닭살
daksal
The English phrase goosebumps is translated into Korean as 닭살 (daksal).
닭살 is used to describe the physical sensation of goosebumps, whether caused by cold, a moving experience or an emotional reaction. In a colloquial sense, it can also be used to describe something that is overly sentimental, cheesy or 'cringey'. To express the action of getting goosebumps, you can use the phrase 닭살 돋다, where the verb 돋다 (to sprout/rise) is paired with the noun. You might say 닭살 돋아요 to mean 'It gives me goosebumps'.
What does it mean word for word?
닭살 is a compound word consisting of 닭, meaning chicken and 살, meaning skin, flesh or meat.
Which one should you use?
While 닭살 is a general term, there are other ways to express related feelings. The word 소름 refers specifically to goosebumps caused by fear or a spine-chilling experience and is suitable for formal or polite conversations. The expression 소름끼치다 is an informal way to describe something that gives you goosebumps or conveys a sense of uneasiness.
How do you pronounce it?
daksal
Did you know?
- The word 닭살 can be used as an adjective to describe a person who is overly affectionate or 'lovey-dovey' in public.
- The verb used with 닭살, 돋다, is the same word used to describe a plant sprouting or a bud breaking through the soil.
- The word 소름 is often used as a standalone exclamation, similar to how an English speaker might say 'Chills!' when reacting to a powerful song.
Examples in context
- 저격할 때마다 오싹함을 느껴요.I get goosebumps every time I snipe.
- 괴담 들으면 소름 끼친다.I get goosebumps when I hear ghost stories.
- 너무 무서워서 닭살이 돋았어요.neomu museowoseo dalksal-i dodasseoyo.I got goosebumps because it was so scary.
- 노래가 너무 감동적이라 닭살이 돋아요.noraega neomu gamdongjeogira dalksal-i do-ayo.The song is so touching that I'm getting goosebumps.
- 갑자기 추워지니까 닭살이 돋네.gapjagi chuwojinikka dalksal-i donne.I'm getting goosebumps because it suddenly got cold.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are watching a horror movie together.
- 민준 Min-jun방금 장면 정말 무섭지 않아?banggeum jangmyeon jeongmal museopji ana?Wasn't that last scene really scary?
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 닭살 돋을 정도로 무서워.eung, dalksal dodeul jeongdoro museowo.Yes, it's scary enough to give me goosebumps.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈아, 너 팔에 닭살 돋았어.Subin-a, neo pare dalksal dodasseo.Subin, you have goosebumps on your arm.
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아, 너무 떨려.maja, neomu tteollyeo.True, I'm trembling so much.
