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A2 interjection #1,000 am häufigsten 10 Min. Lesezeit

설마

seolma Top 1,000

At the A1 level, you can think of '설마' (seolma) as a simple way to say 'No way!' or 'Really?' when you are surprised. It is a great word to use when someone tells you something you didn't expect. Even if you don't know many Korean words yet, you can use '설마!' by itself as a reaction. For example, if a friend says they finished all their homework in five minutes, you can say '설마!' with a surprised face. It helps you sound more natural and expressive in basic conversations. Remember that it's usually for things that are a bit hard to believe. You don't need complex grammar to use it at this stage; just the word itself is very powerful for showing your feelings. It's one of those 'magic words' that makes you sound like you understand more than you might actually do! Try to practice the intonation—usually a bit of a rising tone like a question.

At the A2 level, you start to use '설마' in short phrases or with basic polite endings. The most common form you will use is '설마요' (seolmayo). This is a polite way to say 'I don't think so' or 'Surely not' when someone asks you a question or makes a suggestion. For example, if someone asks, 'Is the teacher angry?' you can reply, '설마요' to mean 'Surely not.' You also begin to see '설마' at the beginning of simple sentences. A common pattern is '설마... 아니죠?' (Surely it's not..., right?). This allows you to check information while showing that you doubt it. It's a useful tool for social interaction because it shows you are engaged and have an opinion about what is being said. You are moving beyond just reacting and starting to build skeptical sentences.

At the B1 level, you should begin to use '설마' with more complex grammatical structures, specifically conjecture endings like '-겠어요?' or '-ㄹ까요?'. This is where the word really shines. Instead of just saying '설마요,' you can say '설마 그가 오겠어요?' (Surely he won't come?). This shows a higher level of fluency because you are combining the adverb '설마' with the correct verb endings to create a rhetorical question. You also learn that '설마' can express a 'faint hope' in negative situations. For instance, '설마 비가 오지는 않겠지?' (Surely it won't rain, right?). Here, you are expressing a wish that something bad won't happen. Understanding this mix of doubt and hope is key to reaching the intermediate level. You should also be aware of the difference between '설마' and '혹시' (by any chance) and make sure not to mix them up in your speaking and writing.

At the B2 level, you can use '설마' to express nuanced emotional states and more sophisticated rhetorical points. You might use the pattern '설마 -ㄴ/은/는 건 아니겠지?' to express a creeping sense of worry or suspicion. This is very common in daily life when you suspect something might be wrong but hope it isn't. You also start to encounter '설마' in more varied contexts, such as in idiomatic expressions like '설마가 사람 잡는다' (Complacency kills). At this level, you should be able to use '설마' to control the tone of a conversation, using it to dismiss unlikely theories or to gently challenge someone's statement. Your use of '설마' should feel integrated into your overall sentence structure, appearing naturally at the start of clauses to set the 'modal' tone of disbelief or concern that follows.

At the C1 level, you understand the deep psychological and modal functions of '설마'. You can use it in formal debates or literary writing to create a specific effect. In these contexts, '설마' isn't just about surprise; it's a strategic tool used to highlight the absurdity of an opposing argument. You might use it in complex sentences like '설마 그와 같은 대문호가 그런 실수를 범했을 리 만무하다' (There is absolutely no way a great writer like him would have made such a mistake). You also recognize the subtle differences in meaning when '설마' is placed in different parts of a sentence, although the initial position remains the most common. You are sensitive to how '설마' interacts with various high-level endings and can use it to convey irony, sarcasm, or deep philosophical doubt. Your mastery of the word allows you to express a wide range of skeptical attitudes with precision.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '설마' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You understand its historical roots and how its usage has evolved in modern Korean. You can use it to navigate the most complex social situations, where the line between disbelief, hope, and social etiquette is thin. You are capable of using '설마' in creative writing to build tension or to provide a window into a character's internal skepticism. You also understand how '설마' functions in the broader context of Korean modality, comparing it to other modal adverbs and choosing the one that provides the exact shade of meaning required. Whether it's in a high-level academic discussion about linguistics or a deep analysis of a classic piece of Korean literature, you can discuss and utilize '설마' with total confidence and nuance, recognizing its role as a fundamental pillar of Korean expressive language.

