Korean word

눈치

Pronunciation

Romanizationnunchi

Meaning

  • nounperceptiveness

Example

그는 눈치가 빨라서 먼저 말했어요.keu neun nun chi ga ppal la seo meon jeo mal hae sseo yo

He is quick to pick up on things, so he spoke first.

Illustration for 눈치 (perceptiveness)

More examples

회의에서 그는 눈치를 살피며 말을 아꼈다.hoe ui e seo keu neun nun chi reul sal pi myeo ma reul a kkyeot tta

At the meeting, he read the room and held back his comments.

Core concept

Quickly picking up unspoken signals and adjusting to the situation.

Common phrases

  • 눈치를 살피다nun chi reul sal pi da

    read the room

  • 눈치를 챙기다nun chi reul chaeng gi da

    be mindful of others

  • 눈치가 있다nun chi ga it tta

    have good social awareness

Similar words

센스senseu: A knack for responding cleverly and choosing fitting words for each situation.
배려paeryeo: Thoughtful care that puts another person's feelings and comfort first.
관찰력kwanchallyeok: The ability to notice details in people and surroundings through careful watching.

Definition in Korean

남의 기분이나 분위기를 빠르게 알아차려 자신의 행동을 조절하는 재주.na mui ki bu ni na pu nwi gi reul ppa reu ge a ra cha ryeo cha si nui haeng dong eul cho jeol ha neun chae ju

Word origin

No fully certain etymology is established, but the word is traditionally connected with 눈 (nun, "eye"), linking awareness with careful observation.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 눈치 (nunchi, "social awareness") often praises someone who avoids awkward timing, while saying someone has little of it can sound critical.

Other meanings

  • tactnoun
  • intuitionnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word