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A2 verb #6,500 más común 10 min de lectura

숨차다

Top 6,500

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 숨차다 en 30 segundos

Explicación 숨차다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '숨차다' means you are tired from moving and need more air. Think of it as 'I am out of breath.' You will mostly use it in simple sentences like 'I ran, so I am out of breath' (뛰어서 숨차요). It is a very useful word because even beginners will find themselves out of breath after walking up the many hills and stairs in Korean cities. You should focus on the basic polite form '숨차요' and understand that '숨' means breath. If you feel like your heart is beating fast and you can't talk easily after exercise, this is the word you use. It is simpler than trying to explain exactly how you feel; just one word '숨차요' tells the other person you need a break.

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At the A2 level, you should start using '숨차다' with basic connectors like '-아서/어서' (because) and '-고' (and). For example, '숨차서 좀 쉴게요' (I'm out of breath, so I'll rest a bit). You should also recognize the difference between '숨차다' and '숨이 차다'. The addition of the particle '이' makes the sentence feel more complete. You might also start to see it used as a modifier: '숨찬 사람' (a breathless person). At this level, you are expected to use it in context, such as describing your weekend hiking trip or explaining why you were late (because you ran to the station and got out of breath). You should also be able to use the past tense '숨찼어요' to describe past physical activities.

At the B1 level, you can begin to use '숨차다' in its metaphorical sense. This means using it to describe a busy lifestyle or a fast-paced environment. For example, '일이 너무 많아서 숨차요' (I have so much work, I'm out of breath/overwhelmed). You should also be comfortable with more complex grammar patterns like '-ㄹ 정도로' (to the extent that...). A common B1 sentence would be '숨이 찰 정도로 열심히 뛰었어요' (I ran hard to the point of being out of breath). You should also distinguish '숨차다' from more specific verbs like '헐떡이다' (to pant) and understand that '숨차다' describes the state, while '헐떡이다' describes the visible action of gasping.

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At the B2 level, you should be able to use '숨차다' in various registers and more nuanced literary or journalistic contexts. You will encounter the adverbial form '숨차게' frequently in novels or news reports to describe how an event is progressing. You should also be aware of honorific versions like '숨차시다' when talking about elders. At this level, you can use the word to describe emotional states, such as being 'breathless' with excitement or nervousness. You should also be able to compare '숨차다' with Sino-Korean terms like '호흡 곤란' and know when to use the more formal version in a professional or academic setting, such as a presentation on health or sports science.

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At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the idiomatic and cultural implications of '숨차다'. You can use it to critique the fast-paced nature of modern life (숨 가쁜 현대 사회) and understand its use in high-level literature where it might symbolize a character's internal struggle or social suffocation. You should be able to use it in complex conditional and causative sentences, such as '숨차지 않도록 페이스를 조절해야 합니다' (You must adjust your pace so as not to get out of breath). Your vocabulary should also include related idioms and the ability to use '숨차다' to describe abstract concepts like an 'out-of-breath economy' (숨찬 경제), referring to one that is growing too fast or struggling to maintain its pace.

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At the C2 level, '숨차다' is a tool for precise expression. You can use it to differentiate between various types of respiratory and metaphorical 'breathlessness' with perfect accuracy. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its roots in pure Korean. You can use it in creative writing to create atmosphere, perhaps describing the 'breathless' silence of a city or the 'breathless' anticipation of a crowd. You are also capable of discussing the physiological mechanisms of being '숨차다' in technical terms while still using the colloquial word naturally. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a nuanced building block for sophisticated discourse on human experience, physical limits, and societal speed.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

숨차다 en 30 segundos

Used to describe being out of breath from running or exercise.
Can metaphorically describe a very busy or fast-paced life.
Technically a descriptive verb (adjective) in Korean grammar.
Often used with the particle '이' as '숨이 차다'.

The Korean word 숨차다 (sum-cha-da) is a descriptive verb, often categorized as an adjective in Korean grammar, that literally translates to 'breath is full.' However, its functional meaning is 'to be out of breath,' 'to be short of breath,' or 'to feel breathless' due to physical exertion, excitement, or even psychological pressure. It captures that specific physiological state where your respiratory system is struggling to keep up with the oxygen demands of your body. Whether you have just sprinted to catch a bus, climbed a steep flight of stairs, or are experiencing the thinning air at a high altitude, 숨차다 is the natural expression to describe that heavy, rapid breathing.

