Korean word

마침

Pronunciation

Romanizationmachim

Meaning

  • adverbjust then

Example

마침 버스가 와서 탈 수 있었어요.ma chim peo seu ga wa seo tal ssu i sseo sseo yo

Just then, the bus came, so I could get on.

Illustration for 마침 (just then)

More examples

마침 그 순간 전화가 와서 놀랐어요.ma chim keu sun gan cheon hwa ga wa seo nol la sseo yo

A phone call came just then, and I was surprised.

Core concept

A moment or event falls exactly into place with the situation.

Common phrases

  • 마침 그 순간ma chim keu sun gan

    just at that moment

  • 마침 딱ma chim ttak

    just right

Similar words

때마침ttaemachim: A conveniently timed event occurs and makes the situation work better.
바로paro: An action takes place right away.
딱ttak: The time, quantity, or condition fits exactly.
우연히uyeonhi: An event occurs without being planned or intended.

Definition in Korean

어떤 일이 특정한 시점에 딱 맞아 일어날 때 쓰는 부사.eo tteon i ri teuk jjeong han si jeo me ttak ma ja i reo nal ttae sseu neun pu sa

Word origin

The precise origin of this adverb is uncertain, but its long-established use marks an event that arrives at exactly the right moment.

Usage tips

  • An event can be unplanned and still be described with this word when its timing helps the situation, so it is not limited to simple surprise.

Other meanings

  • by chanceadverb

Related words

Word lists with this word