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A2 adverb #4,000 الأكثر شيوعاً 13 دقيقة للقراءة

은근히

eungeunhi الأكثر شيوعاً #4,000

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح 은근히 في 30 ثانية

الشرح 은근히 in your Level:

At the A1 level, 은근히 (eungeunhi) can be understood simply as 'a little bit' or 'surprisingly.' While it has deep meanings, beginners can use it to describe food or basic feelings. For example, if you eat something that isn't red but still makes your mouth hot, you can say '은근히 매워요' (It's a bit spicy). It's a great word to use when you want to express that something is slightly different from what you expected. Imagine you see a small bag, but you can fit many books inside; you can say it's '은근히 커요' (It's surprisingly/subtly big). At this stage, focus on using it before simple adjectives like 'big,' 'small,' 'hot,' or 'cold.' It helps you move beyond just saying 'very' (매우) or 'a little' (조금). It shows you are starting to notice the 'feeling' of things in Korean. Just remember: put it right before the adjective!

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For A2 learners, 은근히 starts to cover more emotional ground. You can use it to describe how you feel about people or situations. If you have a friend who is quiet but actually very funny, you can say '그 친구는 은근히 웃겨요' (That friend is subtly/surprisingly funny). You can also use it for things that take more effort than they look. If a homework assignment seemed easy but took an hour, it was '은근히 힘들었어요' (It was subtly/quite hard). At this level, you should practice using it to contrast expectations. 'I thought X, but it was 은근히 Y.' This structure is very common in daily Korean conversation. It also appears frequently in weather descriptions. If the sun is out but the wind is sharp, it's '은근히 추워요' (It's subtly/surprisingly cold). Using this word makes your Korean sound much more natural and less like a textbook.

At the B1 level, you can use 은근히 to navigate social nuances and indirect communication. This is where the 'secretly' or 'internally' aspect becomes important. You might use it to describe someone's hidden intentions or 'humble-bragging.' For example, '은근히 자기 자랑을 해요' means someone is subtly bragging about themselves. You can also use it to describe social pressure or expectations that aren't stated out loud but are still felt. If your boss doesn't tell you to work late, but everyone else is staying, you might feel '은근히 압박을 느껴요' (I feel subtle pressure). B1 learners should also start noticing '은근히' in media, like K-Dramas, where it describes the 'some' (썸) stage of a relationship—those subtle, quiet feelings of attraction. It’s about the things that are 'unspoken but understood.'

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B2 learners should master 은근히 as a tool for psychological description and detailed observation. It is perfect for describing complex personality traits, like someone who is '은근히 고집이 세다' (subtly stubborn) or '은근히 낯을 가리다' (subtly shy). At this level, you can use it to talk about trends or the atmosphere of a place. '이 카페는 은근히 분위기가 좋네요' (This cafe has a subtly great atmosphere). You should also be able to distinguish '은근히' from similar adverbs like '남모르게' (without others knowing) or '의외로' (unexpectedly). '은근히' implies a persistent, steady quality that exists underneath. It’s often used in critiques or reviews to describe something that has 'depth' or 'layers.' For example, a movie might not be an action blockbuster, but it can be '은근히 긴장감 넘친다' (subtly full of tension).

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At the C1 level, 은근히 becomes a stylistic choice in both writing and advanced speaking. You can use it to describe subtle societal shifts or the latent meaning in a piece of literature. In a professional context, it can be used to describe 'soft power' or 'subtle influence' (은근한 영향력). You should understand the Hanja roots (隱勤 - hidden diligence) and how that history informs the word's current usage as a descriptor for the Korean virtue of persistence. You can use it to describe the 'Han' (deep sorrow) or 'Jeong' (deep attachment) that is '은근하게' (subtly/steadily) present in Korean culture. C1 speakers use this word to add flavor to their arguments, using it to point out nuances that a less observant person might miss. It’s no longer just about 'spicy food'; it’s about the subtle undercurrents of human interaction and cultural identity.

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For C2 mastery, 은근히 is used with poetic precision. You can explore its usage in classical or modern literature where it describes the 'unending, quiet persistence' of nature or the human spirit. It is the 'quiet strength' (은근한 힘) that defines traditional Korean aesthetics—beauty that doesn't scream for attention but commands respect through its enduring presence. At this level, you can debate the fine lines between '은근히', '은연중에', and '잠재적으로' in philosophical or sociolinguistic contexts. You understand that '은근히' is more than just an adverb; it is a cultural lens through which Koreans view reality—a reality where the most important things are often the ones that are felt 'subtly' rather than seen 'obviously.' You can use it to describe the subtle irony in a political speech or the layered symbolism in a piece of art, demonstrating a total command of Korean nuance.

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은근히 في 30 ثانية

A versatile adverb meaning 'subtly' or 'surprisingly' in Korean.
Used to describe hidden feelings or deceptive qualities of objects.
Commonly used with adjectives like 'spicy', 'hard', or 'pretty'.
Implies a quiet persistence that grows on you over time.