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

설마 in 30 Sekunden

설마 is a versatile Korean word used to express disbelief, shock, or a desperate hope that something bad isn't true.
It is most commonly translated as 'Surely not,' 'No way,' or 'Don't tell me' in English contexts.
Grammatically, it often appears at the beginning of a sentence and pairs with rhetorical question endings like -겠어?.
It is also featured in the famous proverb '설마가 사람 잡는다,' warning against the dangers of being too complacent.

The Korean word 설마 (seolma) is a fascinating linguistic tool that functions primarily as an interjection or a modal adverb. At its core, it expresses a strong sense of disbelief, doubt, or the hope that something negative is not true. Unlike the simple English 'maybe' or 'perhaps,' 설마 carries a heavy emotional weight of 'it can't be' or 'don't tell me that...' It is almost always used in contexts where the speaker is confronted with a possibility that seems unlikely, shocking, or undesirable.

Core Nuance: The word functions as a 'negative expectation' marker. When you say 설마, you are mentally rejecting a proposition even as you voice it. It is the verbal equivalent of shaking your head in denial.
Syntactic Role: While it can stand alone as an exclamation, it often anchors a sentence that ends in a rhetorical question, typically using endings like -겠어?, -ㄹ까?, or -ㄴ/은/는 건 아니겠지?.

A: 그가 거짓말을 했을까요? (Do you think he lied?)
B: 설마 그럴 리가요. (Surely not; there's no way.)

In daily Korean life, 설마 is ubiquitous. You will hear it when a friend suggests an outrageous rumor, when a plot twist occurs in a drama, or when someone realizes they might have left the stove on. It serves as a psychological buffer against shocking information. Linguistically, it sets the 'mood' of the sentence before the main verb is even uttered, signaling to the listener that the speaker is in a state of skepticism.

설마 니가 그걸 다 먹었어? (Don't tell me you ate all of that?)

Cultural Context: Koreans often use 설마 to maintain social harmony. By framing a doubt with 설마, you aren't directly calling someone a liar; rather, you are expressing that the situation is so unbelievable that it must be a mistake.

설마 오늘이 우리 기념일이야? (Surely today isn't our anniversary? - expressing panic/disbelief)

Furthermore, 설마 can be used to express a faint hope. If someone is late, you might say, "설마 사고가 난 건 아니겠지?" (Surely an accident didn't happen, right?). Here, the speaker is desperately hoping that the negative possibility they just mentioned is false. This dual nature of expressing both disbelief and hope makes it one of the most expressive words in the Korean vocabulary.

설마가 사람 잡는다. (Complacency/carelessness kills a person - a famous Korean proverb using the word as a noun.)

Summary of Usage: Use 설마 when you want to say 'No way,' 'Surely not,' or 'Don't tell me.' It is the ultimate word for skepticism and the rejection of an unlikely reality.

Using 설마 correctly requires understanding its relationship with sentence endings. It is rarely used in a simple declarative sentence like 'Surely not he is here.' Instead, it sets up a rhetorical structure. Let's look at the most common patterns that English speakers should master to sound natural.

Pattern 1: 설마 ... -겠어요? / -겠어?: This is the most standard way to express 'Surely [something] won't happen.' The '-겠-' suffix adds a layer of conjecture, and the question mark makes it rhetorical.
Example: 설마 비가 오겠어요? (Surely it won't rain?)

설마 그가 벌써 도착했겠어? (Surely he hasn't arrived already?)

When you use this pattern, you are essentially saying 'I don't think this happened/will happen, do you?' It invites the listener to agree with your skepticism. It is very common in debates or when discussing possibilities that seem far-fetched.

Pattern 2: 설마 ... -(ㄴ/은/는) 건 아니겠지?: This pattern is used when you are starting to worry that something bad might actually be true. It translates to 'It's not that [bad thing], is it?'
Example: 설마 지갑을 잃어버린 건 아니겠지? (Surely I haven't lost my wallet, right?)

설마 나를 잊은 건 아니겠지? (Surely you haven't forgotten me, have you?)

Pattern 3: 설마 ... -ㄹ 리가 없다: This is a more definitive way to express disbelief. It translates to 'There is no way that...'
Example: 설마 그럴 리가 없어요. (There is no way that's the case.)

In this structure, 설마 acts as an intensifier for the 'no way' (ㄹ 리가 없다) part of the sentence. It emphasizes the speaker's absolute certainty that the event is impossible. This is often used when defending someone's character or dismissing a ridiculous theory.

