멈춤
meomchum[mʌ̹mt͡ɕʰum]
The English phrase "pause" translates to Korean as 멈춤 (meomchum). Wiktionary also lists 휴게 (hyuge).
Meaning: temporary stop or rest (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 멈춤 | meomchum | [mʌ̹mt͡ɕʰum] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 휴게 | hyuge | [çuɡe̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
멈춤 refers to a temporary stop or a cessation of movement or action. If you are looking for a word that means a break or a period of rest for recuperation, you might use 휴식. In official, professional or technical environments, the term 중지하다 is more commonly used.
What does it mean word for word?
멈춤 is the noun form of the verb 멈추다, which means "to stop".
Which one should you use?
멈춤 is used to describe the cessation of an action or movement, whereas 휴게 specifically refers to a pause taken for the purpose of rest or recuperation.
How do you pronounce it?
meomchum
Did you know?
- In Korean theater or speech, a dramatic pause is often referred to as 여백, which means 'white space' or 'emptiness'. This reflects a traditional aesthetic value where the empty space is as important as the content.
- The word 휴게 is most commonly seen on signs for 휴게소, which are specialized highway service areas. These are not just simple stops but are massive cultural hubs known for their specific regional snacks and food courts.
- The character 休 in 休憩 literally depicts a person leaning against a tree. This visual imagery provides the root meaning for the concept of taking a rest or a pause.
Examples in context
- 회의 중에 잠시 멈춰주세요.Please pause for a moment during the meeting.
- 영상 재생을 중지하세요.Please pause the video playback.
- 음악 좀 잠깐 멈춰봐.Pause the music for a moment, please.
- 비디오 일시정지해 주세요.Please pause the video.
- 잠시만 대기해 주세요.Please wait for a moment.
- 잠시 멈춤이 필요해요.jamsi meomchumi piryohaeyo.A brief pause is necessary.
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are watching a movie together.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 잠깐만 멈춤 해 줄래요?Jihun ssi, jamkkanman meomchum hae juraeyo?Jihun, could you pause this for a second?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 왜 그러세요?ne, wae geureoseyo?Yes, why is that?
- 수빈 Su-bin물 좀 마시고 올게요.mul jom masigo olgeyo.I'm going to go drink some water.
- 지훈 Ji-hun알겠어요. 천천히 다녀오세요.algesseoyo. cheoncheonhi danyeooseyo.I understand. Take your time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pause” translations and entries 멈춤, 휴게, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 휴게, CC BY-SA 4.0.