The Korean adverb 은근히 (eungeunhi) is a linguistic masterpiece that captures the essence of subtlety, persistence, and hidden depth. At its core, it describes something that is not immediately obvious, flashy, or loud, but is nevertheless present and often surprisingly influential. Imagine a slow-burning fire that doesn't roar but keeps the room warm for hours; that is the spirit of '은근히'. In English, we might translate it as 'subtly,' 'secretly,' 'quietly,' or even 'surprisingly' depending on the context. It is one of those words that defines the 'Korean way' of expressing emotions—indirectly yet deeply. For example, when you say someone is 은근히 매력적이다, you aren't saying they have a flamboyant beauty that stops traffic. Instead, you are saying they have a quiet charm that grows on you the more you get to know them. This word is indispensable in social situations where directness might be seen as aggressive or unrefined. It allows speakers to acknowledge a reality that exists beneath the surface, whether that is a hidden feeling, a slow-building physical sensation, or a deceptive quality of an object.

Hidden Strength: Used when a quality is stronger or more intense than it appears at first glance. If a soup looks clear but makes your tongue tingle, it is '은근히 맵다'.
Internal Emotion: Refers to feelings that one keeps to themselves but still feels strongly. If you are secretly hoping for a promotion but acting cool, you are '은근히 기대하고 있다'.
Persistent Influence: Describes a steady pressure or presence that doesn't quit. A colleague who doesn't yell but constantly reminds you of a deadline is '은근히 압박을 주다'.

그 사람은 말을 별로 안 하지만 은근히 고집이 세요.

Translation: That person doesn't talk much, but they are subtly (quite) stubborn.

In modern Korean society, '은근히' is frequently used to describe the 'humble-brag' or the 'slow-burn' success. It fits perfectly into the culture of nunchi (the art of sensing others' thoughts and feelings). When you use this word, you are signaling that you are perceptive enough to notice what isn't being shouted. It adds a layer of sophistication to your descriptions, moving beyond basic adjectives like 'very' or 'a lot'. It suggests a nuance of 'more than I thought' or 'deceptively so.' For instance, a task that looks easy but takes three hours is '은근히 시간이 많이 걸리는 일'.

이번 시험이 쉬울 줄 알았는데 은근히 어렵더라고요.

Translation: I thought this exam would be easy, but it was subtly (surprisingly) difficult.

Historically, the term is rooted in the Hanja '은근' (隱勤), which combines 'hide/secret' (隱) and 'diligent/steady' (勤). This etymology perfectly mirrors the modern usage: a quiet, hidden persistence. In literature, it has been used to describe the deep, enduring love that doesn't need grand gestures but remains steadfast through time. In everyday conversation today, it has evolved to cover everything from the spiciness of food to the social dynamics of an office. It is a word that bridges the gap between the internal world of feelings and the external world of observation.

둘이 은근히 잘 어울리지 않니?

Translation: Don't those two look surprisingly good together?

Using 은근히 correctly requires an understanding of its placement and the types of words it typically modifies. As an adverb, it most frequently precedes adjectives and verbs to add a layer of 'subtle intensity' or 'unexpectedness.' It is rarely used at the end of a sentence on its own; it needs a target to modify. Its power lies in how it shifts the tone of a sentence from a simple statement of fact to a nuanced observation. For example, '맵다' (It's spicy) is a flat observation. '은근히 맵다' (It's subtly spicy) implies that the spiciness was perhaps unexpected or that it builds up over time.

With Adjectives (State/Quality): Place '은근히' before adjectives to indicate that a quality is more present than it looks. Examples: 은근히 비싸다 (deceptively expensive), 은근히 무겁다 (surprisingly heavy), 은근히 예쁘다 (subtly pretty).
With Verbs (Action/Emotion): Use it with verbs to describe actions done quietly or feelings held internally. Examples: 은근히 자랑하다 (to subtly brag), 은근히 무시하다 (to subtly look down on), 은근히 걱정되다 (to be secretly worried).
In Comparisons: It is often used when comparing expectations vs. reality. '생각보다 은근히...' (Subtly more than I thought...) is a very common pattern.

이 가방이 작아 보여도 은근히 많이 들어가요.

Translation: This bag looks small, but it surprisingly holds a lot.

When constructing sentences, think about the 'reveal.' '은근히' works best when there is a slight contrast. If something is obviously huge, you wouldn't say it's '은근히' big. You use it when the bigness is a discovery. In emotional contexts, it serves as a polite way to describe someone's behavior without being too confrontational. Instead of saying 'You are bothering me,' one might say '은근히 신경 쓰이게 하네요' (You are subtly getting on my nerves), which is still sharp but carries a different social weight. It is also a favorite in romantic contexts, describing the 'some' (썸) stage where feelings are '은근히' shared through small gestures rather than direct confessions.

그 친구는 자기 자랑을 은근히 자주 해요.

Translation: That friend subtly brags about themselves quite often.

In terms of formality, '은근히' is quite versatile. It is perfectly acceptable in polite (해요체) and formal (하십시오체) speech, as well as in casual talk (반말). However, because it often describes feelings or subjective observations, it is very common in informal settings, vlogs, and casual writing. In academic writing, you might see it used to describe subtle trends or phenomena, though more formal terms like '미세하게' (minutely) or '잠재적으로' (potentially) might be preferred depending on the specific nuance. But for expressing the human experience, '은근히' has no true equal in the Korean lexicon.

