표정

When we talk about 표정, we are referring to the facial expression. It is that magical moment when your feelings jump from your heart right onto your face for everyone to see.

Think of it as a window to your soul. Whether you are beaming with joy or looking puzzled, your 표정 tells a story without you needing to say a single word. It is a fundamental part of human connection.

The word 표정 is a Sino-Korean term. 표 (表) means 'outside' or 'surface', and 정 (情) means 'feeling' or 'emotion'.

Historically, it evolved to describe the outward manifestation of inner feelings. It reflects the ancient philosophical understanding that the face is the mirror of the heart. Over centuries, it has become the standard term in modern Korean to describe any facial demeanor.

You will hear 표정 in almost every daily conversation. We often pair it with adjectives like 'bright' or 'dark'.

In formal settings, you might talk about someone's 표정 during a business negotiation to gauge their reaction. In casual settings, you might tell a friend, 'Your 표정 is funny!' It is a very versatile word that fits into any social register.

1. 표정이 굳다: To have a stiff face (usually due to anger or shock). 2. 표정을 관리하다: To manage one's expression (to keep a poker face). 3. 표정이 밝다: To have a bright expression. 4. 표정이 어둡다: To have a gloomy expression. 5. 표정에 드러나다: To show it on one's face.

표정 is a standard noun. It does not have plural forms in Korean as the language uses context for plurality. It is often used with verbs like 짓다 (to make an expression).

Pronunciation: [pyo-jeong]. The 'pyo' is short and crisp, while 'jeong' has a slightly longer, nasal finish. It rhymes with words like '경' (gyeong) or '명' (myeong).