설마 선생님이 우리를 속일 리가 없잖아. (There's no way the teacher would trick us, surely.)

Finally, 설마 can be used in the middle of a sentence as an adverb modifying the entire clause, though the initial position is much more common. For example, "그가 설마 올까?" (Do you think he would actually come?) emphasizes the doubt specifically on his coming. However, for beginners and intermediate learners, sticking to the sentence-initial position is the safest and most natural-sounding approach.

If you watch Korean dramas (K-Dramas) or variety shows, you have likely heard 설마 dozens of times. It is the quintessential 'reaction' word. Let's explore the specific social and media contexts where this word thrives.

K-Drama Plot Twists: In dramas, when a character discovers a shocking secret—like a hidden sibling or a betrayal—they often whisper '설마...' to themselves. In this context, it represents the moment of realization before the full shock sets in. It's the 'No... it can't be...' moment.

[Drama Scene] Character looks at a DNA test: "설마... 이 사람이 내 아버지?" (Surely... this person is my father?)

In variety shows like Running Man or Knowing Bros, 설마 is used for comedic effect. When a cast member is about to be punished or when a game takes an unexpected turn, the others will shout '설마! 설마!' to build tension and express mock disbelief. It creates a shared sense of 'this is too much' among the participants and the audience.

Daily Gossip and News: When Koreans discuss celebrity scandals or shocking news stories, 설마 is the go-to reaction. "설마 그 사람이 그랬겠어?" (Surely he didn't do that?) is a common way to express that the news is hard to believe based on the person's previous image.

"설마요! 제가 어떻게 그런 일을 하겠어요?" (Surely not! How could I do such a thing? - A common defensive line.)

In a professional setting, 설마 might be used more cautiously. A boss might say, "설마 아직도 안 끝났어요?" (Surely it's not finished yet?) to express subtle pressure or disappointment. In this case, the disbelief is directed at the slow progress of a task. It is less about 'no way' and more about 'I expected better/faster results.'

The 'Seolma' Proverb: The phrase '설마가 사람 잡는다' (Seolma-ga saram jamnunda) is a very common idiom. It literally means 'The "Surely not" catches/kills a person.' It is used to warn someone not to be too complacent. If you think 'Surely nothing bad will happen,' that's exactly when something bad happens.

"설마가 사람 잡는다고 했어. 미리 준비하자." (They say complacency kills. Let's prepare in advance.)

Whether in high-stakes drama or casual banter, 설마 is the bridge between reality and the unbelievable. It is a word that invites the listener into the speaker's internal world of doubt and surprise.

While 설마 is a relatively simple word, English speakers often struggle with its specific nuances and the grammatical structures it requires. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Mistake 1: Confusing '설마' with '혹시' (Hoksi): Both words can be translated as 'by any chance' in certain contexts, but they are very different. 혹시 is a neutral 'maybe' or 'by any chance' used for polite inquiries. 설마 is a skeptical 'surely not.'
Incorrect: 설마 화장실 어디예요? (Surely not where is the bathroom?)
Correct: 혹시 화장실 어디예요? (By any chance, where is the bathroom?)

Comparison:
1. 혹시 그가 왔어? (Did he come, by any chance? - Neutral curiosity)
2. 설마 그가 왔어? (Don't tell me he came? - Shock/Disbelief)

Mistake 2: Using 설마 in Positive Statements. 설마 is inherently linked to negative or doubtful outcomes. You wouldn't use it to say 'Surely he will succeed' in a purely positive, encouraging way. For that, you would use '꼭' (kkok) or '반드시' (bandeusi). 설마 is for when you are doubting a negative outcome or expressing shock at a surprising one.

Mistake 3: Forgetting the Rhetorical Ending: In English, we can say 'Surely he is coming.' In Korean, saying '설마 그는 와요' sounds very unnatural. You must use a conjecture or question ending like '-겠지' or '-ㄹ까'.
Incorrect: 설마 그는 와요.
Correct: 설마 그가 오겠어요?

Mistake: 설마 그는 나빠요. (Surely he is bad.)
Better: 설마 그가 그렇게 나쁜 사람이겠어요? (Surely he wouldn't be such a bad person?)

Mistake 4: Overusing it in Formal Writing. 설마 is quite conversational and emotional. While it appears in literature, using it in a formal academic essay or a business report might make the tone too subjective or dramatic. In those cases, use more formal expressions like '설령 ... 하더라도' (even if...) or '의구심이 든다' (I have doubts).