날씨가 은근히 쌀쌀하니까 외투 챙기세요.

Translation: The weather is subtly (surprisingly) chilly, so bring a coat.

If you consume Korean media or live in Korea, you will hear 은근히 everywhere. It is a staple of K-Dramas, variety shows, and YouTube mukbangs. In K-Dramas, it is the word of choice for describing 'slow-burn' romance. A character might say about their love interest, '그 사람, 은근히 챙겨주는 스타일이야' (He's the type who subtly takes care of you). This refers to those small, unannounced acts of kindness—like leaving a coffee on a desk without saying anything—that define the romantic tension in many series. It captures the 'tsundere' archetype perfectly: someone who acts cold but is '은근히' warm-hearted.

In Mukbangs & Food Reviews: You'll hear '은근히 매워요' constantly. It describes that specific type of Korean spiciness that doesn't hit you immediately but builds up until your forehead is sweating. It's also used for '은근히 중독성 있다' (subtly addictive).
In Variety Shows: Cast members often tease each other by saying '은근히 웃기다' (surprisingly funny) or '은근히 허당이다' (subtly clumsy). It's a way to point out a character trait that isn't their main 'concept' but is definitely there.
In the Office: Koreans use it to describe workplace politics. '은근히 따돌리다' (to subtly exclude/bully) is a tragic but common phrase used to describe social ostracization that isn't overt enough to report but is felt deeply by the victim.

이 노래, 처음엔 별로였는데들을수록 은근히 좋다.

Translation: I didn't like this song at first, but the more I listen, the more subtly (surprisingly) good it is.

Beyond entertainment, '은근히' is a key part of how Koreans describe their own personality. If someone says '저 은근히 낯가려요' (I'm subtly/secretly shy), they are warning you that even if they look confident, they are feeling a bit awkward inside. This kind of self-disclosure is very common in early meetings. It's also used in fashion and design. A piece of clothing might be '은근히 화려하다' (subtly flashy), meaning it has intricate details that you only notice when you look closely. This aligns with the Korean aesthetic of 'meot' (멋)—a cool, effortless style that doesn't try too hard but is undeniably high-quality.

그 영화 은근히 무섭더라고요. 밤에 잠을 못 잤어요.

Translation: That movie was surprisingly scary. I couldn't sleep at night.

Finally, the word is often heard in the context of competition. In sports or games, a player might be described as '은근히 실력이 좋다' (subtly/secretly skilled), meaning they don't look like a pro but they play incredibly well. This usage highlights the element of surprise that '은근히' often carries. It’s the word for the 'dark horse' or the 'sleeper hit.' When something exceeds your initial low or neutral expectations in a quiet way, '은근히' is the only word that truly fits the bill.

요즘 은근히 바쁘네. 연락 자주 못 해서 미안해.

Translation: I've been surprisingly busy lately. Sorry I haven't been in touch often.

While 은근히 is a versatile word, English speakers often struggle with its specific nuance, sometimes confusing it with simple quantity adverbs or other 'secret' adverbs. The most common mistake is using it as a direct synonym for 'a little' (조금) or 'slightly' (약간). While '은근히' can imply a small amount, it specifically carries the weight of persistence or hiddenness. If you say something is '조금 맵다,' you're just stating the spice level. If you say '은근히 맵다,' you're saying the spice is sneaky or more than it looks. Using '은근히' for something that is blatantly obvious is a common semantic error.

Confusing with '비밀리에' (Secretly): '비밀리에' is for top-secret, clandestine operations (like a spy). '은근히' is for feelings or qualities that aren't shouted but aren't necessarily a 'classified secret.' Don't use '은근히' for 'The government is secretly building a base.'
Overusing with Strong Adverbs: Avoid pairing it with words like '너무' (too much) or '진짜' (really) in a way that contradicts its subtle nature. '진짜 은근히' is okay in slang to mean 'really quite,' but '매우 은근히' sounds awkward because '매우' is loud and '은근히' is quiet.
Misplacing in the Sentence: Learners sometimes put '은근히' at the end of the sentence like an afterthought. In Korean, adverbs almost always come before the word they modify. '맵다 은근히' is incorrect; it must be '은근히 맵다'.

은근히 아주 큰 산이에요. (X)

Note: If a mountain is '아주' (very) big, it's not '은근히' (subtly) big. These concepts clash.

Another mistake is failing to distinguish between '은근히' and '몰래' (secretly/stealthily). '몰래' implies an intentional action to hide something from others' eyes, often to avoid getting caught (e.g., eating snacks '몰래' in class). '은근히' is more about the nature of the feeling or quality itself. You can '은근히' like someone (it's a quiet feeling in your heart), but if you follow them '몰래' (stealthily), that's a very different (and creepy!) action. Understanding this boundary is crucial for natural-sounding Korean.

그는 은근히 무시하는 말투를 써요.

Correct usage: He uses a subtly (condescending) tone. This is correct because the 'ignoring' isn't overt, but it's felt.

