쉬는 중
swineun jung
Resting in Korean is 쉬는 중 (swineun jung).
The phrase is used to describe the act of taking a break or relaxing to recover from effort or work.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb 쉬다 (to rest) in its continuous form and the noun 중 (middle/process), literally meaning "in the middle of resting".
Which one should you use?
While 쉬는 중 is a noun phrase meaning "in the middle of resting", the form 쉬고 있다 is the standard progressive verb form used to say someone is currently resting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For most social situations, you can use the polite form 쉬는 중이에요. In casual speech with friends or people younger than you, use the informal 쉬는 중이야 or 쉬고 있어. For written contexts, the formal expression 안식하다 can be used to mean "to rest" or "to take a rest".
How do you pronounce it?
swineun jung
Did you know?
- The word 쉬다 has a second, completely different meaning: 'to spoil' or 'to go bad' when referring to food, such as fermented kimchi that has become too sour.
- Because 쉬다 can mean 'to be out of order', if a person says 'I am resting' in a certain tone, they might humorously imply they are 'broken' or exhausted.
- In many Korean social contexts, telling someone you are 'resting' can be a polite way to signal that you are currently unavailable for social obligations or phone calls.
Examples in context
- 오늘은 힘들었어, 좀 쉬고 싶어.Today was tough. I want to rest a bit.
- 일이 끝나면 휴식을 취하세요.Take a break after you finish your task.
- 휴식은 건강에 도움이 돼요.Resting is beneficial for your health.
- 안식일에는 가족과 함께 편안히 쉬세요.On a day of rest, relax comfortably with your family.
- 지금은 좀 쉬는 중이에요.jigeum-eun jom swineun jung-ieyo.I am resting a little right now.
- 그는 공원에서 쉬는 중이에요.geuneun gong-won-eseo swineun jung-ieyo.He is resting in the park.
- 잠깐 쉬는 중이니까 나중에 전화할게요.jam-kkan swineun jung-inikka najunge jeon-hwal-halgeyo.I am resting for a moment, so I will call you later.
Example conversation
Ji-eun calls Min-jun to check on him during his break.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준 씨, 지금 뭐 해요?Min-jun ssi, jigeum mwo haeyo?Min-jun, what are you doing now?
- 민준 Min-jun집에서 쉬는 중이에요.jib-eseo swineun jung-ieyo.I am resting at home.
- 지은 Ji-eun푹 쉬세요!puk swiseyo!Rest well!
- 민준 Min-jun고마워요, 지은 씨.gomawoyo, Ji-eun ssi.Thank you, Ji-eun.
