서투른
seotureun
The English word "clumsy" is translated into Korean as 서투른 (seotureun).
서투른 is used to describe being clumsy with a language, a musical instrument or a specific skill. It is used when someone lacks skill or experience in a task.
Meaning: awkward, lacking coordination, not graceful, not dextrous (adj)
Which one should you use?
서투른 is used when someone lacks skill or experience in a task, whereas 어설픈 implies something is half-baked or poorly executed.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form of the adjective is 서투르다. The form 서툰 is a common shortened version of 서투른 used to modify nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
seotureun
Did you know?
- Korean has a specific term 똥손 which literally means 'poop hand' to describe someone who is extremely clumsy at crafts or gaming.
- In Korean, if you are 'clumsy' with your movements, you might be described as 몸치, which literally means 'body illiterate'.
- A person who is clumsy in a cute or endearing way is often described using the word 허당, which refers to someone who seems competent but is actually a bit of a mess.
Examples in context
- 그는 손재주 없는 사람이라서 손으로 장난감을 만들 수가 없다.He is so clumsy that he cannot make toys by hand.
- 내 동생은 축구를 할 때 어설픈데 매번 웃게 돼.My younger brother is clumsy at playing soccer, and it always makes me laugh.
- 제 솜씨가 아직 서투른 편이에요.je somssiga ajik seotureun pyeonieyo.My skills are still a bit clumsy.
- 서투른 몸짓 때문에 실수했어요.seotureun momjit ttaemune silsulhaesseoyo.I made a mistake because of my awkward movements.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are in a craft class.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨, 가위질이 너무 서투른 것 같아요.jieun ssi, gawijiri neomu seotureun geot gatayo.Jieun, I think your cutting is too clumsy.
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아요, 제가 원래 손재주가 없거든요.majayo, jega wonrae sonjaejuga eopgeodeunyo.That's true, I've never been good with my hands.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo제가 조금 도와줄까요?jega jogeum dowajulkkayo?Shall I help you a little?
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 정말 고마워요!hyunwoo ssi, jeongmal gomawoyo!Hyunwoo, thank you so much!
