Korean Conversation · Level 297
15 words
Korean word
풍전등화
Pronunciation
Romanizationpungjeondeunghwa
Meaning
- nounon the brink of collapse
Example
그 회사는 구조조정으로 풍전등화에 놓였다.keu hoe sa neun ku jo jo jeong eu ro pung jeon deung hwa e no yeot tta
The company was on the brink of collapse because of restructuring.
More examples
지역 경제가 풍전등화에 빠졌다.chi yeok kyeong je ga pung jeon deung hwa e ppa jeot tta
The regional economy fell into near-collapse.
Core concept
Something survives only by a narrow margin and could collapse after even a slight shock.
Common phrases
풍전등화에 놓이다pung jeon deung hwa e no i da
be on the brink of collapse
풍전등화에 빠지다pung jeon deung hwa e ppa ji da
fall into near-collapse
풍전등화가 되다pung jeon deung hwa ga toe da
reach the brink of collapse
Similar words
위기wigi: A serious threat to stability can put a relationship, group, or system at risk of breaking down.
위급wigeup: An immediate emergency requires quick help or action because life or safety is in danger.
위험wiheom: A dangerous condition creates a possibility of harm or damage to a person or thing.
위기일발wigiilbal: A highly tense situation may bring danger or trouble at any moment.
Definition in Korean
매우 위태로워 조금만의 충격으로도 사라질 위험이 있는 상태를 가리키는 한자성어.mae u wi tae ro wo cho geum ma nui chung gyeo geu ro do sa ra jil wi heo mi in neun sang tae reul ka ri ki neun han ja seong eo
Word origin
The idiom comes from the image of a flame standing in front of moving air, where one gust can put it out.
Usage tips
- Its formal, urgent tone makes it useful in reports and serious discussions but less natural in light casual conversation.