TOPIK · Level 340
15 words
Korean word
슬쩍
Pronunciation
Romanizationseuljjeok
Meaning
- adverbsneakily
Example
그는 슬쩍 방을 나갔다.keu neun seul jjeok pang eul na gat tta
He sneaked out of the room.
More examples
그는 슬쩍 메모를 건네줬다.keu neun seul jjeok me mo reul keon ne jwot tta
He discreetly handed over a note.
Core concept
A subtle movement or action that happens in a short moment and escapes attention.
Common phrases
슬쩍 웃다seul jjeok ut tta
smile sneakily
슬쩍 건네다seul jjeok keon ne da
hand over discreetly
슬쩍 보다seul jjeok po da
look furtively
Similar words
몰래mollae: An act carried out in secret and kept from other people.
살짝saljjak: A light touch or movement involving only a small amount or degree.
살며시salmyeosi: A soft, careful movement that makes almost no noise.
슬그머니seulgeumeoni: A person or thing moves quietly while hiding its presence.
Definition in Korean
남의 눈을 피해 은근하고 순간적으로 행동하거나 물건을 옮길 때 주로 쓰이는 부사.na mui nu neul pi hae eun geun ha go sun gan jeo geu ro haeng dong ha geo na mul geo neul om gil ttae chu ro sseu i neun pu sa
Word origin
This native Korean adverb has no confirmed etymology, so its meaning is best learned from its usage rather than from its parts.
Usage tips
- The word can describe moving an object as well as moving oneself, so its meaning is broader than simply leaving or entering quietly.
Other meanings
- gentlyadverb
Opposites
- 당당히tangdanghiboldlyadverb
- 공개적으로konggaejeogeuroopenlyadverb