Mistake 5: Misunderstanding '설마요': When someone says '설마요' as a response, it's a polite way of saying 'No way' or 'I don't think so.' Some learners think it's a question, but it's actually a complete response.
A: '그가 화났을까요?' (Do you think he's mad?)
B: '설마요.' (Surely not.)

A: 내일 시험이 취소될까요?
B: 설마요. (Surely not/Don't count on it.)

By avoiding these mistakes, you will be able to use 설마 to express doubt with the same nuance and precision as a native speaker.

To truly master 설마, it's helpful to compare it with other Korean words that express doubt, possibility, or surprise. Understanding these distinctions will help you choose the right word for every situation.

설마 vs. 혹시 (Hoksi): 혹시 is neutral. It means 'by any chance' or 'maybe.' You use it when you genuinely don't know the answer.
설마 is biased. It means 'surely not.' You use it when you suspect the answer is 'no' or when you find the possibility shocking.
설마 vs. 아마 (Ama): 아마 means 'probably.' It expresses a likelihood that something is true.
설마 expresses a likelihood that something is not true.
Example: 아마 비가 올 거예요 (It will probably rain) vs. 설마 비가 오겠어요? (Surely it won't rain?)

Comparison:
1. 아마 그럴 거야. (Probably so.)
2. 설마 그럴까? (Would it really be so? - Doubtful)

설마 vs. 에이 (Ei): 에이 is an interjection often used right before 설마. It's like saying 'Oh, come on!' or 'No way!' It adds a more casual, dismissive tone to your disbelief.
Example: 에이, 설마요! (Oh, come on, no way!)

"에이, 설마 거짓말이겠지." (Oh come on, surely it's a lie.)

설마 vs. 말도 안 돼 (Mal-do an dwae): 말도 안 돼 literally means 'it doesn't even make sense' or 'nonsense.' It is a stronger, more direct way to say 'That's impossible.'
설마 is slightly more indirect and rhetorical. You can use them together for emphasis: 설마, 말도 안 돼!

Another alternative is '그럴 리가' (geureol riga), which means 'no way that's the case.' This is often used as a short response. While 설마 focuses on the speaker's surprise, 그럴 리가 focuses on the logical impossibility of the situation.

A: 그가 사표를 냈대요. (I heard he resigned.)
B: 설마! 그럴 리가 없어요. (No way! That can't be right.)

In summary, 설마 is your best choice for expressing 'surely not' with a hint of emotional surprise. Use 혹시 for neutral questions, 아마 for positive probability, and 말도 안 돼 for absolute nonsense.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

"설마 그가 그런 중대한 실수를 범했겠습니까?"

Neutral

"설마 비가 오겠어요?"

Informell

"설마 진짜야?"

Child friendly

"설마 도깨비가 나타날까?"

Umgangssprache

"에이 설마~ 말도 안 돼!"

Wusstest du?

The proverb '설마가 사람 잡는다' is so famous that many Koreans view '설마' as a personified character representing carelessness or complacency.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /sʌl.ma/

US /sʌl.mɑ/

The stress is equal on both syllables, though the first syllable '설' often carries a higher pitch in exclamations.

Reimt sich auf

얼마 (eolma) 날마 (nalma) 말마 (malma) 갈마 (galma) 찰마 (chalma) 탈마 (talma) 팔마 (palma) 할마 (halma)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'eo' (ㅓ) like 'o' (ㅗ). It should be more open.
Making the 'l' (ㄹ) sound too much like an English 'r'.
Putting too much stress on the second syllable.
Using a flat intonation when expressing surprise.
Pronouncing 's' (ㅅ) as a heavy 'sh' sound.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize in text.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires knowledge of rhetorical endings.

Sprechen 3/5

Intonation is important for naturalness.

Hören 2/5

Very common and easy to hear.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

진짜 아니 그럴 리가 없다

Als Nächstes lernen

혹시 아마 과연 도대체 어쩌면

Fortgeschritten

설령 의구심 반신반의 기우 방심

Wichtige Grammatik

-겠- (Conjecture)

비가 오겠어요.

-ㄹ 리가 없다 (No way)

그럴 리가 없어요.

-ㄴ/은/는 건 아니겠지 (Surely not... right?)

