TOPIK · Level 154
15 words
Korean word
겉
Pronunciation
Romanizationkeot
Meaning
- nounsurface
Example
사과의 겉이 반짝인다.sa gwa ui keo chi pan jja gin da
The apple's surface is shining.
More examples
그는 겉만 번지르르해서 믿음이 가지 않는다.keu neun keon man peon ji reu reu hae seo mi deu mi ka ji an neun da
He only looks polished on the outside, so I cannot trust him.
Core concept
The visible outer part of something or someone, set against what lies inside or beneath the surface.
Common phrases
겉만keon man
only on the outside
Similar words
겉모습keonmoseup: The outward look of a person or thing that shapes a first impression.
외모oemo: The visible face and body features of a person.
표면pyomyeon: The outside face of a thing that can be seen or touched.
Definition in Korean
사물이나 사람의 외형이나 첫인상으로 보이는 부분을 말하며, 안쪽이나 실체와 대비되는 의미로 쓰인다.sa mu ri na sa ra mui oe hyeong i na cheo sin sang eu ro po i neun pu bu neul mal ha myeo an jjo gi na sil che wa tae bi doe neun ui mi ro sseu in da
Word origin
This is a native Korean word for what is on the outside, and that basic meaning extends naturally to outward appearance.
Usage tips
- English speakers may expect surface to describe only a physical layer, but this word can also describe the first impression a person gives.