Physical Exertion: This is the most common use. It describes the physical state after running, swimming, or any cardiovascular activity. For example, 'I ran so fast I am out of breath' would use this word.

조금만 뛰어도 금방 숨차요. (Even if I run just a little, I get out of breath quickly.)

Metaphorical Pressure: Beyond physical breathing, it is used to describe a life or schedule that is so busy it feels like you cannot catch your breath. It implies a sense of being overwhelmed by the pace of events.

일정이 너무 빽빽해서 숨차는 하루였어요. (The schedule was so tight it was a breathless day.)

Understanding the nuance of 숨차다 involves recognizing that it is an involuntary state. Unlike 'holding one's breath' (숨을 참다), 숨차다 happens to you because of internal or external factors. It is frequently paired with adverbs like '몹시' (severely) or '무척' (very) to emphasize the level of exhaustion. In modern Korean society, which is often described as 'palli-palli' (hurry-hurry) culture, this word appears frequently in songs and dramas to describe the suffocating feeling of societal expectations or the rush of urban life.

계단을 오르니 숨차서 말을 못 하겠어요. (I climbed the stairs and I'm so out of breath I can't speak.)

Emotional Excitement: Sometimes used to describe the feeling of your heart racing and breath catching when you see someone you love or experience something thrilling.

그를 보면 가슴이 뛰고 숨이 차요. (When I see him, my heart races and I get out of breath.)

In summary, 숨차다 is your go-to word for any situation where your lungs feel 'full' or 'tight' from work, whether that work is physical, emotional, or logistical. It is an essential A2-level word because it describes a basic human sensation that occurs daily, from exercising to rushing to a meeting.

Using 숨차다 correctly requires understanding its conjugation as a descriptive verb (adjective). In Korean, descriptive verbs follow specific patterns that differ slightly from action verbs. Because it ends in '다', the root is '숨차'. When you want to say 'I am out of breath' in a polite, informal way, you say 숨차요. In a formal setting, it becomes 숨찹니다. If you are talking to yourself or writing in a diary, you might use the plain form 숨차다 or 숨이 찬다 (though the latter is a more dynamic nuance).

The Role of '이' (Particle): You will often see the word written as '숨이 차다'. The '이' is the subject marking particle. In casual speech, the '이' is frequently dropped, leaving just '숨차다'. Both are grammatically correct and mean the same thing, but '숨이 차다' sounds slightly more formal or emphatic about the 'breath' itself being the subject.

너무 빨리 걸어서 숨이 차요. (I walked too fast so I am out of breath.)

One of the most common ways to use this word is with the connective suffix -아서/어서, which means 'because'. Since being out of breath is often a cause for another action (like stopping or being unable to speak), this pattern is vital. For example, '숨차서 못 가요' (I can't go because I'm out of breath). Another common pattern is using it as a modifier before a noun: 숨찬 (breathless). You might talk about a '숨찬 목소리' (a breathless voice).

Past Tense Usage: To describe a past state, use '숨찼어요' (I was out of breath). This is useful when recounting a hike or a race you finished earlier. '정상에 도착했을 때 정말 숨찼어요' (When I reached the summit, I was really out of breath).

어제 마라톤을 하고 나서 너무 숨찼어요. (After doing the marathon yesterday, I was so out of breath.)

In more advanced usage, 숨차다 can be combined with auxiliary verbs like -아/어 보이다 (to look like). If you see someone gasping, you could say '숨차 보여요' (You look out of breath). You can also use the conjecture form '-ㄹ 것 같다' to say '숨찰 것 같아요' (I think I will be out of breath). This is common when looking at a steep hill you are about to climb.

저 산은 너무 높아서 올라가면 숨찰 것 같아요. (That mountain is so high, I think I'll be out of breath if I go up.)

Honorifics: If you are asking an elderly person if they are out of breath, you should use the honorific suffix '-시-'. The question becomes '숨차세요?' or '숨이 차십니까?'. This shows respect for the listener's physical condition.

할아버지, 많이 숨차세요? 좀 쉴까요? (Grandfather, are you very out of breath? Shall we rest a bit?)

