Korean word

척

Pronunciation

Romanizationcheok

Meaning

  • nounpretense

Example

그는 모르는 척을 했어요.keu neun mo reu neun cheo geul hae sseo yo

He pretended not to know.

Illustration for 척 (pretense)

More examples

아픈 척 하는 사람을 어떻게 믿겠어?a peun cheok ha neun sa ra meul eo tteo ke mit kke sseo

How could you trust someone pretending to be sick?

Core concept

A deliberate performance of a different attitude or appearance.

Common phrases

  • 모르는 척mo reu neun cheok

    pretense of not knowing

  • 아는 척a neun cheok

    pretense of knowing

  • 괜찮은 척kwaen cha neun cheok

    pretense of being okay

Similar words

시늉sinyung: An outward action or response performed without genuine feeling or intent.
흉내hyungnae: A person's voice, movements, or manner copied to resemble the original.
거짓말keojinmal: An untrue statement used to hide the real facts.
가식kasik: An affected manner that hides one's true feelings to appear proper.

Definition in Korean

겉으로만 그럴듯하게 꾸미거나 일부러 다른 태도나 표정을 보이는 모습이나 행동을 이르는 말.keo teu ro man keu reol deu ta ge kku mi geo na il bu reo ta reun tae do na pyo jeong eul po i neun mo seu bi na haeng dong eul i reu neun mal

Word origin

Its exact origin is uncertain, though the word is linked to the Korean idea of outward appearance and is used for presenting a false impression.

Usage tips

  • The key idea is acting for appearances, so it can describe behavior that hides a real feeling without stating a false fact.

Other meanings

  • shamnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word