Lastly, learners often forget that '은근히' can be positive or negative. It is not inherently a 'bad' word. You can be '은근히' talented or '은근히' kind. Some students assume it only refers to 'sneaky' or 'bad' things, but it is actually one of the best ways to give a high-level compliment. Saying '은근히 실력자시네요' (You're a subtle expert) is often more flattering than a direct 'You are good,' because it implies your skill is deep and doesn't need to be flaunted.

이 옷이 은근히 비싸 보이네요.

Correct usage: This clothing looks subtly expensive (luxurious in a quiet way).

Korean is rich with adverbs that describe the 'how' of an action or state. To master 은근히, you must see how it sits alongside its linguistic cousins. Each of these words has a specific 'flavor' of secrecy or subtlety. Choosing the right one depends on whether you're focusing on the intention of the person, the gradual nature of the change, or the hidden depth of the feeling. '은근히' is the most general and widely used, but sometimes a more specific word is needed to hit the right note.

은근히 vs. 몰래 (Mollae): '몰래' is 'secretly' with the intent to hide an action from others (active secrecy). '은근히' is 'subtly' or 'quietly' regarding a state or feeling (passive or atmospheric secrecy).
은근히 vs. 슬쩍 (Seuljjeok): '슬쩍' implies a quick, stealthy movement or a brief, casual action (like glancing '슬쩍' at someone). '은근히' is more persistent and long-lasting.
은근히 vs. 내심 (Naesim): '내심' literally means 'inner heart.' It is used strictly for internal thoughts/feelings that no one else can see. '은근히' can be used for things that are externally observable (like spiciness).
은근히 vs. 은연중에 (Eunyeonjunge): '은연중에' is more formal and means 'unconsciously' or 'without realizing it.' '은근히' can be very conscious and intentional.

그는 은근히 (or 내심) 기뻐했다.

In this case, both work. '은근히' suggests the joy was quiet, while '내심' emphasizes it was inside his heart.

When you want to emphasize the 'surprising' aspect of '은근히', you might consider 의외로 (ui-oe-ro), which means 'unexpectedly' or 'contrary to expectations.' However, '의외로' is a one-time shock, whereas '은근히' suggests the quality is steadily there. For example, '의외로 맵다' means 'Wow, I didn't expect this to be spicy!' whereas '은근히 맵다' means 'This has a sneaky heat that keeps going.' Another interesting alternative is 지그시 (jigeusi), used specifically for things like 'pressing down quietly' or 'staring steadily,' which shares the 'quiet persistence' of '은근히' but in a more physical sense.

그녀는 은연중에 자신의 속마음을 드러냈다.

Translation: She revealed her true feelings unconsciously/subtly. This is more formal than using '은근히'.

In summary, if you are describing a feeling that is quiet but strong, a quality that is more than it looks, or a behavior that is persistent but not loud, '은근히' is your best bet. If the secrecy is about 'not getting caught,' use '몰래.' If it's about a 'quick, sneaky move,' use '슬쩍.' If it's 'purely internal,' use '내심.' Mastering these distinctions will make your Korean sound incredibly natural and nuanced, allowing you to navigate the complex social and emotional landscapes of Korean culture with ease.

이 문제는 은근히 까다롭네요.

Translation: This problem is subtly (quite) tricky. '의외로' could also work here, but '은근히' emphasizes the persistent trickiness.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The phrase '은근과 끈기' (subtlety and persistence) was famously used to describe the national character of Korea, emphasizing a strength that doesn't need to be loud to be powerful.

دليل النطق

UK /ɯn.ɡɯn.hi/

US /un.ɡun.hi/

Stress is generally even in Korean, but a slight emphasis can be placed on the second syllable 'geun' for clarity.

يتقافى مع

근히 (geunhi) 흔히 (heunhi) 단히 (danhi) 간히 (ganhi) 진히 (jinhi) 천히 (cheonhi) 심히 (simhi) 히 (hi)

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing 'geun' like 'gun' (as in weapon). It should be a flatter 'eu' sound.
Over-aspirating the 'h' in 'hi'.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 3/5

The word is common in literature and subtitles, but its nuance requires cultural understanding.

الكتابة 4/5

Using it naturally requires knowing which adjectives it pairs well with.

التحدث 4/5

It's a great word to make your speech sound more like a native speaker.

الاستماع 3/5

Common in dramas and variety shows; usually easy to hear but nuanced in meaning.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

조금 (a little) 진짜 (really) 생각보다 (than I thought) 맵다 (spicy) 어렵다 (difficult)

تعلّم لاحقاً

은연중에 (unconsciously) 내심 (internally) 드러내다 (to reveal) 묘하다 (to be subtle/strange) 심오하다 (to be profound)

متقدم

은유 (metaphor) 함축 (implication) 잠재 (latency) 미묘 (subtlety) 여운 (lingering feeling)

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Adverb Placement

은근히 (Adverb) + 맵다 (Adjective). The adverb always precedes the word it modifies.

-네요 (Realization)

은근히 맵네요! (It's surprisingly spicy!) Used when discovering a subtle quality.

