Korean word

힘없이

Pronunciation

Romanizationhimeopssi

Meaning

  • adverbweakly

Example

그는 힘없이 웃었다.keu neun hi meop ssi u seot tta

He smiled weakly.

Illustration for 힘없이 (weakly)

More examples

그녀는 말문이 막혀 힘없이 한숨을 내쉬었다.keu nyeo neun mal mu ni ma kyeo hi meop ssi han su meul nae swi eot tta

Unable to find the words, she sighed weakly.

Core concept

Energy seems to have drained away, leaving speech or action faint and lacking spirit.

Common phrases

  • 힘없이 웃다hi meop ssi ut tta

    laugh weakly

  • 힘없이 한숨을 쉬다hi meop ssi han su meul swi da

    sigh weakly

Similar words

기운 없이kiun eopssi: With low energy and little strength available for an action.
맥없이maegeopssi: In a weak, powerless way that lacks force or momentum.
무기력하게mugiryeokage: In a powerless, unmotivated way with slow or dull reactions.

Definition in Korean

힘이 없어 생기가 없거나 의욕 없이 말하거나 행동하는 모습이나 상태를 가리키는 부사.hi mi eop sseo saeng gi ga eop kkeo na ui yok eop ssi mal ha geo na haeng dong ha neun mo seu bi na sang tae reul ka ri ki neun pu sa

Word origin

The word joins 힘 (hi, "strength") with 없이 (meopssi, "without"), so its structure points to doing something without strength or energy.

Usage tips

  • It is useful for describing an outward impression of low energy without necessarily suggesting deliberate coldness or indifference.

Other meanings

  • listlesslyadverb

Opposites

  • 당당하게tangdanghageconfidentlyadverb
  • 힘있게himitkkeforcefullyadverb

Related words

Word lists with this word