숨 막히는
sum makhineun
The English phrase breathtaking is translated into Korean as 숨 막히는 (sum makhineun).
숨 막히는 is used to describe something that is stunningly beautiful.
Meaning: stunningly beautiful (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 숨 (breath) and 막히는 (being blocked/clogged), literally meaning "breath-stopping."
Which one should you use?
숨이 막힐 듯한 is a more descriptive, slightly more literary way to express the same feeling of being breathless from beauty or intensity, meaning "as if one's breath were to be blocked."
How does it change in a sentence?
숨 막히는 is an adjective used to modify a noun directly, such as 숨 막히는 경치 (breathtaking scenery).
How do you pronounce it?
sum makhineun
Did you know?
- While 숨 막히는 describes beauty, the same phrase is used to describe a 'stifling' or 'suffocating' atmosphere, such as a tense argument or a crowded room.
- The word 막히다 in the phrase can also be used to describe a physical blockage, like a clogged drain or a traffic jam, showing how the sensation of beauty is physically felt as an obstruction.
- The root word 숨 has remained recognizable in the Korean language since at least the 15th century, appearing in Middle Korean texts like the Seokbo sangjeol.
Examples in context
- 숨 막히는 경치가 정말 아름다워요.sum mak-hi-neun gyeong-chi-ga jeong-mal a-reum-da-wo-yo.The breathtaking scenery is truly beautiful.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are looking at a mountain peak together.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 저 풍경 좀 보세요!Minjun ssi, jeo punggyeong jom boseyo!Minjun, look at that scenery!
- 민준 Min-jun와, 정말 숨 막히는 모습이네요.wa, jeongmal sum makhineun moseupineyo.Wow, it is a breathtaking sight.
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아요, 정말 환상적이에요.majayo, jeongmal hwansangjeogieyo.You're right, it's absolutely fantastic.
- 민준 Min-jun여기 오길 정말 잘했어요.yeogi ogil jeongmal jalhaesseoyo.I'm so glad we came here.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 숨, CC BY-SA 4.0.
