Korean word

삼키다

Pronunciation

Romanizationsamkida

Meaning

  • verbswallow

Example

그는 약을 삼켰다.keu neun ya geul sam kyeot tta

He swallowed the medicine.

Illustration for 삼키다 (swallow)

More examples

당황해서 침을 삼켰다.tang hwang hae seo chi meul sam kyeot tta

He swallowed his saliva in embarrassment.

Core concept

Something moves down through the throat, and the same inward movement can describe keeping words or feelings from coming out.

Common phrases

  • 자존심을 삼키다cha jon si meul sam ki da

    swallow one's pride

  • 침을 삼키다chi meul sam ki da

    swallow saliva

Similar words

먹다meoktta: Chewing and swallowing food as part of a meal.
마시다masida: Taking liquid or medicine into the body through the mouth.
참다chamtta: Putting up with pain or controlling an emotion or urge.
억누르다eongnureuda: Using force to keep an emotion or reaction from coming out.

Definition in Korean

입에 넣은 것을 목을 통해 내려 보내는 물리적 의미와, 말이나 감정을 밖으로 드러내지 않고 억누르는 비유적 의미를 모두 지닌 동사i be neo eun keo seul mo geul tong hae nae ryeo po nae neun mul li jeok ui mi wa ma ri na kam jeong eul pa kkeu ro teu reo nae ji an ko eong nu reu neun pi yu jeok ui mi reul mo du chi nin tong sa

Word origin

The historical origin of this Korean verb is uncertain; its two confirmed uses connect a physical act of swallowing with holding words or feelings back.

Usage tips

  • English learners may separate the physical and emotional uses, but Korean uses one verb for both, so the object reveals the intended meaning.

Other meanings

  • hold backverb

Opposites

  • 내뱉다naebaetttaspit outverb

Word lists with this word