-는 편이다 (Tendency)

그는 은근히 고집이 센 편이에요. (He tends to be subtly stubborn.)

-더라고요 (Discovery)

가 보니까 은근히 멀더라고요. (I went there and found it was surprisingly far.)

-는 것 같다 (Opinion)

은근히 인기가 많은 것 같아요. (I think it's subtly popular.)

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أمثلة حسب المستوى

이 차는 은근히 뜨거워요.

This tea is subtly (surprisingly) hot.

'은근히' comes before the adjective '뜨거워요'.

그 가방은 은근히 커요.

That bag is surprisingly big.

Use '은근히' to express surprise at the size.

오늘 날씨가 은근히 춥네요.

The weather is subtly chilly today.

'-네요' adds a tone of realization to the '은근히' observation.

이 사과는 은근히 달아요.

This apple is surprisingly sweet.

'은근히' modifies the adjective '달다' (to be sweet).

그 책은 은근히 무거워요.

That book is surprisingly heavy.

'무거워요' is the polite form of '무겁다'.

이 방은 은근히 넓네요.

This room is surprisingly spacious.

'은근히' is used to describe a quality that exceeds expectations.

그 노래는 은근히 길어요.

That song is surprisingly long.

'길어요' is from '길다' (to be long).

이 우유는 은근히 맛있어요.

This milk is surprisingly tasty.

'맛있어요' is used with '은근히' to show unexpected quality.

이 문제는 은근히 어려워요.

This problem is surprisingly difficult.

'어려워요' is the polite form of '어렵다'.

그 친구는 은근히 인기가 많아요.

That friend is surprisingly popular.

'인기가 많다' means 'to be popular'.

요즘 은근히 바쁘게 지내고 있어요.

I've been surprisingly busy lately.

'바쁘게 지내다' means 'to spend time busily'.

이 영화는 은근히 재미있더라고요.

This movie was surprisingly fun.

'-더라고요' is used to share a past discovery.

그는 은근히 요리를 잘해요.

He is surprisingly good at cooking.

'잘해요' means 'to do well/be good at'.

이 옷은 은근히 따뜻해요.

This clothing is surprisingly warm.

'따뜻해요' is from '따뜻하다'.

그곳은 은근히 멀리 있어요.

That place is surprisingly far away.

'멀리' is the adverbial form of '멀다'.

이 주스는 은근히 시큼해요.

This juice is surprisingly sour.

'시큼해요' means 'to be sour/tart'.

그는 은근히 자기 자랑을 많이 해요.

He subtly brags about himself a lot.

'은근히' describes the subtle manner of bragging.

이번 프로젝트는 은근히 신경 쓰이네요.

I'm subtly worried about this project.

'신경 쓰이다' means 'to be bothered/worried'.

두 사람은 은근히 잘 어울리는 것 같아요.

I think the two of them look surprisingly good together.

'어울리다' means 'to match/suit'.

그 선생님은 은근히 무서운 분이세요.

That teacher is a subtly scary person.

'분' is the honorific for 'person'.

이 작업은 은근히 시간이 많이 걸려요.

This task takes a surprisingly long time.

'시간이 걸리다' means 'to take time'.

그녀는 은근히 고집이 센 편이에요.

She is on the subtly stubborn side.

'-는 편이다' means 'to be on the side of/tend to'.

이 식당은 은근히 단골 손님이 많아요.

This restaurant has a surprisingly large number of regulars.

'단골 손님' means 'regular customer'.

그 노래 가사가 은근히 슬프더라고요.

The lyrics of that song were subtly sad.

'슬프다' means 'to be sad'.

상사에게 은근히 압박을 받고 있어요.

I'm feeling subtle pressure from my boss.

'압박을 받다' means 'to receive pressure'.

그는 은근히 남을 무시하는 경향이 있어요.

He has a tendency to subtly look down on others.

'무시하다' means 'to ignore/look down on'.

이 제품은 은근히 경쟁력이 있는 것 같아요.

I think this product is surprisingly competitive.

'경쟁력' means 'competitiveness'.

그녀는 은근히 낯을 가려서 친해지기 힘들어요.

She is subtly shy, so it's hard to get close to her.

'낯을 가리다' means 'to be shy around strangers'.

이 동네는 은근히 집값이 비싸요.

The house prices in this neighborhood are surprisingly high.

'집값' means 'house price'.

그의 말에는 은근히 뼈가 들어 있어요.

There is a subtle sting (bone) in his words.

'뼈가 있다' is an idiom for having a hidden, sharp meaning.

이 드라마는 은근히 교훈적인 내용을 담고 있어요.

This drama contains surprisingly educational/moral content.

'교훈적' means 'educational/instructive'.

그는 은근히 완벽주의자적인 면이 있어요.

He has a subtly perfectionist side.

'완벽주의자' means 'perfectionist'.

전통과 현대가 은근히 조화를 이루고 있네요.

Tradition and modernity are subtly achieving harmony.

'조화를 이루다' means 'to achieve harmony'.

그의 행동에는 은근히 권위주의적인 태도가 배어 있어요.

An authoritarian attitude is subtly permeated in his actions.

'배어 있다' means 'to be permeated/soaked in'.

