Korean word

기막히다

Pronunciation

Romanizationkimakida

Meaning

  • adjectiveincredible

Example

그 음식은 기막히게 맛있었어.keu eum si geun ki ma ki ge ma si sseo sseo

That food was incredibly delicious.

Illustration for 기막히다 (incredible)

More examples

그 요리사는 기막힌 솜씨를 보였다.keu yo ri sa neun ki ma kin som ssi reul po yeot tta

That chef showed incredible skill.

Core concept

An experience so amazing or shocking that it stops a person from finding words.

Common phrases

  • 기막힌 솜씨ki ma kin som ssi

    incredible skill

  • 기막힌 타이밍ki ma kin ta i ming

    incredible timing

Similar words

대단하다taedanhada: Marks ability, quality, or achievement as notably excellent and worthy of admiration.
굉장하다koengjanghada: Emphasizes an unusually high degree, scale, or impact that commands attention.
멋지다meotjjida: Describes a polished style or atmosphere that feels attractive and cool.
환상적이다hwansangjeogida: Praises an experience that feels magical and far removed from ordinary life.

Definition in Korean

매우 놀라거나 감탄하여 말문이 막히는 상태를 나타내는 형용사mae u nol la geo na kam tan ha yeo mal mu ni ma ki neun sang tae reul na ta nae neun hyeong yong sa

Word origin

It comes from 기 (gi, "breath or energy") plus 막히다 (makida, "to be blocked"), suggesting that strong emotion blocks the breath.

Usage tips

  • This casual word can praise something as amazing or criticize it as shockingly excessive, so context determines whether the reaction is positive or negative.

Other meanings

  • outrageousadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 기막힘kimakimamazementnoun
  • 기막히게kimakigeincrediblyadverb

Word lists with this word