Korean word

내향적

Pronunciation

Romanizationnaehyangjeok

Meaning

  • adjectiveintroverted

Example

어릴 때부터 내향적이라 혼자 있는 걸 좋아했어요.eo ril ttae bu teo nae hyang jeo gi ra hon ja in neun keol cho a hae sseo yo

I've liked being alone since I was little because I'm introverted.

Illustration for 내향적 (introverted)

More examples

파티에서는 내향적이라 한쪽에 조용히 있어요.pa ti e seo neun nae hyang jeo gi ra han jjo ge cho yong hi i sseo yo

At parties, I stay quietly off to one side because I am introverted.

Core concept

A person who feels more comfortable in quiet settings or small groups than in the spotlight.

Common phrases

  • 내향적인 사람nae hyang jeo gin sa ram

    introverted person

  • 내향적 성격nae hyang jeok seong gyeok

    introverted personality

Similar words

내성적naeseongjeok: Tending to think privately and speak less readily when spending time with a group.
소심하다sosimhada: Worrying easily about mistakes or unfamiliar situations and becoming hesitant to act or speak.
조용하다choyonghada: Making little noise or movement and creating a peaceful atmosphere.
수줍다sujuptta: Becoming quiet and awkward when attention turns toward the person.

Definition in Korean

사람들 앞에서 말하거나 주목받는 것을 꺼리고 혼자 있거나 소수와 함께하는 것을 더 편안하게 여기는 성격을 말한다.sa ram deul a pe seo mal ha geo na chu mok ppan neun keo seul kkeo ri go hon ja it kkeo na so su wa ham kke ha neun keo seul teo pyeo nan ha ge yeo gi neun seong gyeo geul mal han da

Word origin

The word is built from Sino-Korean elements meaning inward-facing plus a suffix meaning having that quality, so it describes a tendency directed inward.

Usage tips

  • Introverted does not automatically mean shy, since a quiet person may simply prefer deeper conversation with a few people.

Other meanings

  • shyadjective
  • reservedadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 내향성naehyangseongintroversionnoun

Word lists with this word