한숨 돌리다
한숨 돌리다 في 30 ثانية
- An idiom meaning 'to take a breather' or 'to feel relieved' after stress.
- Literally translates to 'turning a sigh,' implying a shift from heavy to light breath.
- Highly common in work and study contexts to describe finishing a difficult task.
- Used to show empathy or describe a moment of peace in a hectic schedule.
The Korean idiomatic expression 한숨 돌리다 (hansum dollida) is a vital phrase for anyone navigating the fast-paced life of Korea. At its core, it translates literally to 'turning a sigh' or 'shifting a breath.' However, its functional meaning is far more nuanced, representing that specific moment of transition from intense pressure, stress, or physical exertion to a state of temporary relief or relaxation. In English, we might say 'to take a breather,' 'to catch one's breath,' or 'to finally be able to relax.' It is used when a difficult situation has reached a pause point or a successful conclusion, allowing the individual to let go of the tension they were holding.
- Literal Meaning
- The word '한숨' (hansum) means a sigh or a deep breath. The verb '돌리다' (dollida) means to turn, shift, or redirect. Together, they imply redirecting the heavy, stagnant breath of stress into a fresh, relieved breath of air.
큰 프로젝트가 끝나서 이제야 한숨 돌릴 수 있게 되었어요.
Understanding the cultural weight of a 'sigh' in Korea is essential. While in some cultures a sigh is purely negative, in Korea, it can be a release valve. When you 'turn' that sigh, you are actively choosing to step away from the chaos. This phrase is ubiquitous in professional settings, academic environments, and even in domestic life. For example, a parent might use it after their children have finally fallen asleep, or a student might use it after the final bell of a grueling exam week. It signifies not just physical rest, but mental and emotional decompression.
- Emotional Nuance
- It conveys a sense of survival and completion. It’s the feeling of putting down a heavy backpack after a long hike. It’s not just 'resting'; it's 'recovering' from a specific burden.
급한 불을 끄고 나니 이제 좀 한숨 돌리겠네요.
In a societal context, '한숨 돌리다' reflects the high-pressure nature of Korean life. Whether it's the 'Pali-Pali' (hurry-hurry) culture or the competitive education system, the opportunities to 'turn a sigh' are valued and recognized as necessary for mental health. When someone says this to you, they are inviting you to share in their sense of accomplishment and relief. It is a very humanizing phrase that breaks the facade of constant productivity.
- Usage Frequency
- This is a high-frequency idiomatic expression. You will find it in daily conversation, news headlines regarding economic relief, and dialogue in K-dramas consistently.
Using 한숨 돌리다 correctly involves understanding its placement within a narrative of effort and reward. It is rarely used as a standalone command like 'Rest!' but rather as a description of a state or a planned action following a stressful event. It functions as a complete verb phrase, where '한숨' is the object and '돌리다' is the action. While the object marker '을' (eul) can be added (한숨을 돌리다), it is frequently omitted in natural, spoken Korean to make the flow smoother.
시험이 다 끝나면 같이 한숨 돌리러 가자.
One common structure is [Reason/Event] + [Ending/Result] + [한숨 돌리다]. For instance, '마감일을 지켜서(Because I met the deadline) 이제야 한숨 돌려요(I am finally taking a breather).' This structure highlights the causal link between the hard work and the subsequent relief. You can also use it to describe a temporary pause in a larger, ongoing struggle. In this case, it implies that while the battle isn't over, there is a momentary lull that allows for recovery.
- Workplace Context
- '부장님, 이번 업무가 마무리되었으니 이제 좀 한숨 돌려도 될까요?' (Director, since this task is finished, may I take a breather now?) - This shows a polite way to request a break after a period of high productivity.
집들이 준비를 다 마치고 나니 그제야 한숨 돌릴 기분이 나네요.
Another important usage is in the negative or as a question of possibility. '한숨 돌릴 틈도 없었어요' (I didn't even have a gap to take a breather) is a very common way to emphasize how busy or chaotic a situation was. This phrase uses '틈' (teum), meaning a gap or a crack, to illustrate that the schedule was so packed that not even a single sigh could be 'turned.' This is a powerful rhetorical device to gain sympathy or explain exhaustion.