잊은 건 아니겠지?

-ㄹ까 (Doubtful question)

그가 올까?

-ㄴ가 (Questioning state)

사실인가?

Beispiele nach Niveau

설마!

No way!

Used as a standalone interjection.

설마 진짜요?

Surely, for real?

Combined with '진짜요' (really) for emphasis.

설마 아니죠?

Surely it's not, right?

Used with '아니죠' (it's not, right).

설마 그럴 리가.

Surely not that way.

Shortened version of '그럴 리가 없다'.

설마 거짓말?

Surely a lie?

Noun + question mark following 설마.

설마 벌써요?

Surely already?

Used with '벌써' (already).

설마 나요?

Surely me?

Used to express 'Don't tell me it's me'.

설마 안 돼!

Surely no!

Combined with '안 돼' (it can't be/no).

설마요, 그럴 리가 없어요.

Surely not, there's no way.

Polite form '설마요' used as a response.

설마 그가 벌써 왔어요?

Surely he's already here?

Simple question with '설마'.

설마 이게 다예요?

Surely this is all?

Expressing disbelief at a small quantity.

설마 비가 오겠어요?

Surely it will rain?

Using -겠어요 for conjecture.

설마 오늘이 월요일이에요?

Surely today is Monday?

Expressing disbelief about the day of the week.

설마 저를 잊으셨어요?

Surely you forgot me?

Polite question to someone older.

설마 그게 사실이에요?

Surely that is the truth?

Questioning the truth of a statement.

설마 숙제가 또 있어요?

Surely there's more homework?

Expressing disbelief at an additional task.

설마 그가 약속을 어기겠어요?

Surely he wouldn't break his promise?

Rhetorical question with -겠어요.

설마 지갑을 집에 두고 온 건 아니겠지?

Surely I didn't leave my wallet at home, right?

Expressing worry with -ㄴ 건 아니겠지.

설마 우리가 길을 잃은 건가요?

Surely we are lost?

Using -ㄴ가요 to express growing doubt.

설마 시험 범위가 이렇게 넓을 리가 없어요.

There's no way the exam range is this wide, surely.

Combined with -ㄹ 리가 없다.

설마 어제 한 말이 진심은 아니었겠지?

Surely what you said yesterday wasn't sincere, right?

Past conjecture with -었겠지.

설마 혼자서 그 일을 다 하려는 건 아니죠?

Surely you aren't planning to do all that work alone, right?

Questioning someone's intention.

설마 아직도 화가 안 풀린 거예요?

Surely you're still angry?

Expressing surprise at a lasting emotion.

설마 그 소문이 진짜일까 봐 걱정돼요.

I'm worried that the rumor might actually be true.

Using '설마' with '-ㄹ까 봐' (worrying that...).

설마가 사람 잡는다는 말도 있잖아요.

You know there's a saying that complacency kills.

Using the proverb as a warning.

설마 했던 일이 실제로 일어나고 말았다.

The thing I thought surely wouldn't happen actually occurred.

Using '설마 했던 일' as a noun phrase.

설마 그가 그런 파렴치한 짓을 했겠어?

Surely he wouldn't have done such a shameless thing?

Strong rhetorical question with '파렴치한' (shameless).

설마 내가 너를 속이려고 그런 말을 했겠니?

Surely I didn't say that to trick you?

Rhetorical question ending in -겠니 (intimate/plain).

설마 하니 정말로 그가 나타날 줄은 몰랐다.

I really didn't think he would show up, but he did.

Using '설마 하니' to express unexpectedness.

설마 오늘 안에 이 일을 다 끝낼 수 있을까?

Can we surely finish all this work within today?

Expressing doubt about a deadline.

설마 그 사람 말이 사실이라 하더라도 믿기 힘들다.

Even if his words were true, it's hard to believe.

Combined with '-라 하더라도' (even if).

설마 하는 마음에 다시 한번 확인해 보았다.

Just in case (with a feeling of doubt), I checked once more.

Using '설마 하는 마음' (a feeling of doubt/just in case).

설마 그런 사소한 오해 때문에 절교하겠어요?

Surely you wouldn't end a friendship over such a minor misunderstanding?

High-level vocabulary '절교' (ending a relationship).

설마 현대 과학으로도 해결 못 할 난제일까요?

Surely it's a problem that even modern science can't solve?

Formal rhetorical question about science.

