TOPIK · Level 367
16 words
Korean word
썰렁하다
Pronunciation
Romanizationsseolleonghada
Meaning
- adjectivefall flat
Example
농담에 사람들이 썰렁해졌어.nong da me sa ram deu ri sseol leong hae jeo sseo
The joke made everyone go quiet.
More examples
가수가 무표정이라 팬들 반응이 썰렁했다.ka su ga mu pyo jeong i ra paen deul pa neung i sseol leong haet tta
The fans' reaction was flat because the singer had a blank expression.
Core concept
The energy drains from a conversation until an unfunny remark leaves an uncomfortable silence.
Common phrases
장소가 썰렁하다chang so ga sseol leong ha da
dead atmosphere
반응이 썰렁하다pa neung i sseol leong ha da
flat reaction
Similar words
어색하다eosaekada: A word, gesture, or situation that feels unnatural and makes people unsure how to act.
뻘쭘하다ppeoljjumhada: Feeling out of place and unable to relax in a particular setting.
민망하다minmanghada: Feeling exposed and embarrassed after a social mistake or awkward moment.
Definition in Korean
농담이나 말이 재미없어 사람들의 반응이 잠잠해지고 분위기가 어색해지는 상태를 나타내는 형용사.nong da mi na ma ri chae mi eop sseo sa ram deu rui pa neung i cham jam hae ji go pu nwi gi ga eo sae kae ji neun sang tae reul na ta nae neun hyeong yong sa
Word origin
썰렁 (sseolreong, "cold and empty") evokes a chilly, empty atmosphere, while 하다 (hada, "to do") forms the adjective that describes it.
Usage tips
- It is useful for describing humor that receives no response, and it can also soften criticism when speakers use it about their own joke.
Other meanings
- coldadjective
Opposites
- 활기차다hwalgichadalivelyadjective
- 화기애애하다hwagiaeaehadawarm and friendlyadjective
Related words
- 썰렁함sseolleonghamflatnessnoun