Every so often there's a new Korean word you come across that just has no direct translation. We're gonna chat about some of those today and do our best to make sure the vibes of the word really come across so you can start incorporating it into your day-to-day speaking!
First up:
눈치
눈치, literally "eye-power", loosely means "situational awareness" or "ability to read the room". You tend to use this to describe people that can anticipate certain needs, understand social cues well, as well as those that are able to act on them well. Here are some ways to use 눈치 along with some scenarios to give the vibe of when to use them:
- "눈치 빠르다." = quick judgement and/or action on a situation
- Someone who notices a guest looks uncomfortable or bored and quickly changes the subject, or suggests a new activity to lighten the mood
- Someone who realizes the food is running low and quietly goes to refill dishes or offer help in the kitchen without being asked
- A person traveling to a new country who quickly understands the local customs and etiquette
- "눈치가 없다." = completely lacking situational awareness or social cues
- Talking loudly on the phone in a quiet library or waiting room
- Insisting on having a deep, lengthy conversation with someone who is clearly busy and trying to leave
- A partner who misses clear signs that their significant other is upset, even after they've given subtle hints or are visibly withdrawn
"와...진짜 눈치 없다..."
- "눈치를 보다." = walking on eggshells, gauge someone's reaction
- Walking on eggshells after your boss's deal fell through
- Reading your partner's signals to see if you should share a, perhaps rather embarrassing, story
- Being mindful of the professor's mood before asking for an extension on the homework
인연
This one gained a bit of attention with Western audiences from the movie Past Lives.
To quote the movie's description of 인연:
There is a word in Korean. In-Yun.
It means "providence". Or... "fate".
But it's specifically about relationships between people.
I think it comes from Buddhism and reincarnation.
It's an In-Yun if two strangers even walk by each other in the street and their clothes accidentally brush.
Because it means there must have been something between them in their past lives.
If two people get married, they say it's because there have been 8,000 layers of In-Yun over 8,000 lifetimes.
There is a proverb that the description references:
"옷깃만 스쳐도 인연" = 옷깃 (collar / lapel) + -만 (only / just) + 스치다 (to brush past / to graze) + -어도 (even if) + 인연
"Even if only our clothes (collars) brush past, it's 인연."
Last one for today!
정
I've really become a fan of this word, it encapsulates so many aspects of relationships that occur day-to-day that a word like "love" doesn't quite fit for.
정 is grandmother continually piling more food on your plate, even after you're full.
정 is a shop owner remembering your regular order and preparing it before you even ask, or offering a small discount because you're a frequent customer.
정 is saying "우리 엄마" or "우리 집" so show community of personal connections.
정 is an old, worn-out blanket or a well-loved piece of furniture that might be kept not just for utility (let's be honest, it's probably not useful anymore) but because you've become attached to it over time.
There are so many more examples I could give about 정 and I am learning more about it every day as it permeates all aspects of everyday life. It brings about meaning of connection, fondness, and a sense of belonging.
It's a truly beautify concept. 🤗
Also, Choco Pie uses it for excellent marketing and is basically a physical symbol of 정 in the culture. 😂 So, next time you want to show your 정 to someone, give 'em a Choco pie!