이 문장은 은근히 중의적인 의미를 내포하고 있습니다.

This sentence subtly contains ambiguous/multiple meanings.

'내포하다' means 'to involve/contain'.

그 정책은 은근히 특정 계층에게 유리하게 설계되었습니다.

That policy was subtly designed to favor a specific class.

'유리하다' means 'to be advantageous'.

작가는 은근히 사회의 부조리를 꼬집고 있습니다.

The author is subtly pinching (criticizing) the absurdities of society.

'꼬집다' literally means 'to pinch' but here means 'to criticize'.

두 나라 사이에는 은근히 긴장감이 흐르고 있습니다.

A subtle tension is flowing between the two countries.

'긴장감이 흐르다' means 'tension flows/exists'.

그의 미소 뒤에는 은근히 슬픔이 서려 있어요.

Behind his smile, a subtle sadness is gathered/clinging.

'서려 있다' means 'to be gathered/clinging (like mist)'.

이 예술 작품은 은근히 인간의 본성을 탐구합니다.

This artwork subtly explores human nature.

'탐구하다' means 'to explore/research'.

그의 문체는 은근하면서도 강인한 힘을 지니고 있다.

His writing style possesses a subtle yet sturdy strength.

'은근하다' is the adjective form here.

한국의 미는 은근한 곡선에서 비롯된다고들 한다.

They say Korean beauty originates from subtle curves.

'비롯되다' means 'to originate from'.

그는 은근히 세상을 관조하는 듯한 태도를 보였다.

He showed an attitude of subtly contemplating the world.

'관조하다' means 'to contemplate/gaze calmly'.

이 시에는 은근히 임을 향한 일편단심이 녹아 있다.

In this poem, a subtle, unwavering devotion to the beloved is melted.

'일편단심' means 'unwavering heart/devotion'.

사회의 변화는 가끔 은근히 그리고 서서히 찾아온다.

Social change sometimes comes subtly and slowly.

'은근히' and '서서히' (gradually) complement each other.

그녀의 연기는 은근히 관객의 심금을 울리는 매력이 있다.

Her acting has a charm that subtly strikes the heartstrings of the audience.

'심금을 울리다' is an idiom for 'to touch one's heart'.

진리는 은근히 우리 곁에 머물며 발견을 기다리고 있다.

Truth stays subtly by our side, waiting to be discovered.

'머물다' means 'to stay/linger'.

그 사상은 은근히 민중의 삶 속에 뿌리 깊게 내려 있다.

That ideology is subtly and deeply rooted in the lives of the people.

'뿌리 깊게 내리다' means 'to be deeply rooted'.

تلازمات شائعة

은근히 맵다

은근히 신경 쓰이다

은근히 자랑하다

은근히 매력 있다

은근히 힘들다

은근히 기대하다

은근히 비싸다

은근히 무시하다

은근히 압박하다

은근히 인기가 많다

العبارات الشائعة

은근히 슬쩍

— To do something sneakily or quietly to avoid notice.

그는 은근슬쩍 대화 주제를 바꿨다.

은근히 끌리다

— To be subtly attracted to someone or something.

이상하게 그 사람한테 은근히 끌려요.

은근히 챙겨주다

— To take care of someone in a quiet, unannounced way.

무뚝뚝해 보여도 은근히 잘 챙겨줘요.

은근히 낯가리다

— To be secretly or subtly shy around new people.

제가 은근히 낯을 가리는 편이에요.

은근히 실력자

— A person who is subtly or surprisingly talented.

알고 보니 그분이 은근히 실력자더라고요.

은근히 고집 세다

— To be more stubborn than one appears.

착해 보여도 은근히 고집이 세요.

은근히 화려하다

— To be subtly flashy or intricately detailed.

이 무늬가 은근히 화려하네요.

은근히 중독성 있다

— To be subtly or surprisingly addictive.

이 과자 은근히 중독성 있네.

은근히 어렵다

— To be harder than it looks at first.

이 퍼즐 은근히 어려운데요?

은근히 무섭다

— To be subtly or surprisingly scary.

그 조용한 분위기가 은근히 무서웠어요.

يُخلط عادةً مع

은근히 vs 조금 (a little)

'조금' just means a small amount. '은근히' means it's subtle or surprisingly persistent.

은근히 vs 몰래 (secretly)

'몰래' is for active hiding of an action. '은근히' is for a subtle state or feeling.

은근히 vs 의외로 (unexpectedly)

'의외로' is a direct contradiction of expectations. '은근히' is a more gradual or hidden discovery.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"은근과 끈기"

— Subtlety and persistence; often cited as a traditional Korean virtue.

한국인의 정서는 은근과 끈기로 대표된다.

formal

"은근슬쩍 넘어가다"

— To sneakily move past a mistake or issue without addressing it.

실수를 은근슬쩍 넘어가려고 하지 마세요.

neutral

"말 속에 뼈가 있다"

— To have a subtle sting or hidden meaning in one's words (often used with 은근히).

그의 말에는 은근히 뼈가 들어 있었다.

neutral

"구렁이 담 넘어가듯"

— To do something very sneakily and smoothly (related to 은근히).

