Korean word

버팀목

Pronunciation

Romanizationpeotimmok

Meaning

  • nounsupport

Example

친구가 버팀목이 되어 주었다.chin gu ga peo tim mo gi toe eo chu eot tta

My friend became someone I could rely on.

Illustration for 버팀목 (support)

More examples

그는 가족의 버팀목으로 가정을 지켜 왔다.keu neun ka jo gui peo tim mo geu ro ka jeong eul chi kyeo wat tta

As his family's mainstay, he has protected the household.

Core concept

A steadying presence that keeps a person, group, or system from collapsing under pressure.

Common phrases

  • 가정의 버팀목ka jeong ui peo tim mok

    family mainstay

  • 버팀목이 되다peo tim mo gi toe da

    become a mainstay

  • 정신적 버팀목cheong sin jeok peo tim mok

    emotional support

Similar words

도움toum: Help given to make another person's difficulty or burden easier to manage.
지원chiwon: Practical help such as money, supplies, advice, or staff that enables an activity to succeed.
지지chiji: Backing given to a person, idea, or policy through agreement and active support.
위로wiro: Words or actions that soothe someone's sadness or pain during a difficult time.

Definition in Korean

어떤 상황에서 무너지지 않도록 중심을 지켜 주는 역할을 하는 사람이나 것.eo tteon sang hwang e seo mu neo ji ji an to rok chung si meul chi kyeo chu neun yeo ka reul ha neun sa ra mi na keot

Word origin

버팀목 (beotimmok, "supporting post") began with the image of a post that prevents something from falling, then developed a figurative use for a dependable person or structure.

Usage tips

  • Its use for a person is warm and appreciative, making it a natural choice when recognizing someone who helps another endure a difficult period.

Other meanings

  • mainstaynoun
  • pillarnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 버텨내다peotyeonaedaendureverb
  • 버팀대peotimdaebracenoun

Word lists with this word