Korean word

막상

Pronunciation

Romanizationmakssang

Meaning

  • adverbactually

Example

계획과 달리 막상 해보니 어렵다.kye hoek kkwa tal li mak ssang hae bo ni eo ryeop tta

Contrary to the plan, it was difficult when I actually tried it.

Illustration for 막상 (actually)

More examples

막상 해보니 생각보다 쉬웠다.mak ssang hae bo ni saeng gak ppo da swi wot tta

When I actually tried it, it was easier than I expected.

Core concept

The real result or feeling becomes clear only when a situation is faced in practice.

Common phrases

  • 막상 해보니mak ssang hae bo ni

    when actually trying it

  • 막상 가보니mak ssang ka bo ni

    when actually going there

  • 막상 모르겠다mak ssang mo reu get tta

    when it comes to it, I do not know

Similar words

실제로siljero: Points to the real facts or circumstances confirmed by experience or observation.
사실sasil: States that something is a fact or reality, often correcting a mistaken impression.
정작cheongjak: Highlights the real outcome or condition when it differs from what people expected.
실은sireun: Introduces a true fact that has been held back or gently corrects a misunderstanding.

Definition in Korean

막상은 실제로 어떤 일을 하거나 어떤 상황에 처했을 때 비로소 드러나는 결과나 상태를 나타내는 부사이다.mak ssang eun sil je ro eo tteon i reul ha geo na eo tteon sang hwang e cheo hae sseul ttae pi ro so teu reo na neun kyeol gwa na sang tae reul na ta nae neun pu sa i da

Word origin

The historical formation of 막상 (makssang, "actually when it comes to it") is uncertain, so its link with a situation becoming real is more reliable for learning than a guessed word breakdown.

Usage tips

  • A useful contrast for English speakers is that 막상 (makssang, "actually when it comes to it") commonly introduces an unexpected practical result, not just a correction of false information.

Other meanings

  • when it comes to itadverb

Opposites

  • 겉보기에는keotppogieneunon the surfaceadverb
  • 이론적으로는ironjeogeuroneunin theoryadverb

Related words

Word lists with this word