TOPIK · Level 363
15 words
Korean word
슬그머니
Pronunciation
Romanizationseulgeumeoni
Meaning
- adverbstealthily
Example
그는 슬그머니 방을 빠져나갔다.keu neun seul geu meo ni pang eul ppa jeo na gat tta
He stealthily left the room.
More examples
아이는 슬그머니 과자를 먹었다.a i neun seul geu meo ni kwa ja reul meo geot tta
The child stealthily ate snacks.
Core concept
A person or thing moves softly and unnoticed, leaving little sign of its presence.
Common phrases
슬그머니 빠져나가다seul geu meo ni ppa jeo na ga da
slip away stealthily
슬그머니 다가가다seul geu meo ni ta ga ga da
approach stealthily
슬그머니 웃다seul geu meo ni ut tta
smile furtively
Similar words
몰래mollae: Doing something out of sight so other people remain unaware.
슬쩍seuljjeok: A quick, subtle action avoids notice for a moment.
살짝saljjak: A light, brief action happens with little force or effect.
Definition in Korean
다른 사람에게 들키지 않도록 소리나 기색을 숨기며 조용히 움직이거나 행동하는 부사.ta reun sa ra me ge teul ki ji an to rok so ri na ki sae geul sum gi myeo cho yong hi um ji gi geo na haeng dong ha neun pu sa
Word origin
The native Korean adverb 슬그머니 (seulgeumeoni, "quietly") has a mimetic formation linked to the manner of quiet, discreet movement.
Usage tips
- For TOPIK reading, connect it with scenes of leaving, approaching, or doing something without drawing attention rather than with silent speech alone.
Other meanings
- secretlyadverb
- quietlyadverb
Opposites
- 대놓고taenokoopenlyadverb
- 공공연히konggongyeonhipubliclyadverb