그는 은근슬쩍 구렁이 담 넘어가듯 빠져나갔다.

informal

"내색을 안 하다"

— To not show one's feelings (often described as acting 은근하게).

은근히 화가 났지만 전혀 내색을 안 했다.

neutral

"속이 깊다"

— To be thoughtful and deep-seated (often appearing 은근하게).

그는 은근히 속이 깊은 사람이다.

neutral

"입을 씻다"

— To act as if one knows nothing about a secret/benefit (done 은근히).

그는 은근슬쩍 입을 씻고 모른 척했다.

informal

"발을 빼다"

— To subtly withdraw from a situation.

그는 은근히 그 일에서 발을 뺐다.

neutral

"눈치를 주다"

— To give someone a subtle hint or look (often 은근히).

엄마가 나에게 은근히 눈치를 주셨다.

neutral

"가랑비에 옷 젖는 줄 모른다"

— Clothes get soaked in a drizzle without realizing it (the essence of 은근히).

은근히 쓰는 돈이 무섭다더니, 가랑비에 옷 젖는 줄 모르겠네.

neutral

سهل الخلط

은근히 vs 슬쩍

Both involve doing something without much notice.

'슬쩍' is about a quick, physical action. '은근히' is about a persistent state or emotion.

슬쩍 봤어요 (I glanced quickly) vs 은근히 봤어요 (I looked subtly/persistently).

은근히 vs 내심

Both involve hidden feelings.

'내심' is 100% internal. '은근히' can have external manifestations that people notice.

내심 기뻤다 (I was happy inside) vs 은근히 기뻐했다 (He showed quiet signs of joy).

은근히 vs 은밀히

Both mean 'secretly.'

'은밀히' is more formal and implies a private, often forbidden secret. '은근히' is for common feelings or qualities.

은밀히 만났다 (Met in secret/clandestinely) vs 은근히 만났다 (Awkward usage; '은근히' doesn't fit 'meeting').

은근히 vs 지그시

Both imply a quiet, steady action.

'지그시' is mostly for physical actions like closing eyes or pressing. '은근히' is for any quality or emotion.

지그시 밟다 (To step on steadily) vs 은근히 밟다 (Doesn't make sense).

은근히 vs 은연중에

Both mean 'subtly.'

'은연중에' is formal and often implies something happened without the person even realizing it. '은근히' is more general.

은연중에 나타났다 (Appeared unconsciously) vs 은근히 나타났다 (Appeared subtly).

أنماط الجُمل

이/그/저 [Noun]은/는 은근히 [Adjective]어요/아요.

이 국은 은근히 매워요.

생각보다 은근히 [Adjective]네요.

생각보다 은근히 비싸네요.

[Person]은/는 은근히 [Verb]ㄴ/는 편이에요.

그는 은근히 자기 자랑을 하는 편이에요.

[Noun]이/가 은근히 신경 쓰여요.

시험 결과가 은근히 신경 쓰여요.

[Person]에게 은근히 [Noun]을/를 받다.

상사에게 은근히 압박을 받고 있어요.

[Noun]에는 은근히 [Abstract Noun]이/가 배어 있다.

그의 말에는 은근히 슬픔이 배어 있다.

은근히 [Verb]는 매력이 있다.

그녀는 은근히 사람을 끄는 매력이 있다.

[Noun]은/는 은근하면서도 [Adjective]ㄴ 힘이 있다.

한국의 미는 은근하면서도 강인한 힘이 있다.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

은근 (subtlety/quiet persistence)

الأفعال

은근하다 (to be subtle/quietly persistent)

الصفات

은근한 (subtle/persistent)

مرتبط

은근슬쩍 (sneakily)

은근함 (subtleness)

근기 (perseverance)

은밀 (secrecy)

은연중 (unconsciously)

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Very high in daily speech, social media, and entertainment.

أخطاء شائعة

은근히 매우 커요. → 은근히 커요. or 아주 커요.
'은근히' (subtly) and '매우' (very/loudly) usually contradict each other. Use one or the other unless you are using '진짜 은근히' in slang.
그는 은근히 학교에 갔어요. → 그는 몰래 학교에 갔어요.
If he went to school without anyone knowing, use '몰래' (secretly). '은근히' is for feelings or qualities, not stealthy actions.
이 차는 은근히 빨라요. (meaning physical speed) → 이 차는 생각보다 빨라요.
While '은근히' can mean 'surprisingly,' it's rarely used for the physical speed of an object like a car. Use '생각보다' instead.
맵다 은근히. → 은근히 맵다.
Adverbs must come before the word they modify in Korean.
그는 은근히 비밀을 말했어요. → 그는 은밀히 비밀을 말했어요.
For sharing classified or private secrets, '은밀히' is more appropriate than '은근히'.

نصائح

Pair with -네요

Using '은근히' with the '-네요' ending (은근히 맵네요!) is the most natural way to express a discovery of a subtle quality. It sounds very native.

The Tsundere Word

In Korea, '은근히' is the perfect word to describe a 'Tsundere'—someone who acts cold but is '은근히' warm and caring.

