맑은
malgeun
The English word "clear" can be translated into Korean in several ways depending on the context, with the default form being 맑은 (malgeun).
맑은 is used to describe things that are physically clear or pure, such as the sky, air or water. It is also used to describe sounds or voices that are clear and pure.
Meaning: free of ambiguity or doubt (adj)
Which one should you use?
맑은 refers to physical clarity or purity, whereas 명확한 is used for clarity in terms of logic, meaning or instructions to avoid ambiguity. For a sense of being distinct, definite or unambiguous in formal settings, 뚜렷하다 is also used.
How does it change in a sentence?
맑은 is the attributive form of the dictionary verb 맑다, which means to be clear/pure.
How do you pronounce it?
malgeun
Did you know?
- The word 맑은 is often used to describe a person's eyes or soul, implying a childlike innocence and moral purity rather than just physical transparency.
- The word 명확한 for logical clarity is a Sino-Korean word, meaning it is derived from Chinese characters 明 for 'bright' and 確 for 'firm'.
- In Korean, a 'clear' voice 맑은 목소리 is associated with a high-pitched, ringing quality similar to a bell, rather than just being easy to understand.
Examples in context
- 지시 사항이 명확했습니다.The instructions were clear.
- 발표는 명확한 설명을 제공했습니다.The presentation provided clear explanations.
- 그가 곧 여기 올 거라고 확신해.I'm sure he will be here soon.
- 대답은 꽤 확실해.The answer is pretty clear.
- 하늘이 맑은 날A day when the sky is clear
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a difficult assignment.
- 서연 Seo-yeon이 부분이 이해가 안 돼요.i bubun-i ihaega an dwaeyo.I don't understand this part.
- 민준 Min-jun제가 다시 설명해 줄게요.jega dasi seolmyeong-hae julgeyo.I will explain it to you again.
- 서연 Seo-yeon와, 이제 정말 맑은 설명이에요!wa, ije jeongmal malgeun seolmyeong-ieyo!Wow, now it's a really clear explanation!
- 민준 Min-jun도움이 되었다니 다행이네요.doumi doeeot-dani haeng-ineyo.I'm glad it was helpful.