You will encounter 숨차다 in a variety of real-life settings in Korea. One of the most common places is at the gym (헬스장) or during outdoor exercise. Korea has a very active hiking culture, especially among the middle-aged and elderly populations. On any given weekend, the trails of Bukhansan or Seoraksan are filled with people saying '아이고, 숨차라!' (Oh, I'm out of breath!). It is a communal expression of shared physical effort.

In K-Dramas and Movies: You'll hear this word in romantic scenes where a character has run across the city to declare their love or stop someone at the airport. They arrive, gasping for air, and the other character asks, '왜 이렇게 숨차게 달려왔어?' (Why did you come running so breathlessly?). It adds a sense of urgency and desperation to the scene.

주인공이 숨차게 뛰어가서 그녀를 붙잡았다. (The protagonist ran breathlessly and caught her.)

In the medical environment, doctors and nurses use this word to assess a patient's condition. If you visit a clinic for a cold or a heart check-up, the doctor might ask, '계단을 오를 때 숨이 많이 차나요?' (Do you get very out of breath when climbing stairs?). This is a standard diagnostic question for respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Everyday Social Situations: You'll hear it in the subway when someone barely makes it through the closing doors. They might lean against the wall and mutter '아, 숨차' to themselves. It serves as a social signal that they have just exerted themselves and need a moment to recover.

지하철 문이 닫히기 전에 타느라 너무 숨이 찼어요. (I was so out of breath from trying to board the subway before the doors closed.)

Finally, you will hear it in office settings or among students. When someone is handling too many tasks at once, they might say '숨찰 정도로 바빠요' (I'm so busy I'm out of breath). This metaphorical use is very common in competitive Korean society to describe the feeling of 'barely keeping one's head above water' or 'struggling to keep up with the pace of work'.

이번 달은 마감 때문에 숨차게 지나갔네요. (This month went by breathlessly because of the deadlines.)

News and Media: Reporters might use this to describe a rapidly changing political or economic situation. '숨 가쁘게 전개되는 상황' (A situation unfolding breathlessly) is a common journalistic phrase.

While 숨차다 is a straightforward word, English speakers often make mistakes by trying to translate 'out of breath' too literally or by confusing it with related concepts. One major mistake is using the wrong particle or verb structure. In English, we 'are' out of breath (adjective phrase), but in Korean, 'breath' is the subject that is 'full' (숨이 차다).

Mistake 1: Confusing '숨차다' with '숨막히다': '숨막히다' means 'to be suffocated' or 'to have one's breath blocked'. While '숨차다' is about panting from exercise, '숨막히다' is about not being able to breathe at all, often due to a lack of air, a physical blockage, or an extremely tense atmosphere. Using '숨막히다' when you just finished a jog sounds overly dramatic, like you were being strangled.

Incorrect: 운동해서 숨막혀요. (I'm suffocating because of exercise.)
Correct: 운동해서 숨차요. (I'm out of breath because of exercise.)

Another error is confusing 숨차다 with 힘들다 (to be difficult/tired). While they often happen at the same time, they are not interchangeable. If you say '힘들어요' when you are gasping for air, it's correct but vague. If you say '숨차요', it specifically identifies the respiratory distress.

Mistake 2: Overusing it for simple tiredness: Don't use '숨차다' if you are just sleepy or mentally exhausted. Use '피곤하다' (tired) or '지치다' (exhausted). '숨차다' requires an actual increase in heart rate and breathing speed.

Incorrect: 잠을 못 자서 숨차요. (I'm out of breath because I couldn't sleep.)
Correct: 잠을 못 자서 피곤해요. (I'm tired because I couldn't sleep.)

English speakers also struggle with the metaphorical usage. In English, we might say 'the news took my breath away' to mean we were shocked. In Korean, '숨차다' is rarely used for shock. Instead, use '깜짝 놀라다' (to be surprised) or '숨이 멎다' (breath stops). '숨차다' as a metaphor is almost exclusively for 'being busy' or 'being overwhelmed by a fast pace'.

그 소식에 숨찼어요 (X) -> 그 소식에 숨이 멎을 뻔했어요 (O). (My breath almost stopped at that news.)

Mistake 3: Misconjugation: Some learners try to conjugate it like an action verb (숨찬다 in polite speech), but as a descriptive verb, the polite form is simply '숨차요'. Save the '-ㄴ다' ending only for the plain/diary form.

