기다림
The English phrase 'waiting' is translated into Korean as 기다림.
기다림 refers to the act of staying or remaining in expectation.
Meaning: the act of staying or remaining in expectation (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 기다림 refers to the abstract concept or the state of waiting, the verb form 기다리다 is used to describe the actual action of waiting. Additionally, 기다리는 것 is a more common way to express 'the act of waiting' in everyday spoken Korean compared to the more poetic or literary noun 기다림.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 기다림 is formed by adding the nominalizing suffix -ㅁ to the verb stem 기다리다 (to wait).
Did you know?
- Korean has a specific term 손꼽아 기다리다 for 'waiting' eagerly, which literally means 'counting fingers' to mark the days.
- In a professional or formal setting, 'waiting' for a customer or guest is often expressed as 대기, a word derived from Hanja (Chinese characters).
- The noun 기다림 is frequently used as a title for emotional ballad songs, often implying a sense of longing or romantic yearning rather than just a simple temporal delay.
Examples in context
- 회의에 참석하려고 기다리는 중입니다.I am waiting to attend the meeting.
- 기다리고 있습니다. 조금만 더 기다려주세요.I am waiting. Please wait a little longer.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are talking about a long-awaited concert.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 그동안의 기다림이 너무 길었죠?Minjun ssi, geudong-an-ui gidarimi neomu gireotjyo?Minjun, the waiting has been too long, hasn't it?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 정말 긴 기다림이었어요.ne, jeongmal gin gidarim-ieosseoyo.Yes, it was a truly long waiting.
- 수빈 Su-bin그래도 드디어 오늘이네요!geuraedo deudieo oneul-ineyo!But finally, it's today!
- 민준 Min-jun맞아요, 수빈 씨도 정말 기쁘죠?majayo, Subin ssi-do jeongmal gippeujyo?That's right, you are very happy too, Subin?
