TOPIK · Level 257
15 words
Korean word
확
Pronunciation
Romanizationhwak
Meaning
- adverbsuddenly
Example
날씨가 확 바뀌었어.nal ssi ga hwak pa kkwi eo sseo
The weather changed suddenly.
More examples
사람이 확 늘었어.sa ra mi hwak neu reo sseo
The number of people suddenly increased.
Core concept
A change or movement snaps into a new state all at once, with a clear, striking shift.
Common phrases
확 늘다hwak neul da
suddenly increase
확 줄다hwak chul da
suddenly decrease
확 바뀌다hwak pa kkwi da
suddenly change
Similar words
갑자기kapjjagi: An unexpected event or change happens without warning.
순식간에sunsikkkane: An action or change is completed in an extremely short time.
Definition in Korean
갑작스럽고 뚜렷한 변화나 동작이 순간적으로 일어남을 나타내는 부사로, 감정이나 상태의 급격함을 강조한다.kap jjak sseu reop kko ttu ryeo tan pyeon hwa na tong ja gi sun gan jeo geu ro i reo na meul na ta nae neun pu sa ro kam jeong i na sang tae ui keup kkyeo ka meul kang jo han da
Word origin
The origin of 확 (hwak, "a sound-symbolic adverb") is uncertain, though its brief, forceful sound is often linked to the feeling of a sudden shift.
Usage tips
- Its vivid, conversational tone works well in lively speech, while a more neutral adverb usually fits formal writing better.
Other meanings
- sharplyadverb
Opposites
- 서서히seoseohigraduallyadverb
- 천천히cheoncheonhislowlyadverb