To truly master Korean, you need to know the subtle differences between 숨차다 and its related terms. While all of these relate to breathing, they are used in distinct contexts.

숨차다 vs. 숨 가쁘다 (Sum-gap-peu-da): 숨차다 is the general term for being out of breath. 숨 가쁘다 implies a higher intensity or a more urgent, rapid panting. It is often used for the metaphorical 'fast-paced' life more frequently than '숨차다'. If '숨차다' is 'out of breath,' '숨 가쁘다' is 'breathless and gasping.'

현대 사회는 숨 가쁘게 변하고 있습니다. (Modern society is changing breathlessly/rapidly.)

숨차다 vs. 헐떡이다 (Heol-tteok-i-da): 숨차다 is a state (adjective), while 헐떡이다 is an action (verb). '헐떡이다' means 'to pant' or 'to gasp'. You would use '숨차다' to describe how you feel, and '헐떡이다' to describe what you are physically doing with your mouth and chest.

강아지가 더워서 헐떡이고 있어요. (The dog is panting because it's hot.)

숨차다 vs. 숨이 막히다 (Sum-i mak-hi-da): As mentioned in the common mistakes, 숨이 막히다 means 'to be suffocated' or 'to have one's breath cut off'. It is used for smoky rooms, tight neckties, or incredibly beautiful scenery that 'takes your breath away' in a paralyzing sense.

경치가 너무 아름다워서 숨이 막혔어요. (The scenery was so beautiful it took my breath away.)

In a formal medical setting, you might also hear 호흡이 곤란하다 (to have difficulty breathing). This is the Sino-Korean equivalent and is used in clinical reports or by doctors when discussing symptoms formally. If you are writing an essay about health, this would be the preferred term over the more colloquial '숨차다'.

Synonym Table

Word	Nuance	Usage
숨차다	General	Exercise, stairs
숨 가쁘다	Intense/Fast	Racing, busy life
헐떡이다	Physical act	Gasping for air
호흡 곤란	Medical	Clinical symptoms

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In ancient Korean, '차다' also meant to be sufficient or satisfied, but in this context, it implies an overwhelming fullness that causes distress.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /sum.tɕʰa.da/

US /sum.tɕʰa.da/

The stress is relatively even, but slightly more emphasis can be placed on the aspirated 'cha'.

Rima con

가다 (ga-da) 자다 (ja-da) 타다 (ta-da) 차다 (cha-da) 마다 (ma-da) 바다 (ba-da) 나다 (na-da) 사다 (sa-da)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'cha' without aspiration (sounding like 'ja').
Pronouncing 'sum' as 'soom' with a very long 'oo' sound.
Misplacing the stress on the final syllable 'da'.
Treating the 'm' in 'sum' as a separate syllable.
Failing to connect 'sum' and 'cha' smoothly.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to the simple '숨' (breath) root.

Escritura 3/5

Requires knowledge of descriptive verb conjugation.

Expresión oral 2/5

Very common and easy to use in daily life.

Escucha 2/5

Clear pronunciation and often accompanied by physical cues (panting).

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

숨 (breath) 차다 (to be full) 운동 (exercise) 뛰다 (to run) 힘들다 (to be hard)

Aprende después

숨 가쁘다 (breathless) 헐떡이다 (to pant) 호흡 (respiration) 지치다 (to be exhausted) 휴식 (rest)

Avanzado

호흡 곤란 (dyspnea) 심폐 기능 (cardiopulmonary function) 천식 (asthma) 맥박 (pulse) 산소 (oxygen)

Gramática que debes saber

Descriptive Verb Conjugation

숨차다 -> 숨차요 (Polite), 숨찹니다 (Formal)

-아서/어서 (Reason)

숨차서 좀 쉴게요. (I'm out of breath, so I'll rest.)

-(으)ㄹ 정도로 (Degree)

숨이 찰 정도로 뛰었어요. (I ran to the point of being out of breath.)

Noun Modifying Form -ㄴ

숨찬 목소리 (A breathless voice)

Adverbial Form -게

숨차게 달려오다 (To come running breathlessly)

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Ejemplos por nivel

조금 뛰어서 숨차요.

I ran a little, so I am out of breath.

Uses -아/어서 to show reason.

숨차요. 좀 쉬어요.

I'm out of breath. Let's rest.