설마 그가 자신의 이익을 위해 동료를 배신했겠는가?

Would he have really betrayed his colleagues for his own gain?

Literary rhetorical ending -겠는가.

설마 했던 우려가 현실로 다가오자 모두가 당황했다.

When the worries they thought surely wouldn't happen became reality, everyone was flustered.

Complex sentence structure with '설마 했던 우려'.

설마 하는 안일한 생각이 큰 화를 불러왔다.

The complacent thought of 'surely not' brought about a great disaster.

Using '안일한' (complacent) to describe the '설마' attitude.

설마 그토록 철저한 계획에 빈틈이 있었을 줄이야.

To think there was a loophole in such a thorough plan!

Exclamatory ending -ㄹ 줄이야 expressing shock.

설마 그가 공과 사를 구분하지 못할 사람은 아닐 것이다.

Surely he is not someone who cannot distinguish between public and private matters.

Double negative for emphasis: '아닐 것이다'.

설마가 현실이 되는 순간, 그는 자신의 눈을 의심했다.

The moment 'surely not' became reality, he doubted his own eyes.

Using '설마' as a noun representing the impossible.

설마 인류의 지성이 이토록 무력하게 무너질 줄은 꿈에도 몰랐다.

I never dreamed that human intelligence would crumble so helplessly.

High-level philosophical expression.

설마라는 단어 뒤에 숨은 인간의 기만적인 희망을 보았다.

I saw the deceptive hope of humans hidden behind the word 'seolma'.

Abstract usage in a literary context.

설마 그가 시대의 흐름을 읽지 못하고 도태되겠는가?

Would he really fail to read the trends of the times and be left behind?

Rhetorical question with '도태되다' (to be weeded out).

설마 했던 가설이 증명되자 학계는 큰 충격에 빠졌다.

When the hypothesis that was thought impossible was proven, the academic world was shocked.

Academic context usage.

설마 하는 마음이 방심을 낳고, 방심은 돌이킬 수 없는 결과를 초래한다.

The feeling of 'surely not' gives birth to carelessness, and carelessness leads to irreversible results.

Philosophical cause-and-effect structure.

설마 그 고결한 인격자가 권력의 노예가 되었을 리 만무하다.

There is no way that noble person of character has become a slave to power.

Using '리 만무하다' for absolute impossibility.

설마가 가져다주는 안도감은 때로 독이 되어 돌아온다.

The sense of relief that 'surely not' brings sometimes returns as poison.

Metaphorical usage of '설마'.

설마 우리 사이의 신뢰가 이토록 쉽게 허물어질 줄이야.

To think the trust between us would crumble so easily!

Deeply emotional and literary expression.

Häufige Kollokationen

설마 그럴 리가

설마 하는 마음에

설마 아니겠지

설마 했던 일

에이 설마

설마 설마 하다

설마 -겠어?

설마 -ㄹ까?

설마요

설마 -ㄴ가?

Häufige Phrasen

설마가 사람 잡는다

설마 아니죠?

설마 진짜로?

설마 그럴까 싶어서

설마 했는데 역시나

설마 그럴 리가요

설마 저요?

설마 아직도?

설마 벌써?

설마 혼자?

Wird oft verwechselt mit

설마 vs 혹시

혹시 is neutral 'by any chance'; 설마 is skeptical 'surely not'.

설마 vs 아마

아마 is 'probably' (positive expectation); 설마 is 'surely not' (negative expectation).

설마 vs 반드시

반드시 is 'certainly'; 설마 is the expression of doubt about certainty.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"설마가 사람 잡는다"

Thinking that an unlikely bad event won't happen leads to a lack of preparation and eventual disaster.

설마가 사람 잡는 법이니 미리미리 대비해라.

Common Proverb

"설마 하니"

Used to express that something was so unlikely that its occurrence is shocking.

설마 하니 그가 나를 배신할 줄이야.

Literary/Emphatic

"설마 하는 마음"

A lingering feeling of doubt or a tiny bit of hope/fear about an unlikely event.

설마 하는 마음에 우산을 챙겼다.

Neutral

"설마 그럴까 보다"

To doubt if something will really happen.

설마 그럴까 보다 하고 넘겼다.

Neutral

"설마가 반 사람 죽인다"

A variation of the main proverb, emphasizing the severe damage of complacency.

설마가 반 사람 죽인다고 조심 좀 해.