- Social Context
- When meeting a friend who looks tired, you might ask: '이제 좀 한숨 돌렸어?' (Did you get to take a breather now?) This shows concern for their well-being after you know they've been busy.
위기를 넘기고 나니 비로소 한숨 돌리게 되었습니다.
If you are a fan of Korean dramas, particularly those set in offices (often called 'office dramas' like *Misaeng* or *Start-Up*), you will hear 한숨 돌리다 in almost every episode. It is the quintessential phrase for salarymen and women who are constantly chasing deadlines. When a character slumps into their chair after a difficult meeting or after submitting a report, they often mutter this to themselves or their colleagues. It signals a shift in the scene's energy from high-tension to a moment of bonding or reflection.
“이번 프로젝트 진짜 힘들었지? 이제 좀 한숨 돌리자.”
In news broadcasts, especially economic or political news, reporters use this phrase to describe a positive turn in a dire situation. For example, if the stock market stabilizes after a crash, or if a diplomatic tension is eased, the news anchor might say, '시장이 한숨 돌렸습니다' (The market has taken a breather). Here, it is used metaphorically for a whole system or a nation, showing that the phrase scales from individual physical relief to macro-level stability. It implies that the immediate danger has passed, though long-term solutions may still be needed.
- In Sports Commentary
- You'll hear it when a team that was being heavily pressured finally gains possession of the ball or scores a goal to widen the lead. '수비진이 이제야 한숨 돌리겠는데요.' (The defense will finally be able to take a breather now.)
In variety shows like *Running Man* or *I Live Alone*, celebrities use this phrase to describe their hectic schedules. It’s a way to express vulnerability and the need for self-care. When a celebrity finishes a world tour or a long filming schedule, they talk about '한숨 돌릴 시간' (time to take a breather). This usage reinforces the idea that life in Korea is a series of sprints, and the 'turning of the sigh' is the necessary recovery period between those sprints.
“아이들이 다 학교에 가고 나서야 비로소 한숨 돌려요.”
The most frequent mistake learners make with 한숨 돌리다 is confusing it with 한숨을 쉬다 (hansumeul swida). While both involve the word '한숨' (sigh), their meanings are nearly opposite in emotional valence. '한숨을 쉬다' means to let out a sigh of disappointment, sadness, or frustration. If you say 'I finally had a moment to sigh' (한숨 쉴 틈이 생겼어요) instead of 'I finally had a moment to take a breather' (한숨 돌릴 틈이 생겼어요), you are telling your listener that you finally had time to be sad, which sounds very strange in context.
- Confusion with 'Resting'
- Another mistake is using it for general 'resting' (쉬다). You wouldn't use '한숨 돌리다' to describe sleeping on a Sunday because you're lazy. It must be preceded by some form of tension or activity. It is the act of *transitioning* into rest, not the state of rest itself.
Incorrect: 잠을 자면서 한숨 돌렸어요. (I took a breather while sleeping.)
Correct: 자고 일어나니 이제 좀 한숨 돌릴 것 같아요. (After sleeping and waking up, I feel like I can finally take a breather.)
Grammatically, learners sometimes struggle with the verb '돌리다.' Since '돌리다' is causative (to make something turn), some try to use '돌다' (to turn by itself). However, '한숨 돌다' is not a valid expression. You must be the agent 'turning' the breath. Also, be careful with the particle '을.' While optional, if you use it, ensure it's attached to '한숨' and not '돌리다.' Incorrectly saying '한숨에 돌리다' would change the meaning entirely, possibly implying doing something 'in one breath' or 'at once,' which is a different idiom (단숨에).
- Level of Formality
- Using this in a very formal report might be seen as too idiomatic. In academic papers, use '안정되다' (to become stable) or '완화되다' (to be eased). '한숨 돌리다' is perfect for essays, speeches, and conversations, but slightly too colorful for technical documentation.
When you want to express relief or taking a break, several other Korean words might fit depending on the context. Understanding the nuances between 한숨 돌리다 and its synonyms will elevate your Korean fluency. The closest synonym is 숨을 고르다 (sumeul goreuda), which literally means 'to even out one's breath.' While '한숨 돌리다' focuses on the relief of finishing something, '숨을 고르다' is often used during a task to regain composure before continuing.
- 숨을 고르다 vs. 한숨 돌리다
- Use '숨을 고르다' when you are running a marathon and slow down to catch your breath. Use '한숨 돌리다' when the marathon is finished and you can finally sit down.