Simple polite present tense.

계단이 많아서 숨이 차요.

There are many stairs, so I am out of breath.

Subject particle '이' used with '숨'.

너무 숨차요.

I am very out of breath.

Adverb '너무' used for emphasis.

안 숨차요?

Are you not out of breath?

Negative '안' placed before the verb.

빨리 걸으면 숨차요.

If I walk fast, I get out of breath.

Conditional -(으)면.

운동하면 숨이 차요.

When I exercise, I get out of breath.

General fact using -(으)면.

아기처럼 숨차요.

I am out of breath like a baby (panting).

Simile using -처럼.

어제 산에 가서 정말 숨찼어요.

I went to the mountain yesterday and was really out of breath.

Past tense '숨찼어요'.

숨차서 말을 못 하겠어요.

I'm out of breath, so I can't speak.

Connective -아서 with potential negative -ㄹ 수 없다/못.

숨이 찬 사람들은 여기 앉으세요.

People who are out of breath, please sit here.

Noun modifying form '숨이 찬'.

조금만 더 가면 숨찰 거예요.

If we go just a bit further, we'll be out of breath.

Future conjecture -(으)ㄹ 거예요.

왜 그렇게 숨이 차요?

Why are you so out of breath?

Interrogative with '왜' and '그렇게'.

숨차기 전에 천천히 걸으세요.

Walk slowly before you get out of breath.

-기 전에 (before doing).

수영을 하면 금방 숨이 차요.

If I swim, I get out of breath quickly.

Adverb '금방' (quickly/soon).

숨차지만 기분은 좋아요.

I'm out of breath, but I feel good.

Contrastive connective -지만.

숨이 찰 정도로 열심히 달렸어요.

I ran so hard that I was out of breath.

-(으)ㄹ 정도로 (to the extent that).

요즘은 일정이 너무 숨차게 돌아가요.

Lately, the schedule is moving breathlessly (too fast).

Metaphorical use with adverbial -게.

숨차 보이니까 좀 쉬었다 가요.

You look out of breath, so let's rest before going.

-아/어 보이다 (to look like).

갑자기 숨이 차서 병원에 갔어요.

I suddenly felt out of breath, so I went to the hospital.

Describing a medical symptom.

숨차지 않게 호흡을 조절하세요.

Control your breathing so you don't get out of breath.

-지 않게 (so as not to).

노래를 부르면서 춤을 추면 숨차요.

It's breath-taking (exhausting) to dance while singing.

Simultaneous action -(으)면서.

숨이 차는 것을 참고 계속 뛰었어요.

I kept running while enduring being out of breath.

Gerund form -는 것 and '참다' (to endure).

마스크를 쓰고 걸으면 더 숨차요.

It's more breathless (harder to breathe) when walking with a mask on.

Comparative '더'.

숨차게 달려온 끝에 목표를 달성했다.

After running breathlessly, I finally achieved the goal.

Adverbial '숨차게' describing a process.

그녀는 숨찬 목소리로 전화를 받았다.

She answered the phone with a breathless voice.

Noun modification '숨찬 목소리'.

현대인들은 숨차는 일상을 살아가고 있다.

Modern people are living breathless daily lives.

Metaphorical noun modification.

숨이 찰 때마다 잠시 멈춰 서서 하늘을 봐요.

Whenever you are out of breath, stop for a moment and look at the sky.

-(으)ㄹ 때마다 (whenever).

숨이 차오르는 것을 느끼며 정상에 올랐다.

I climbed to the summit, feeling my breath rising (getting shorter).

Compound verb '차오르다' (to rise up/fill up).

할아버지께서 조금만 걸으셔도 숨차 하세요.

Grandfather gets out of breath even if he walks just a little.

-아/어 하다 (describing a third person's state).

숨차게 변하는 세상에 적응하기 힘들다.

It's hard to adapt to a world that changes breathlessly.

Adverbial use describing change.

경기가 너무 숨차게 진행되어서 눈을 뗄 수 없었다.

The game proceeded so breathlessly that I couldn't take my eyes off it.

Describing the pace of an event.

숨차게 몰아치는 업무 때문에 건강이 나빠졌다.

My health worsened due to the breathlessly overwhelming workload.

Complex noun phrase with multiple modifiers.

그의 연설은 숨차게 이어지는 문장들로 가득했다.

