그냥 쉬는 중
geunyang swineun jung
The English phrase 'just chilling' can be translated into Korean as 그냥 쉬는 중 (geunyang swineun jung).
This phrase is used to communicate that you are relaxing or spending time doing nothing in particular. While 그냥 쉬는 중 emphasizes the act of resting, an alternative phrase 그냥 있어 is also commonly used to mean you are just hanging out or doing nothing in particular.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 그냥 (just/simply), 쉬는 (resting) and 중 (middle/in the process of).
Which one should you use?
그냥 쉬는 중 is a noun phrase, whereas the form 그냥 쉬고 있어 is a complete sentence used in conversation to say 'I'm just chilling'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For informal situations with friends, you can use 그냥 쉬고 있어 or 그냥 쉬는 중이야. To be polite or more formal, use the version 그냥 쉬는 중이에요. Other formal options include 편안하게 쉬고 있어요 to say 'I am relaxing comfortably' or 쉬고 있어요 to say 'I'm resting'.
How do you pronounce it?
geunyang swineun jung
Did you know?
- While 그냥 쉬는 중 is a direct translation for 'just chilling', Koreans often use the phrase 멍 때리다 to describe a specific kind of chilling where one zones out or stares blankly into space.
- In modern Korean youth slang, the idea of 'chilling' is often associated with 'home-cation' 홈캉스, a portmanteau of 'home' and 'vacation'.
- The term 그냥 can be used as a complete answer to 'Why did you do that?' In this context, it means 'no particular reason', effectively turning 'just' into a full explanation.
Examples in context
- 조금 쉬고 있어요I'm just chilling for a little while.
- 오늘은 한가해서 그냥 쉬고 있어Today, I have free time, so I'm just chilling.
- 집에서 그냥 쉬는 중이에요.jib-eseo geunyang swineun jung-ieyo.I am just chilling at home.
- 특별한 일 없이 그냥 쉬는 중이야.teukbyeolhan il eopsi geunyang swineun jung-iya.I'm just chilling without doing anything special.
- 지금은 그냥 쉬는 중이에요.jigeumeun geunyang swineun jung-ieyo.I am just chilling right now.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking on the phone on a weekend afternoon.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 지금 뭐 해요?Hyeon-u ssi, jigeum mwo haeyo?Hyeon-u, what are you doing now?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그냥 쉬는 중이에요.Geunyang swineun jung-ieyo.I'm just chilling.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그래요? 그럼 푹 쉬어요.Geuraeyo? Geureom puk swieoyo.Is that so? Then get some good rest.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 서연 씨도 좋은 하루 보내세요.Ne, Seoyeon ssi-do joeun haru bonaeseyo.Okay, have a nice day too, Seoyeon.
