Korean word

미소

Pronunciation

Romanizationmiso

Meaning

  • nounsmile

Example

그녀는 미소를 지었다.keu nyeo neun mi so reul chi eot tta

She smiled.

Illustration for 미소 (smile)

More examples

그는 미소를 띠며 인사했다.keu neun mi so reul tti myeo in sa haet tta

He greeted with a smile.

Core concept

The corners of the mouth lift into a gentle expression of happiness or kindness.

Common phrases

  • 미소를 짓다mi so reul chit tta

    smile

  • 미소를 띠다mi so reul tti da

    wear a smile

  • 미소가 번지다mi so ga peon ji da

    a smile spread

Similar words

웃음useum: An outward sign of amusement shown by laughter or a happy facial reaction.
표정pyojeong: The way a person's feelings or mood appear on the face.
눈웃음nunuseum: An expression that makes the eyes look as if they are smiling.

Definition in Korean

입꼬리가 올라가며 즐거움이나 친절을 나타내는 얼굴 표정.ip kko ri ga ol la ga myeo cheul geo u mi na chin jeo reul na ta nae neun eol gul pyo jeong

Word origin

The word is formed from Sino-Korean elements for slightness and smiling, which gives it the sense of a soft, restrained smile.

Usage tips

  • English speakers can use this word when describing a friendly facial expression in greetings, photographs, and quiet reactions.

Opposites

  • 무표정mupyojeongblank expressionnoun
  • 찡그림jjinggeurimfrownnoun

Related words

  • 미소짓다misojitttasmileverb
  • 미소짓기misojitkkismilingnoun

Word lists with this word