His speech was full of sentences that followed one another breathlessly.

Describing the flow of speech.

숨이 차서 헐떡이는 소리가 방 안에 가득했다.

The room was filled with the sound of gasping from being out of breath.

Combining '숨차다' with '헐떡이다'.

숨차는 경쟁 사회 속에서 여유를 찾기란 쉽지 않다.

It is not easy to find leisure in a breathless competitive society.

-기란 (as for doing...).

숨이 턱 끝까지 차오를 때까지 멈추지 않았다.

I didn't stop until my breath rose to the very tip of my chin (extreme breathlessness).

Idiomatic expression '숨이 턱 끝까지 차다'.

이 책은 숨차게 전개되는 줄거리가 매력적이다.

The charm of this book is its breathlessly unfolding plot.

Literary description of pace.

숨차게 달려온 지난 세월을 되돌아보았다.

I looked back on the past years that I have lived breathlessly.

Metaphor for a busy life journey.

도시의 숨차는 소음에서 벗어나고 싶다.

I want to escape from the breathless (suffocating/busy) noise of the city.

Personification of noise.

실존적 고뇌는 때로 육체적인 숨차다 못해 질식할 것 같은 고통으로 다가온다.

Existential anguish sometimes approaches as a pain that goes beyond being out of breath to the point of feeling suffocated.

-다 못해 (beyond the point of).

작가는 숨차게 몰아붙이는 문체로 독자를 압도한다.

The author overwhelms the reader with a breathless, driving prose style.

Describing literary style.

숨이 찰 정도로 가파른 인생의 고비들을 넘겨왔다.

I have crossed the breathless, steep crises of life.

Metaphorical use for life's challenges.

그의 삶은 숨차게 달려온 일련의 투쟁이었다.

His life was a series of struggles that he ran through breathlessly.

Abstract noun modification.

숨이 차오르는 생동감 넘치는 현장의 열기.

The heat of the scene, full of life, making one breathless.

Using breathlessness to describe excitement.

숨차게 돌아가는 자본주의의 톱니바퀴 속에서 소외된 이들.

Those alienated within the breathlessly turning gears of capitalism.

Sociopolitical metaphor.

숨차는 긴장감 속에 정적이 흘렀다.

A silence flowed amidst the breathless tension.

Describing atmosphere.

그의 연주는 숨차게 몰아치다가 돌연 고요해졌다.

His performance drove forward breathlessly and then suddenly became still.

Describing musical dynamics.

Colocaciones comunes

숨차게 뛰다

숨이 몹시 차다

숨이 차서 멈추다

숨찬 목소리

조금만 걸어도 숨차다

숨이 차오르다

숨차게 돌아가다

숨이 턱 끝까지 차다

숨차서 말을 못 하다

숨차 보이는 얼굴

Frases Comunes

숨차 죽겠다

— Used for emphasis. 'I'm out of breath I could die' (I'm extremely out of breath).

아이고, 숨차 죽겠네.

숨이 차서 그래요

— Explaining a situation. 'It's because I'm out of breath.'

말을 안 하는 게 아니라 숨이 차서 그래요.

숨차기 시작하다

— To start getting out of breath.

5분 정도 뛰니까 숨차기 시작해요.

숨이 안 차다

— To not be out of breath (good stamina).

그는 아무리 뛰어도 숨이 안 차 보여요.

숨이 많이 차세요?

— Asking about someone's condition politely.

할머니, 숨이 많이 차세요?

숨이 찰 때

— When out of breath.

숨이 찰 때는 심호흡을 하세요.

숨이 차서 힘들다

— It's hard because I'm out of breath.

숨이 너무 차서 힘드네요.

숨찬 하루

— A breathless/busy day.

오늘 정말 숨찬 하루였어요.

숨이 찰까 봐

— Worrying about getting out of breath.

숨이 찰까 봐 천천히 걸었어요.

숨이 차도 계속하다

— To keep going even if out of breath.

숨이 차도 포기하지 마세요.

Se confunde a menudo con

숨차다 vs 숨막히다

Means 'to suffocate' or 'to be choked'. '숨차다' is just being out of breath from effort.

숨차다 vs 힘들다

A general word for 'hard' or 'tiring'. '숨차다' specifically refers to breathing.

