Korean word

왠지

Pronunciation

Romanizationwaenji

Meaning

  • adverbfor some reason

Example

왠지 그가 싫다.waen ji keu ga sil ta

For some reason, I don't like him.

Illustration for 왠지 (for some reason)

More examples

왠지 어색해서 말을 못 했어.waen ji eo sae kae seo ma reul mot hae sseo

For some reason, I felt awkward, so I couldn't speak.

Core concept

Something feels true or appealing even though the speaker cannot point to a particular reason.

Common phrases

  • 왠지 어색하다waen ji eo sae ka da

    feel awkward for some reason

  • 왠지 느낌이 오다waen ji neu kki mi o da

    have a feeling for no particular reason

Similar words

어쩐지eojjeonji: An earlier impression suddenly makes sense when a clue reveals its likely cause.
왠지 모르게waenji moreuge: A feeling takes shape in a vague way while its cause stays unknown.
아무래도amuraedo: Several clues point toward one likely conclusion without making it certain.
괜히kwaenhi: An action or feeling happens needlessly without a real reason.

Definition in Korean

특별한 이유는 없지만 왠지 마음이 그렇게 기울거나 그런 기분이 들어서 말할 때 쓰는 부사.teuk ppyeol han i yu neun eop jji man waen ji ma eu mi keu reo ke ki ul geo na keu reon ki bu ni teu reo seo mal hal ttae sseu neun pu sa

Word origin

Its shortened form comes from an expression asking why, which helps connect the word with a reason that remains unstated.

Usage tips

  • The word can describe both pleasant and unpleasant reactions, so it is not limited to feelings of dislike.

Word lists with this word