Korean word

말없이

Pronunciation

Romanizationmareopssi

Meaning

  • adverbsilently

Example

그는 말없이 떠났다.keu neun ma reop ssi tteo nat tta

He left silently.

Illustration for 말없이 (silently)

More examples

그녀는 말없이 고개를 끄덕였다.keu nyeo neun ma reop ssi ko gae reul kkeu deo gyeot tta

She nodded without a word.

Core concept

Meaning is communicated through what someone does instead of what someone says.

Common phrases

  • 말없이 떠나다ma reop ssi tteo na da

    leave without a word

  • 말없이 고개를 끄덕이다ma reop ssi ko gae reul kkeu deo gi da

    nod without a word

  • 말없이 기다리다ma reop ssi ki da ri da

    wait without a word

Similar words

아무 말 없이amu mal eopssi: Remains without spoken words in a situation.
묵묵히mungmuki: Keeps working or carrying on quietly without speaking.
무언으로mueoneuro: Conveys an idea through gestures, facial expressions, or attitude.

Definition in Korean

말없이는 입을 닫고 행동으로 상황이나 감정을 드러내는 부사다.ma reop ssi neun i beul tat kko haeng dong eu ro sang hwang i na kam jeong eul teu reo nae neun pu sa da

Word origin

말없이 (mareopssi, "without speech") is formed from 말 (ma, "speech or words") and 없이 (reopssi, "without"), emphasizing that no words are used.

Usage tips

  • The surrounding situation matters because wordless behavior may show politeness, sadness, anger, or disagreement rather than simple quietness.

Opposites

  • 수다스럽게sudaseureopkkechattilyadverb

Related words

Word lists with this word