TOPIK · Level 277
16 words
Korean word
엿보다
Pronunciation
Romanizationyeotppoda
Meaning
- verbpeek
Example
그는 창문 틈으로 엿보고 있었다.keu neun chang mun teu meu ro yeot ppo go i sseot tta
He was peeking through a gap in the window.
More examples
카페에서 옆자리 사람의 메시지를 몰래 엿봤다.ka pe e seo yeop jja ri sa ra mui me si ji reul mol lae yeot ppwat tta
At the cafe, I secretly peeked at my seatmate's message.
Core concept
Watching someone or a situation from concealment while waiting for a chance to act.
Common phrases
비밀번호를 엿보다pi mil beon ho reul yeot ppo da
peek at a password
메시지 내용을 엿보다me si ji nae yong eul yeot ppo da
peek at message contents
Similar words
훔쳐보다humcheoboda: Secretly looking at a person or object without being seen.
들여다보다teuryeodaboda: Looking closely inside something to check its condition or details.
엿듣다yeottteuttta: Secretly listening to people's conversation to find out what they are saying.
기웃거리다kiutkkeorida: Moving around curiously while peering into various places.
Definition in Korean
남의 행동이나 상황을 몰래 살피며 기회를 찾거나 때를 기다리는 동작을 나타내는 동사na mui haeng dong i na sang hwang eul mol lae sal pi myeo ki hoe reul chat kkeo na ttae reul ki da ri neun tong ja geul na ta nae neun tong sa
Word origin
The verb combines an element meaning secretly look with the everyday verb for see or look, creating the idea of watching covertly.
Usage tips
- It often sounds suspicious or calculating, so it is less neutral than a simple description of looking.
Other meanings
- spy onverb
- snoop onverb
Related words
- 엿보기yeotppogipeekingnoun