Korean word

얌전

Pronunciation

Romanizationyamjeon

Meaning

  • adjectivewell-behaved

Example

그 고양이는 얌전해요.keu ko yang i neun yam jeon hae yo

That cat is well-behaved.

Illustration for 얌전 (well-behaved)

More examples

그 집은 밤에 얌전한 분위기가 느껴진다.keu chi beun pa me yam jeon han pu nwi gi ga neu kkyeo jin da

The house feels calm at night.

Core concept

Quiet, orderly behavior that shows self-control and good manners.

Common phrases

  • 얌전한 분위기yam jeon han pu nwi gi

    a quiet atmosphere

  • 얌전한 행동yam jeon han haeng dong

    quiet behavior

  • 얌전한 모습yam jeon han mo seup

    a quiet demeanor

Similar words

조용하다choyonghada: Having little noise or activity and creating a peaceful atmosphere.
차분하다chabunhada: Staying emotionally steady and responding without panic or haste.
온순하다onsunhada: Having a gentle nature and readily following guidance.
점잖다cheomjanta: Speaking and behaving with calm politeness and quiet dignity.

Definition in Korean

성격이나 태도가 얌전하여 소란을 피우지 않고 예의 바른 상태를 나타내는 형용사.seong gyeo gi na tae do ga yam jeon ha yeo so ra neul pi u ji an ko ye ui pa reun sang tae reul na ta nae neun hyeong yong sa

Word origin

No reliable etymology is established for this native Korean word, whose meaning centers on calm and well-mannered behavior.

Usage tips

  • Reserved can suggest a private personality in English, while this word focuses more on how someone behaves in a situation than on how much they share their feelings.

Other meanings

  • reservedadjective
  • calmadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 얌전하다yamjeonhadabe well-behavedadjective
  • 얌전함yamjeonhamgood behaviornoun

Word lists with this word