잠시 숨을 고르고 다시 시작합시다.
Another alternative is 안도하다 (andohada). This is a Sino-Korean word (Hanja: 安堵) that translates directly to 'to feel relieved.' It is more formal and less physical than '한숨 돌리다.' You would use '안도하다' when a psychological worry is removed. For example, 'The test results were good, so I felt relieved.' While you could use '한숨 돌리다' there, '안도하다' sounds more precise for the internal feeling of safety.
- Comparison Table
- 쉬다 (swida): General word for 'to rest.' Neutral.
- 휴식을 취하다 (hyusigeul chwihada): 'To take a break.' More formal, often used in professional contexts.
- 마음을 놓다 (maeumeul nota): 'To let go of one's heart/mind.' Means to stop worrying.
Finally, for a very casual or slangy version, young people might say 살 것 같다 (sal geot gatda), which means 'I feel like I'm going to live' or 'I feel alive again.' This is used in extreme situations, like drinking a cold water on a scorching day or finally finishing a 24-hour shift. It captures the same essence of relief as '한숨 돌리다' but with more dramatic flair.
이제야 마음을 좀 놓을 수 있겠어요.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
공부가 끝났어요. 이제 한숨 돌려요.
Studying is finished. Now I take a breather.
Present tense: 한숨 돌려요.
청소를 다 했어요. 한숨 돌리고 싶어요.
I finished cleaning. I want to take a breather.
Wanting to: -고 싶어요.
드디어 도착했어요! 한숨 돌리자.
We finally arrived! Let's take a breather.
Let's: -자 (informal).
일이 많아요. 한숨 돌릴 시간이 없어요.
There is a lot of work. There is no time to take a breather.
Time to: -(으)ㄹ 시간.
커피 마시면서 한숨 돌려요.
I take a breather while drinking coffee.
While: -(으)면서.
숙제가 너무 힘들었어요. 이제 한숨 돌렸어요.
Homework was very hard. Now I took a breather.
Past tense: 한숨 돌렸어요.
엄마가 한숨 돌리고 있어요.
Mom is taking a breather.
Progressive: -고 있어요.
우리 같이 한숨 돌릴까요?
Shall we take a breather together?
Shall we: -(으)ㄹ까요?
시험이 끝나서 이제야 한숨 돌릴 수 있어요.
The exam is over, so I can finally take a breather.
Can do: -(으)ㄹ 수 있다.
바쁜 아침이 지나고 한숨 돌리는 중이에요.
The busy morning has passed, and I am in the middle of taking a breather.
In the middle of: -는 중이다.
주말에는 집에서 한숨 돌리고 싶네요.
I want to take a breather at home on the weekend.
Exclamatory/Soft ending: -네요.
운동을 세 시간이나 해서 한숨 돌려야 해요.
I exercised for three hours, so I have to take a breather.
Must/Have to: -아/어야 하다.
회의가 끝나면 잠깐 한숨 돌리러 가요.
When the meeting ends, let's go take a breather for a moment.
In order to: -(으)러 가다.
어제는 너무 바빠서 한숨 돌릴 틈도 없었어요.
Yesterday was so busy I didn't even have a moment to take a breather.
Gap/Moment: 틈.
요즘 일이 잘 풀려서 이제 좀 한숨 돌리겠어요.
Things are going well lately, so I'll be able to take a breather now.
Future/Supposition: -겠어요.
손님이 다 가신 후에야 겨우 한숨 돌렸네요.
Only after all the guests left did I barely take a breather.
Only after: -ㄴ 후에야.
급한 프로젝트를 마감하고 나니 이제 좀 한숨 돌릴 만해요.
After finishing the urgent project, it's worth taking a breather now.
Worth doing: -(으)ㄹ 만하다.
아이들을 다 재우고 나서야 비로소 한숨 돌릴 시간이 생겼다.
Only after putting all the kids to sleep did I finally have time to take a breather.
Finally/At last: 비로소.
폭풍우가 지나가고 마을 사람들은 한숨 돌릴 수 있었다.
The storm passed, and the villagers were able to take a breather.
Past ability: -(으)ㄹ 수 있었다.
연휴 동안 집에서 푹 쉬면서 한숨 돌리려고 합니다.
