Korean word

반짝반짝

Pronunciation

Romanizationpanjjakppanjjak

Meaning

  • adverbsparkling

Example

그 아이의 눈이 반짝반짝 빛났다.keu a i ui nu ni pan jjak ppan jjak pin nat tta

The child's eyes sparkled.

Illustration for 반짝반짝 (sparkling)

More examples

밤하늘의 별이 반짝반짝 빛났다.pam ha neu rui pyeo ri pan jjak ppan jjak pin nat tta

The stars in the night sky sparkled.

Core concept

Small points of light keep flashing in a lively, repeated sparkle.

Common phrases

  • 눈이 반짝반짝 빛나다nu ni pan jjak ppan jjak pin na da

    eyes sparkle

  • 별이 반짝반짝 빛나다pyeo ri pan jjak ppan jjak pin na da

    stars sparkle

Similar words

반짝panjjak: A little light shines for an instant.
번쩍peonjjeok: A bright light appears suddenly in one sharp flash.
빛나게pinnage: Light gives off a bright, distinct glow.

Definition in Korean

작고 반짝거리며 빛나는 모양을 나타내는 의태어적 부사로, 별·보석·눈 등에서 작은 불빛이 계속해서 반짝일 때 씀.chak kko pan jjak kkeo ri myeo pin na neun mo yang eul na ta nae neun ui tae eo jeok pu sa ro pyeol po seok nun teung e seo cha geun pul bi chi kye so kae seo pan jja gil ttae sseum

Word origin

This Korean mimetic adverb repeats a form associated with a small flash, and the repetition conveys light that sparkles again and again.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English shiny, which can describe a surface with a steady gloss, this word highlights lively flashes in stars, gems, or bright eyes.

Other meanings

  • shinyadverb

Opposites

  • 희미하게himihagefaintlyadverb
  • 어둡게eodupkkedimlyadverb

Related words

Word lists with this word