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한국어
숨 — meaning in English: breath
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breath
영향
yeonghyang
실행
silhaeng
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bogi
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숨
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use '숨' in both everyday conversations and more serious contexts, such as discussing health or emotions. For example, in a casual chat about exercising, someone might say, '숨이 차다' (I’m out of breath) after a run. Additionally, in discussions about mindfulness or meditation, one might refer to focusing on their '숨' to encourage relaxation and awareness.
Synonyms & nuances
'숨' is often compared to '호흡' (hoheup), which also means 'breath' but is more technical and used in medical contexts. You would choose '숨' in everyday speech or when speaking to someone informally, whereas '호흡' would be more appropriate in a clinical or academic setting.
Culture
'숨' is deeply embedded in Korean culture, not just as a physical necessity but also as a metaphor for life and vitality. The phrase '숨을 쉬다' means 'to breathe,' but culturally, it can imply taking a moment to reflect or gather one's thoughts. Interestingly, in traditional Korean medicine, the quality of one's '숨' is believed to directly affect one’s health and emotional state.
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