숨차다 vs 지치다

Means 'to be exhausted' or 'worn out'. You can be '지치다' without being '숨차다' (e.g., after a long day of sitting).

Modismos y expresiones

"숨이 턱에 닿다"

— To be extremely out of breath, as if the breath is reaching the chin.

산 정상에 오르니 숨이 턱에 닿았다.

Neutral

"숨 가쁘게 살다"

— To live a very busy and hurried life.

우리는 모두 숨 가쁘게 살고 있다.

Neutral

"숨을 몰아쉬다"

— To pant heavily or gasp for air.

그는 숨을 몰아쉬며 도착했다.

Neutral

"숨 돌릴 틈도 없다"

— To be so busy there isn't even time to take a breath.

오늘은 숨 돌릴 틈도 없이 바빴어요.

Informal

"숨이 막히는 긴장감"

— A tension so high it feels like you can't breathe.

시험장에는 숨이 막히는 긴장감이 감돌았다.

Neutral

"숨이 넘어가다"

— To be on the verge of death or to laugh/cry excessively.

그는 숨이 넘어갈 정도로 웃었다.

Informal

"숨 죽이다"

— To hold one's breath (stay quiet/still).

모두 숨 죽이고 결과를 기다렸다.

Neutral

"숨이 차오르다"

— To feel a rising sensation of breathlessness or strong emotion.

벅찬 감동에 숨이 차올랐다.

Literary

"숨통을 조이다"

— To pressure someone severely (constrict the windpipe).

빚이 그의 숨통을 조여 왔다.

Metaphorical

"숨을 고르다"

— To catch one's breath or steady one's breathing.

잠시 멈춰서 숨을 골랐다.

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

숨차다 vs 숨 가쁘다

Both mean 'out of breath'.

'숨차다' is more general and common for exercise. '숨 가쁘다' is more intense and used more for metaphorical speed.

숨 가쁜 현대 사회 (The breathless modern society).

숨차다 vs 헐떡이다

Both relate to heavy breathing.

'숨차다' is the feeling/state. '헐떡이다' is the physical action of gasping.

숨이 차서 헐떡였다. (I was out of breath, so I panted.)

숨차다 vs 벅차다

Can mean 'beyond one's capacity'.

'벅차다' is often emotional (overwhelmed with joy) or related to a task being too hard. '숨차다' is purely respiratory.

가슴이 벅차다 (My heart is full of emotion).

숨차다 vs 숨을 참다

Both use the word '숨'.

'숨을 참다' is an intentional action (to hold one's breath). '숨차다' is an involuntary state.

물속에서 숨을 참았다. (I held my breath underwater.)

숨차다 vs 기진맥진하다

Both mean being very tired.

This means 'to be completely drained of energy' (fainting level). '숨차다' is specifically about breathing.

마라톤 후에 기진맥진했다. (I was exhausted after the marathon.)

Patrones de oraciones

[Reason] + -아서/어서 + 숨차요.

뛰어서 숨차요.

조금만 [Action] + -아/어도 + 숨이 차요.

조금만 걸어도 숨이 차요.

숨이 찰 정도로 [Action] + -았/었어요.

숨이 찰 정도로 열심히 운동했어요.

숨차게 [Action/Verb].

숨차게 달려왔어요.

숨이 차는 것을 [Action].

숨이 차는 것을 참고 뛰었다.

[Noun] + -은/는 + 숨차게 돌아가다.

세상은 숨차게 돌아간다.

숨이 턱 끝까지 차오르다.

숨이 턱 끝까지 차올랐다.

숨차다 못해 [Result].

숨차다 못해 쓰러질 것 같아요.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

숨 (breath)

호흡 (respiration/breathing)

Verbos

숨쉬다 (to breathe)

헐떡이다 (to pant)

숨막히다 (to suffocate)

Adjetivos

숨가쁘다 (breathless/urgent)

Relacionado

공기 (air)

폐 (lungs)

달리기 (running)

운동 (exercise)

휴식 (rest)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very High in daily life, exercise, and health contexts.