Colloquial

"설마가 사람 죽인다"

Same as '설마가 사람 잡는다'.

설마가 사람 죽인다더니 진짜 사고가 났네.

Common Proverb

"설마 하고 믿다"

To believe something while still having a small doubt.

설마 하고 믿었는데 역시나였다.

Neutral

"설마 하는 사이에"

While one was thinking 'surely not' (and thus not acting).

설마 하는 사이에 기회를 놓쳤다.

Neutral

"설마 그럴 리가 있나"

A rhetorical idiom meaning 'there's no way that could happen'.

설마 그럴 리가 있나, 걱정 마.

Neutral

"설마가 웬말이냐"

How can you even say 'surely not' (when the evidence is clear)?

설마가 웬말이냐, 눈앞을 봐라.

Emphatic

Leicht verwechselbar

설마 vs 혹시

Both can be translated as 'by any chance'.

혹시 is used when you don't know the answer and are curious. 설마 is used when you suspect the answer is 'no' and are surprised.

혹시 비 와요? (Is it raining, by any chance?) vs. 설마 비 와요? (Don't tell me it's raining?)

설마 vs 아마

Both deal with probability.

아마 indicates a high probability of something happening. 설마 indicates a high probability (or hope) of something NOT happening.

아마 올 거예요. (He'll probably come.) vs. 설마 오겠어요? (Surely he won't come?)

설마 vs 정말

Both express surprise.

정말 means 'really' and is used to confirm facts. 설마 is used to express disbelief in those facts.

정말이에요? (Is it real?) vs. 설마요! (No way!)

설마 vs 어쩌면

Both express possibility.

어쩌면 means 'maybe' or 'perhaps' with a neutral or slightly positive tone. 설마 is always skeptical.

어쩌면 그럴 수도 있어요. (Maybe it could be so.) vs. 설마 그럴까요? (Would it surely be so?)

설마 vs 과연

Both are used in rhetorical questions.

과연 is used to wonder if something is 'indeed' true. 설마 is used to doubt if something is true.

과연 그럴까? (I wonder if it's indeed so.) vs. 설마 그럴까? (Surely it wouldn't be so?)

Satzmuster

설마!

설마요.

설마 + [Noun] + 예요?

설마 진짜예요?

설마 + [Verb]-겠어요?

설마 비가 오겠어요?

설마 + [Verb]-ㄴ 건 아니겠지?

설마 잊은 건 아니겠지?

설마 + [Verb]-ㄹ 리가 없다

설마 그럴 리가 없어요.

설마 + [Verb]-ㄹ 줄이야

설마 그럴 줄이야 몰랐다.

설마 + [Verb]-겠는가?

설마 그가 배신했겠는가?

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very High in spoken Korean; Medium in written Korean.

Häufige Fehler

Using '설마' for neutral questions. → 혹시 화장실 어디예요?
설마 implies disbelief. You shouldn't use it for simple information gathering.
Using '설마' in a positive declarative sentence. → 반드시 성공할 거예요.
설마 is for doubt. Using it to mean 'surely' in a positive sense is incorrect.
Forgetting the question ending. → 설마 그가 오겠어요?
A sentence starting with 설마 usually needs a rhetorical question ending to feel complete.
Confusing '설마' with '아마'. → 아마 비가 올 거예요.
If you think it WILL rain, use 아마. If you doubt it will rain, use 설마.
Using '설마' to mean 'never'. → 절대로 안 해요.
설마 means 'surely not [conjecture]'. It doesn't mean a definitive 'never'.

Tipps

Response Tip

Use '설마요' as a quick, polite way to say 'I don't think so' or 'No way' in conversation.

Ending Match

Always try to pair '설마' with a question ending like -까?, -어?, or -겠어? to sound natural.

Proverb Power

Memorize '설마가 사람 잡는다'. It's a great phrase to use when warning a friend to be careful.

Drama Clues

When you hear '설마' in a drama, expect a plot twist or a character discovering a secret.

Intonation

Practice saying '설마' with a rising tone to express surprise and a falling tone to express firm disbelief.

Dialogue

Use '설마' at the start of a sentence to immediately set a skeptical tone for the reader.

Synonym Choice

Choose '설마' over '혹시' when you want to show that you are shocked or doubt the possibility.

Polite Doubt

Use '설마요' to disagree without being confrontational. It shifts the focus to the 'unbelievability' of the situation.

