Korean word

비밀

Pronunciation

Romanizationpimil

Meaning

  • nounsecret

Example

이 일은 비밀이야.i i reun pi mi ri ya

This matter is a secret.

Illustration for 비밀 (secret)

More examples

그는 비밀을 잘 지킨다.keu neun pi mi reul chal chi kin da

He is good at keeping secrets.

Core concept

Information kept behind a closed door so other people do not know it.

Common phrases

  • 비밀을 지키다pi mi reul chi ki da

    keep a secret

  • 비밀을 털어놓다pi mi reul teo reo no ta

    confide a secret

  • 비밀이 밝혀지다pi mi ri pal kyeo ji da

    a secret is revealed

Similar words

비밀사항pimilsahang: A particular subject or detail kept as a secret.
숨김sumgim: The state of keeping something hidden from view.
시크릿sikeurit: A modern loanword for a secret or private matter kept from others.

Definition in Korean

다른 사람에게 말하지 않고 개인적으로 간직하는 내용이나 사안.ta reun sa ra me ge mal ha ji an ko kae in jeo geu ro kan ji ka neun nae yong i na sa an

Word origin

This Sino-Korean borrowing combines elements associated with hiding and keeping something close, which leads naturally to the meaning of a secret.

Usage tips

  • A playful secret in English can still sound like a real promise, so tone and context matter when 비밀 (bimil, "secret") is used in Korean conversation.

Opposites

Related words

  • 비밀스럽다pimilseureopttasecretiveadjective
  • 비밀문서pimilmunseosecret documentnoun

Word lists with this word