Korean word

흠

Pronunciation

Romanizationheum

Meaning

  • nounflaw

Example

그 사람의 성격에 흠이 있어요.keu sa ra mui seong gyeo ge heu mi i sseo yo

That person has a flaw in their personality.

Illustration for 흠 (flaw)

More examples

이 옷에 흠이 있어요.i o se heu mi i sseo yo

This garment has a flaw.

Core concept

One noticeable imperfection, whether a physical mark or a weakness in someone's character or work.

Common phrases

  • 흠이 있다heu mi it tta

    have a flaw

  • 흠을 고치다heu meul ko chi da

    fix a flaw

  • 흠을 감추다heu meul kam chu da

    hide a flaw

Similar words

단점tanjeom: A weak feature of a person or thing that reduces its usefulness or value.
결점kyeoljeom: A visible or hidden defect that lowers the overall quality of a person, thing, or piece of work.

Definition in Korean

어떤 대상의 완전함을 해치는 작은 잘못이나 상처, 또는 그로 인해 생긴 부정적 요소를 말하는 명사.eo tteon tae sang ui wan jeon ha meul hae chi neun cha geun chal mo si na sang cheo tto neun keu ro in hae saeng gin pu jeong jeok yo so reul mal ha neun myeong sa

Word origin

The word has no confirmed borrowed source, and its precise origin and historical development remain uncertain.

Usage tips

  • English speakers can use this word for both a visible mark and a personal weakness, but the surrounding context shows which kind of imperfection is meant.

Other meanings

  • shortcomingnoun
  • scratchnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word