Korean Conversation · Level 296
15 words
Korean word
임기응변
Pronunciation
Romanizationimgieungbyeon
Meaning
- nounquick thinking
Example
문제 상황에서는 임기응변으로 대처하는 것이 중요하다.mun je sang hwang e seo neun im gi eung byeo neu ro tae cheo ha neun keo si chung yo ha da
When problems arise, it is important to think on your feet.
More examples
면접에서는 면접관이 지원자의 임기응변을 중요하게 본다.myeon jeo be seo neun myeon jeop kkwa ni chi won ja ui im gi eung byeo neul chung yo ha ge pon da
During an interview, the interviewer places great importance on the applicant's ability to think on their feet.
Core concept
A sudden problem is met with a useful response before there is time for careful preparation.
Common phrases
임기응변을 보이다im gi eung byeo neul po i da
show quick thinking
임기응변으로 상황을 수습하다im gi eung byeo neu ro sang hwang eul su seu pa da
handle the situation with quick thinking
임기응변이 발휘되다im gi eung byeo ni pal hwi doe da
quick thinking comes into play
Similar words
융통성yungtongseong: The quality of adapting plans or methods instead of following one fixed way.
순발력sunballyeok: Fast reactions that allow someone to respond and act without delay.
즉흥cheukeung: Spontaneous action based on an idea that arises at the moment.
임시방편imsibangpyeon: A short-term fix that handles an immediate need without solving the underlying problem.
Definition in Korean
예상치 못한 문제에 재빨리 적당한 방법으로 대응하는 능력.ye sang chi mo tan mun je e chae ppal li cheok ttang han pang beo beu ro tae eung ha neun neung nyeok
Word origin
The word comes from a Sino-Korean four-character compound whose parts mean facing a situation, responding to its circumstances, and changing one's response as needed.
Usage tips
- English speakers can use it for a skill, not just an unplanned performance, so it can praise someone who handles an unexpected turn well.
Other meanings
- improvisationnoun
Opposites
- 계획성kyehoeksseongplanfulnessnoun
Related words
- 임기응변적imgieungbyeonjeokimprovisationaladjective