한숨
hansum[ha̠nsʰum]
The English phrase 'sigh' is translated into Korean as 한숨 (hansum).
Meaning: to exhale in sighs (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 한숨 is most commonly paired with the verb 쉬다 to form the verbal phrase 'to sigh'. Using the verb 내쉬다 (to exhale/breathe out) instead of 쉬다 (to breathe/rest) emphasizes the act of letting the breath out, often used when describing a heavy or deep sigh.
How do you pronounce it?
hansum
Did you know?
- There is a common Korean superstition that sighing too often can 'let out' your luck or vitality from your body.
- In Korea, sighing loudly in front of an elder or a boss can be interpreted as a sign of blatant dissatisfaction or a challenge to their authority.
- While in English a sigh often signals sadness, in Korean literature, a 한숨 can sometimes be described as a way to release 'han' (한), a deep-seated feeling of regret or unresolved resentment.
Examples in context
- 한숨(을) 쉬다To sigh, draw a long breathThis example shows how to use 한숨 in the phrase 'to sigh, draw a long breath'.
- 시험 결과를 보고 한숨 쉬었어.I sighed after seeing the exam results.
- 그는 크게 한숨을 쉬었다.geuneun keuge hansumeul swieotda.He let out a big sigh.
- 답답해서 한숨만 나와요.dapdaphaeseo hansumman nawayo.I can't help but sigh because I feel frustrated.
Example conversation
Two friends are sitting in a cafe discussing a difficult exam.
- 도현 Do-hyeon시험이 너무 어려웠나 봐요?siheomi neomu eoryeowotna bwayo?Was the exam too difficult?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 자꾸 한숨이 나와요.ne, jakku hansumi nawayo.Yes, I keep sighing.
- 도현 Do-hyeon기운 내세요, 수빈 씨.giun naeseyo, subin ssi.Cheer up, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin고마워요, 도현 씨.gomawoyo, dohyun ssi.Thank you, Dohyun.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 한숨, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