Mnemonic

Remember 'Soul-Ma'—your soul saying 'No!' to a surprising fact.

Rhetorical Style

Use '설마 ... -겠는가?' in formal writing or speeches to create a powerful rhetorical effect.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Seolma' as 'Soul-Ma'. Your 'Soul' is saying 'Ma (No)!' to something unbelievable. 'Soul-Ma! No way!'

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a person with their hands up in the air, eyes wide, and a giant question mark above their head. That person is shouting '설마!'

Word Web

Doubt Surprise Skepticism Surely not No way Rhetorical Proverb Drama

Herausforderung

Try to use '설마요' at least three times today when someone tells you something slightly surprising or when you want to politely disagree.

Wortherkunft

The word '설마' is a native Korean word. It does not have a direct Hanja (Chinese character) origin, which is common for many expressive interjections and adverbs in Korean.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Historically, it has always functioned as a modal adverb expressing doubt or the negation of a possibility.

Koreanic

Kultureller Kontext

Generally safe to use, but avoid using it too dismissively with superiors as it can sound like you are questioning their authority or truthfulness.

English speakers often use 'No way' or 'Really?' in similar contexts, but '설마' has a more specific grammatical requirement for rhetorical questions.

The proverb '설마가 사람 잡는다' (Complacency kills). Commonly used in K-Drama 'cliffhanger' scenes. Frequent caption in Korean variety shows like 'Running Man'.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Reacting to gossip

설마 진짜요?
설마 그럴 리가요.
설마 그 사람이요?
설마 거짓말이겠죠.

Worrying about a mistake

설마 잊어버린 건 아니겠지?
설마 틀린 건 아니겠지?
설마 늦은 건 아니겠지?
설마 잃어버렸을까?

Dismissing a possibility

설마 비가 오겠어?
설마 그가 오겠어?
설마 안 되겠어?
설마 죽겠어?

Surprise at speed/quantity

설마 벌써 다 했어?
설마 이게 다야?
설마 혼자 다 먹었어?
설마 벌써 갔어?

Expressing hope in a bad situation

설마 사고가 난 건 아니겠지.
설마 큰일이야 났겠어.
설마 다쳤겠어?
설마 실패했겠어?

Gesprächseinstiege

"설마 오늘 비가 올까요? 우산 안 가져왔는데..."

"설마 그 소문 들으셨어요? 진짜일까요?"

"설마 이번 시험이 그렇게 어려울까요?"

"설마 우리가 길을 잘못 든 건 아니겠죠?"

"설마 그가 벌써 도착했을까요?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

오늘 '설마' 했던 일이 실제로 일어난 적이 있나요? 그 상황을 설명해 보세요.

누군가에게 '설마요'라고 대답했던 경험을 써 보세요. 왜 그렇게 생각했나요?

'설마가 사람 잡는다'는 속담을 경험한 적이 있나요? 어떤 교훈을 얻었나요?

내가 절대 믿을 수 없는 '설마' 같은 이야기는 무엇인가요?

친구와 대화할 때 '설마'를 사용해서 의심을 표현하는 대화문을 만들어 보세요.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Generally, no. '설마' is used for negative expectations or disbelief. If you want to say 'Surely he will succeed' in a positive way, use '꼭' or '반드시'.

No, it's a very common and polite way to express disagreement or disbelief. However, avoid using it repeatedly with a superior as it might seem like you are constantly doubting them.

'말도 안 돼' is more direct and means 'That's nonsense/impossible.' '설마' is more like 'Surely not' and is often framed as a question.

No, it is an adverb or interjection that usually appears at the beginning. The only exception is the polite response '설마요'.

Use the past conjecture ending -었겠어?. For example: '설마 그가 벌써 갔겠어?' (Surely he hasn't gone already?).

It means that if you are too sure that nothing bad will happen (saying '설마' to every warning), you will be caught off guard when something actually does go wrong.

It's rare in academic or business writing. It's more common in novels, essays, and spoken language because of its emotional nuance.

Not usually in the same clause, as they have different nuances. Use '혹시' for neutral questions and '설마' for skeptical ones.

In spoken language, it's almost always phrased as a rhetorical question. In writing, it's usually followed by a question mark or an exclamatory ending.

The most natural way is to use '설마요' as a response to something surprising, or '설마 진짜요?' (Surely, for real?).