Korean word

활짝

Pronunciation

Romanizationhwaljjak

Meaning

  • adverbbrightly

Example

그는 나를 보고 활짝 웃었다.keu neun na reul po go hwal jjak u seot tta

He smiled brightly when he saw me.

Illustration for 활짝 (brightly)

More examples

아이는 선물을 받고 활짝 웃었다.a i neun seon mu reul pat kko hwal jjak u seot tta

The child smiled broadly after receiving the present.

Core concept

A bright, sudden spreading into a fully open state, especially when a smile or opening becomes unmistakably broad.

Common phrases

  • 활짝 웃다hwal jjak ut tta

    smile broadly

  • 미소를 활짝 짓다mi so reul hwal jjak chit tta

    give a broad smile

  • 활짝 웃어주다hwal jjak u seo ju da

    smile broadly for someone

Similar words

환히hwanhi: Bright, clear light makes a face or place seem to shine.
밝게palkke: A strong light or vivid color stands out clearly.

Definition in Korean

순간적으로 밝게 드러나거나 활짝 벌어진 상태를 강조하여 나타내는 부사sun gan jeo geu ro pal kke teu reo na geo na hwal jjak peo reo jin sang tae reul kang jo ha yeo na ta nae neun pu sa

Word origin

This adverb is a Korean ideophone whose sound-symbolic form evokes something opening or spreading fully, though its precise historical origin is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • For English speakers, brightly may suggest only light or color, while this word adds a vivid sense of something opening fully all at once, like a wide smile or a flower in full bloom.

Other meanings

  • wide openadverb
  • widelyadverb

Opposites

  • 무표정하게mupyojeonghageexpressionlesslyadverb

Word lists with this word