • 겁에 질리다keo be chil li da

    be terrified

Similar words

무서움museoum: The feeling of being scared by something frightening or unsafe.
두려움turyeoum: An uneasy fear about danger or trouble that may happen.

Definition in Korean

위험을 피하고 안전을 우선하려는 경향이나 그로 인한 불안·두려움을 뜻하는 명사.wi heo meul pi ha go an jeo neul u seon ha ryeo neun kyeong hyang i na keu ro in han pu ran tu ryeo u meul tteu ta neun myeong sa

Word origin

The historical origin of geop is uncertain, so its present link with fear and a tendency to avoid danger is the safest learning guide.

Usage tips

  • For TOPIK reading, notice that this noun may describe a stable character trait as well as a passing reaction to danger.

Other meanings

  • timiditynoun
  • cowardicenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 겁쟁이keopjjaengicowardnoun
  • 겁먹다keommeokttabe scaredverb

Word lists with this word