Adverb Position

Always place '은근히' right before the adjective or verb it modifies. Putting it elsewhere makes the sentence sound broken.

Expand to '은근하다'

Once you're comfortable with the adverb '은근히', try using the adjective '은근하다' to describe a person's character or the atmosphere of a place.

Complimenting

Use '은근히' to give more meaningful compliments. Saying '은근히 노래 잘하시네요' (You're a surprisingly good singer) sounds like you've really paid attention.

Show, Don't Tell

In creative writing, '은근히' helps you show a character's internal state without being too direct, which is a hallmark of good literature.

Variety Show Clues

When you hear '은근히' on a variety show, look for the 'hidden joke' or the personality trait being teased.

Nunchi Tool

Use '은근히' to express your 'nunchi' (perceptiveness). It shows you can see things that aren't obvious.

The Spicy Warning

If a Korean friend tells you a dish is '은근히 매워요', take it seriously! It means the spice is the kind that builds up and hits you later.

Mnemonic Check

Remember 'Under-the-surface persistence' whenever you see '은근히'.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'Un-Gun-Hi'. The 'Un' is like 'Under' (hidden), the 'Gun' is like a slow-burning fuse (persistent), and 'Hi' is the friendly adverb ending. Under-the-surface persistence!

ربط بصري

Imagine a bowl of clear soup that looks like water but is actually full of spicy peppers. That is '은근히' 맵다.

Word Web

은근히 맵다 은근히 비싸다 은근히 자랑하다 은근히 걱정되다 은근히 웃기다 은근히 고집세다 은근히 매력있다 은근히 무시하다

تحدٍّ

Try to describe three things in your room today that are '은근히' something (e.g., 은근히 무겁다, 은근히 예쁘다).

أصل الكلمة

Derived from the Hanja '은근' (隱勤). '隱' (은) means to hide, conceal, or be secret. '勤' (근) means to be diligent, steady, or persistent.

المعنى الأصلي: Originally referred to a state of being quietly diligent or steadily persistent without showing off.

Sino-Korean

السياق الثقافي

'은근히' is neutral, but when used with negative verbs like '무시하다' (ignore), it can describe a very hurtful form of subtle bullying.

In English, we often use 'low-key' or 'surprisingly' to capture this vibe. 'Low-key' is very close to the modern informal usage of '은근히'.

The phrase '은근과 끈기' is often taught in Korean history and ethics classes. Many K-Pop lyrics use '은근히' to describe a growing crush.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Food Reviews

은근히 맵다
은근히 달다
은근히 중독성 있다
은근히 양이 많다

Describing People

은근히 낯가리다
은근히 고집 세다
은근히 매력 있다
은근히 실력자다

Work/Tasks

은근히 힘들다
은근히 신경 쓰이다
은근히 압박을 주다
은근히 복잡하다

Relationships

은근히 챙겨주다
은근히 기대하다
은근히 질투하다
은근히 좋아하다

Shopping/Products

은근히 비싸다
은근히 무겁다
은근히 튼튼하다
은근히 유용하다

بدايات محادثة

"이 음식, 먹어보니까 은근히 맵지 않아요?"

"그 영화 은근히 무섭더라고요. 보셨어요?"

"요즘 은근히 날씨가 쌀쌀해진 것 같아요."

"그 사람, 처음엔 몰랐는데 은근히 매력 있지 않아요?"

"이 가방, 작아 보이는데 은근히 많이 들어가죠?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

오늘 하루 중 은근히 힘들었던 일은 무엇인가요?

최근에 은근히 신경 쓰이는 일이 있나요?

내가 은근히 잘하는 것(숨은 재능)은 무엇인가요?

은근히 매력 있다고 생각하는 친구에 대해 써보세요.

생각보다 은근히 비싸서 놀랐던 물건이 있나요?

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Yes, in a casual context, '은근히' is often used to mean 'quite' or 'surprisingly very' (e.g., 은근히 비싸다 = It's quite/surprisingly expensive). However, it always retains that nuance of 'more than it looks' or 'subtle.'

Yes, it is a neutral adverb. It can be used in polite situations, though in very formal writing, you might choose more specific academic terms.

'은근히' is a general adverb. '은근슬쩍' is a more specific, slightly informal word that means doing something sneakily or trying to get away with something quietly.

Absolutely! It's very common to describe someone's personality (은근히 착하다, 은근히 웃기다). It's a great way to describe someone's depth.

Not necessarily 'secretly' as in a hidden secret, but more like 'subtly' or 'not obviously.' If a room is '은근히' cold, it's not a secret; it's just a subtle feeling.

It's a flat sound made with your mouth slightly open but your lips not rounded. Think of the sound in 'good' but flatter.

Yes! You will find it in many songs describing a growing attraction or a subtle change in a relationship.

Yes, you can say '은근히 기분 나쁘다' (It's subtly/surprisingly offensive) or '은근히 무시하다' (To subtly look down on).

It depends. You could use it to describe a skill (은근히 이 분야에 관심이 많습니다), but being too 'subtle' about your strengths might not always be best in an interview!

The most direct opposite is '대놓고' (openly/blatantly) or '노골적으로' (explicitly).

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