틈
teum[tʰɯm]
The English phrase "chink" translates to the Korean noun 틈 (teum).
틈 is used to describe a physical narrow opening, such as a crack in a wall or a gap between objects, as well as a metaphorical gap or opportunity.
Meaning: narrow opening (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
teum
Did you know?
- The word 틈 is derived from a verb meaning 'to bud' or 'to sprout'. This connects the idea of a physical 'gap' to the way a flower or plant breaks through a surface to grow.
- In Korean business terminology, the phrase 틈새시장 uses the word for 'chink' or 'gap' to describe a 'niche market'. It envisions a market opportunity as a physical sliver of space between larger competitors.
- While English uses 'chink' primarily for physical gaps, Korean uses 틈 to describe a relational rift. Saying there is 틈 between two people suggests a lack of harmony or a social distance.
Examples in context
- 문틈The chink/gap in a door
- 문 틈 사이로 빛이 들어와요.mun teum sa-i-ro bich-i deul-eo-wa-yo.Light comes through a chink in the door.
- 벽에 작은 틈이 생겼어요.byeok-e jak-eun teum-i saeng-gyeot-eo-yo.A small chink appeared in the wall.
- 창문 틈을 잘 막아야 해요.chang-mun teum-eul jal mak-a-ya hae-yo.You should block the chinks in the window well.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Min-jun are looking at a damaged window frame.
- 지은 Ji-eun창문 틈으로 찬바람이 들어와요.chang-mun teum-eu-ro chan-ba-ram-i deul-eo-wa-yo.A cold breeze is coming through the chink in the window.
- 민준 Min-jun민준 씨, 저 틈을 좀 막아 줄래요?Min-jun ssi, jeo teum-eul jom mak-a jul-lae-yo?Min-jun, can you block that chink?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 제가 금방 막을게요.ne, je-ga geum-bang mak-eul-ge-yo.Yes, I will block it right away.
- 지은 Ji-eun고마워요, 민준 씨.go-ma-wo-yo, Min-jun ssi.Thank you, Min-jun.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 틈, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 틈, CC BY-SA 4.0.
