Korean word

외면

Pronunciation

Romanizationoemyeon

Meaning

  • noundisregard

Example

그가 내 부탁을 외면했다.keu ga nae pu ta geul oe myeon haet tta

He ignored my request.

Illustration for 외면 (disregard)

More examples

그는 그녀의 눈길을 외면했다.keu neun keu nyeo ui nun gi reul oe myeon haet tta

He avoided her gaze.

Core concept

Someone keeps their face and attention pointed elsewhere, leaving another person without acknowledgment or a response.

Common phrases

  • 눈길을 외면하다nun gi reul oe myeon ha da

    avoid someone's gaze

  • 사람을 외면하다sa ra meul oe myeon ha da

    ignore someone

Similar words

무시하다musihada: Pay no attention to someone's words, actions, or presence on purpose.
고개를 돌리다kogaereul tollida: Turn the head away from someone to avoid meeting their eyes.

Definition in Korean

마주 보거나 관심을 기울여야 할 사람이나 일을 일부러 피하는 일.ma ju po geo na kwan si meul ki u ryeo ya hal ssa ra mi na i reul il bu reo pi ha neun il

Word origin

The word is built from Sino-Korean elements meaning outside and face, which developed into the image of turning away from someone.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, this word presents ignoring as an active choice, making it useful when a person clearly avoids a request rather than merely failing to notice it.

Other meanings

  • turn one's back onverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 외면당하다oemyeondanghadabe ignoredverb

Word lists with this word