Korean word

시비

Pronunciation

Romanizationsibi

Meaning

  • nounargument

Example

작은 일로 시비를 벌이지 마세요.cha geun il lo si bi reul peo ri ji ma se yo

Don't start an argument over a small thing.

Illustration for 시비 (argument)

More examples

회의 중에 그 문제로 시비에 휘말렸어요.hoe ui chung e keu mun je ro si bi e hwi mal lyeo sseo yo

During the meeting, I got drawn into an argument over that issue.

Core concept

A verbal clash in which people challenge each other's conduct or position.

Common phrases

  • 시비를 걸다si bi reul keol da

    pick a quarrel

  • 시비에 휘말리다si bi e hwi mal li da

    get drawn into an argument

  • 시비가 붙다si bi ga put tta

    get into an argument

Similar words

말싸움malssaum: A heated quarrel carried out through spoken words.
말다툼maldatum: An emotional argument between people in everyday disagreements.
다툼tatum: A dispute that grows from clashing opinions or interests.
트집teujip: Fault-finding that focuses on a small flaw or detail.

Definition in Korean

서로 말로 다투어 언쟁이 일어나는 상태나 그런 말다툼seo ro mal lo ta tu eo eon jaeng i i reo na neun sang tae na keu reon mal da tum

Word origin

The word comes from the Sino-Korean idea of right and wrong, which developed into the sense of arguing over who is right.

Usage tips

  • Depending on context, it can describe not only an argument but also the act of picking a quarrel, so it often sounds more confrontational than the English word argument.

Other meanings

  • right and wrongnoun
  • provocationnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 시비꾼sibikkunquarrel starternoun
  • 시비거리sibigeoricause for an argumentnoun

Word lists with this word