I intend to take a breather while resting well at home during the long holiday.
Intend to: -(으)려고 하다.
고객들의 불만이 해결되어 상담원들이 한숨 돌리게 되었다.
Customer complaints were resolved, so the consultants came to take a breather.
Resulting state: -게 되다.
그는 한숨 돌릴 새도 없이 다음 업무를 시작해야 했다.
He had to start the next task without even a moment to take a breather.
Short moment: 새.
어려운 고비를 넘겼으니 이제 한숨 돌려도 괜찮을 거야.
Since we've passed the difficult crisis, it will be okay to take a breather now.
Permission: -어도 괜찮다.
시험 결과가 좋게 나와서 부모님도 이제 한숨 돌리셨어요.
The exam results came out well, so my parents have also taken a breather now.
Honorific: -시-.
정부의 지원금 덕분에 중소기업들이 한숨 돌릴 수 있게 되었습니다.
Thanks to the government's subsidy, small and medium enterprises were able to take a breather.
Thanks to: -덕분에.
경기가 조금씩 회복되면서 시장도 이제야 한숨 돌리는 분위기입니다.
As the economy recovers bit by bit, the market finally seems to be in a breather-taking atmosphere.
Atmosphere/Vibe: 분위기.
그 소설가는 마감 직전에 원고를 넘기고 나서야 한숨 돌렸다.
The novelist took a breather only after handing in the manuscript just before the deadline.
Only after: -고 나서야.
전쟁이 휴전에 들어가자 병사들은 잠시 한숨 돌릴 여유를 가졌다.
When the war entered a ceasefire, the soldiers had a moment of leisure to take a breather.
Leisure/Room: 여유.
대출금을 모두 갚고 나니 비로소 한숨 돌릴 수 있을 것 같아요.
I think I'll finally be able to take a breather after paying off all my loans.
It seems/I think: -(으)ㄹ 것 같다.
수술이 성공적으로 끝나 환자 가족들이 한숨 돌리게 되었습니다.
The surgery ended successfully, so the patient's family members came to take a breather.
Causality: -아/어서.
그는 한숨 돌릴 틈도 주지 않고 몰아붙이는 상사 때문에 힘들었다.
He struggled because of a boss who pushed him without even giving him a moment to take a breather.
Without giving: 주지 않고.
이번 승리로 팀은 강등 위기에서 벗어나 한숨 돌리게 되었다.
With this victory, the team escaped the crisis of relegation and was able to take a breather.
Escaping from: -에서 벗어나다.
치열한 경쟁 사회에서 한숨 돌릴 공간을 찾는 것은 필수적이다.
Finding a space to take a breather is essential in a fiercely competitive society.
Gerund: -는 것.
작가는 작품 속에서 주인공이 한숨 돌릴 수 있는 장치를 마련했다.
The author provided a device in the work where the protagonist could take a breather.
Noun modification: -는 장치.
구조 대원들은 실종자를 찾은 뒤에야 비로소 한숨 돌릴 수 있었다.
The rescue workers were only finally able to take a breather after finding the missing person.
Only after: -ㄴ 뒤에야.
현대인들에게는 가끔씩 한숨 돌리며 자신을 돌아볼 시간이 필요하다.
Modern people need time to take a breather occasionally and look back at themselves.
Reflecting on oneself: 자신을 돌아보다.
그녀는 쉴 새 없이 달려온 인생에서 처음으로 한숨 돌릴 기회를 얻었다.
She got her first chance to take a breather in a life she had run without stopping.
Without stopping/ceaselessly: 쉴 새 없이.
예산 부족 문제가 해결되면서 프로젝트 팀은 한숨 돌릴 여건이 조성되었다.
As the budget shortage was resolved, conditions were created for the project team to take a breather.
Conditions being created: 여건이 조성되다.
그의 농담 한마디에 긴장된 회의장 분위기가 한숨 돌릴 수 있게 바뀌었다.
With one word of his joke, the tense atmosphere of the meeting room changed so people could take a breather.
Change so that: -게 바뀌다.
극심한 가뭄 끝에 내린 단비로 농민들은 이제야 한숨 돌리게 되었다.
With the sweet rain that fell after a severe drought, the farmers were finally able to take a breather.
