TOPIK · Level 351
15 words
Korean word
은은하다
Pronunciation
Romanizationeuneunhada
Meaning
- adjectivesubtle
Example
방 안에 은은한 향기가 났다.pang a ne eu neun han hyang gi ga nat tta
There was a subtle fragrance in the room.
More examples
그는 은은한 미소를 지었다.keu neun eu neun han mi so reul chi eot tta
He gave a subtle smile.
Core concept
A soft impression that stays quietly in the background, such as a light scent, mild color, or calm expression.
Common phrases
은은한 미소eu neun han mi so
subtle smile
은은한 분위기eu neun han pu nwi gi
subtle atmosphere
은은한 빛eu neun han pit
subtle light
Similar words
희미하다himihada: Light, smell, or memory is faint and unclear, with details that are hard to make out.
옅다yeottta: A color, taste, or scent has little intensity and feels light rather than strong.
은근하다eungeunhada: A quiet outward manner gently reveals a hidden feeling or purpose.
잔잔하다chanjanhada: A sound, movement, or atmosphere stays calm and peaceful without sudden disturbance.
Definition in Korean
강하게 드러나지 않고 은근히 남는 느낌을 나타내는 말로, 향기나 색채·표정의 온화함을 이른다.kang ha ge teu reo na ji an ko eun geun hi nam neun neu kki meul na ta nae neun mal lo hyang gi na saek chae pyo jeong ui on hwa ha meul i reun da
Word origin
은은하다 (euneunhada, "to be subtle") combines 은은 (euneun, "a softly lingering quality") with 하다 (hada, "to form an adjective"), while the deeper origin of 은은 is uncertain.
Usage tips
- In English, subtle may sound neutral or merely hard to notice, whereas this word often adds a warm sense of quiet beauty.
Other meanings
- gentleadjective
Opposites
- 뚜렷하다tturyeotadadistinctadjective
Related words
- 은은함euneunhamsubtletynoun