Korean Conversation · Level 257
15 words
Korean word
소심하다
Pronunciation
Romanizationsosimhada
Meaning
- adjectiveshy
Example
저는 소심해서 먼저 연락을 못 해요.cheo neun so sim hae seo meon jeo yeol la geul mot hae yo
I'm too shy to reach out first.
More examples
친구들 앞에서 소심한 성격 탓에 질문하기 힘들었어요.chin gu deul a pe seo so sim han seong gyeok ta se chil mun ha gi him deu reo sseo yo
Because of my shy personality, I found it hard to ask questions in front of my friends.
Core concept
A person who lacks confidence and hangs back when facing unfamiliar people or situations.
Common phrases
소심한 성격so sim han seong gyeok
shy personality
소심해서 먼저 연락을 못 하다so sim hae seo meon jeo yeol la geul mot ha da
be too shy to reach out first
Similar words
소극적이다sogeukjjeogida: Taking a passive role instead of actively starting or leading an action.
수줍다sujuptta: Growing quiet and awkward when placed in the spotlight.
조심스럽다chosimseureoptta: Making choices carefully rather than acting too quickly.
Definition in Korean
자신의 마음이 약해 낯선 사람이나 새로운 상황에서 먼저 나서지 못하고 행동을 주저하는 성질을 이르는 형용사이다.cha si nui ma eu mi ya kae nat sseon sa ra mi na sae ro un sang hwang e seo meon jeo na seo ji mo ta go haeng dong eul chu jeo ha neun seong ji reul i reu neun hyeong yong sa i da
Word origin
The word is built from a Sino-Korean term meaning small heart plus a verb-forming element, linking the image of a small heart with reluctance to take the first step.
Usage tips
- It often describes a general habit of holding back, so it can sound more self-critical than a simple description of quiet behavior.
Other meanings
- cowardlyadjective
- timidadjective
Opposites
- 대담하다taedamhadaboldadjective
Related words
- 소심스럽다sosimseureopttaseem timidadjective
- 소심해지다sosimhaejidabecome shyverb