Sweet rain (relief): 단비.
한숨 돌릴 여유조차 허락되지 않는 도시의 삶은 영혼을 피폐하게 만든다.
Urban life, which does not allow even the leisure to take a breather, impoverishes the soul.
Even/Not even: -조차.
역사적 격변기 속에서 민중들이 한숨 돌릴 수 있었던 시기는 극히 짧았다.
The periods when the people could take a breather amidst historical upheavals were extremely short.
Historical upheaval: 역사적 격변기.
그 철학자는 고통의 연속인 삶에서 '한숨 돌리는 순간'의 미학을 논했다.
The philosopher discussed the aesthetics of the 'moment of taking a breather' in a life that is a continuation of suffering.
Aesthetics: 미학.
정치적 타협안이 극적으로 타결되자 국정 운영에 한숨 돌릴 기미가 보였다.
When the political compromise was dramatically reached, signs appeared that the administration of state affairs could take a breather.
Signs of/Indication: 기미.
예술은 우리에게 숨 가쁜 현실로부터 잠시 한숨 돌릴 수 있는 창구를 제공한다.
Art provides us with an outlet to take a breather for a moment from the breathless reality.
Outlet/Window: 창구.
그는 인생의 황혼기에 접어들어서야 비로소 치열했던 삶의 한숨을 돌렸다.
Only after entering the twilight of his life did he finally take a breather from his fierce existence.
Twilight of life: 인생의 황혼기.
생태계의 자정 작용이 시작되면서 오염된 강물도 이제야 한숨 돌리는 듯하다.
As the ecosystem's self-purification began, the polluted river water also seems to be taking a breather now.
Seems like: -는 듯하다.
복잡한 수식의 나열 끝에 도달한 정답은 수학자에게 한숨 돌릴 안식을 주었다.
The correct answer reached at the end of a sequence of complex formulas gave the mathematician a rest to take a breather.
Rest/Repose: 안식.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— I'll be able to take a breather now. Used when a task is nearing completion.
보고서 제출했으니 이제 좀 한숨 돌리겠네.
— I don't even have a moment to breathe. Used to emphasize extreme busyness.
요즘은 한숨 돌릴 틈이 없이 바빠요.
— I barely managed to take a breather. Implies a very narrow escape from stress.
손님들이 다 가셔서 겨우 한숨 돌렸어.
— Let's go take a breather. An invitation for a short break.
답답한데 밖으로 한숨 돌리러 가자.
— Finally taking a breather. Expressing relief in the moment.
아이가 잠들어서 이제야 한숨 돌리네.
— Without even a moment to breathe... Used to introduce a new sudden event.
한숨 돌릴 새도 없이 전화가 또 울렸다.
— Do it after taking a short breather. Advice to someone working too hard.
너무 무리하지 말고 잠깐 한숨 돌리고 해.
Summary
한숨 돌리다 is the perfect phrase to express that 'Phew!' moment after hard work. Example: '드디어 마감 끝! 이제 한숨 돌리자!' (Finally finished the deadline! Let's take a breather now!)
- An idiom meaning 'to take a breather' or 'to feel relieved' after stress.
- Literally translates to 'turning a sigh,' implying a shift from heavy to light breath.
- Highly common in work and study contexts to describe finishing a difficult task.
- Used to show empathy or describe a moment of peace in a hectic schedule.
محتوى ذو صلة
مزيد من كلمات emotions
받아들이다
A2يقبل، يتقبل، يستوعب.
아파하다
A2الشعور بالألم أو الحزن (غالباً ما يلاحظ في الآخرين).
감탄스럽다
A2إن صبره في مواجهة الصعاب أمر مثير للإعجاب حقاً.
감탄
A2Admiration or marvel; a feeling of wonder.
감탄하다
A2يعجب أو ينبهر؛ التعبير عن الدهشة أو الإعجاب بشيء جميل أو مذهل.
기특하다
B1جدير بالثناء لفعل جيد أو تفكير ناضج.
충고
B1إرشادات أو توصيات تقدم فيما يتعلق بعمل مستقبلي حكيم؛ نصيحة صادقة.
애정
B1مودة؛ شعور لطيف بالمودة أو الإعجاب.
애틋하다
B2حبهم العطوف والمشوب بالحنين أثر في الجميع.
살갑다
B22