Errores comunes

숨을 차다 → 숨이 차다
You cannot use the object particle '을' because '차다' is a descriptive verb, not an action verb acting on an object.
숨차는 영화 → 숨 막히는 영화
For a 'breath-taking' or 'thrilling' movie, '숨 막히는' is the correct term. '숨차는' would mean the movie itself is out of breath.
피곤해서 숨차요 → 피곤해서 힘들어요
Being tired (sleepy/exhausted) doesn't necessarily mean you are out of breath. Only use '숨차요' for respiratory issues.
숨차한다 → 숨차 해요
When describing another person's state, use the -아/어 하다 form correctly: '숨차 해요' or '숨이 차 보여요'.
숨차게 놀랐어요 → 깜짝 놀랐어요
Shock doesn't use '숨차게'. Use '깜짝' for surprise.

Consejos

Exercise Context

Always use '숨차다' when you finish a run. It's the most natural way to express that you need a moment to breathe.

Particle Choice

Using '이' in '숨이 차다' makes you sound more like a native speaker in formal writing.

Busy Schedule

If your day is packed with meetings, say '오늘 일정이 너무 숨차요' to express how overwhelmed you feel.

Aspiration

Make sure to puff out air when saying 'cha'. If you don't, it might sound like 'jada' (to sleep).

Empathy

Asking '숨 안 차세요?' to an older person while walking is a great way to show respect and care.

Synonym Choice

Use '헐떡이다' for animals (like a dog panting) and '숨차다' for humans.

Doctor Visit

If you have asthma, '숨이 차요' is the first thing you should say to your doctor in Korea.

K-Pop Lyrics

Look for the phrase '숨이 차' in intense K-pop songs to see how it's used to convey energy.

Modifier Form

Use '숨찬' before nouns like '목소리' (voice) or '걸음' (step) to add descriptive detail.

Hiking Etiquette

On a trail, if someone says '숨차네요', you can reply with '좀 쉬었다 가세요' (Please rest a bit before going).

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'SUM' (the total) and 'CHA' (like a car). When the 'SUM' of your movement is too much, your 'CHA' (body) gets out of breath.

Asociación visual

Imagine a person running up a hill with a 'FULL' (차다) sign on their chest, meaning their lungs can't take any more.

Word Web

숨 (Breath) 차다 (Full) 운동 (Exercise) 달리기 (Running) 산 (Mountain) 계단 (Stairs) 힘들다 (Hard) 쉬다 (Rest)

Desafío

Try to say '숨차요' while actually panting after a quick jump-rope session to link the physical sensation to the word.

Origen de la palabra

A combination of the native Korean noun '숨' (breath) and the adjective '차다' (to be full).

Significado original: Literally 'the breath is full,' implying there is no more room for air or the system is overloaded.

Koreanic (Native Korean)

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using this word metaphorically with someone who is genuinely struggling with their health; it might come across as making light of a serious condition.

In English, we say 'out of breath,' focusing on the lack of air. In Korean, they say 'breath is full,' focusing on the feeling of the lungs being packed.

SEVENTEEN - 'Getting Closer' (Korean title: 숨이 차) Standard phrase in Korean hiking vlogs. Commonly used in medical K-dramas during emergency room scenes.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Exercise

숨이 차요.
운동해서 숨차요.
너무 숨차게 뛰지 마세요.
숨이 찰 때까지 하세요.

Medical

가슴이 답답하고 숨이 차요.
언제부터 숨이 찼나요?
계단 오를 때 숨차요.
숨이 차서 잠을 못 자요.

Busy Work

일정이 숨차요.
숨차게 일했어요.
숨 돌릴 틈도 없이 숨차요.
요즘 너무 숨차게 살아요.

Hiking

산 정상이니까 숨차네요.
숨차면 좀 쉬었다 가요.
벌써 숨이 차면 어떡해요?
숨차도 조금만 더 가요.

Subway/Bus

뛰어와서 숨차요.
버스 잡느라 숨찼어요.
숨이 차서 말을 못 하겠어요.
숨차 보이는데 앉으세요.

Inicios de conversación

"계단으로 올라오셨어요? 정말 숨차 보이시네요."

"요즘 운동 시작하셨다면서요? 숨이 많이 차진 않으세요?"

"오늘 일정이 정말 빽빽하네요. 숨차지 않으세요?"

"등산 좋아하세요? 저는 조금만 올라가도 숨이 차서 힘들더라고요."

"마라톤 완주하셨을 때 얼마나 숨이 찼나요?"

Temas para diario

오늘 하루 중 가장 숨이 찼던 순간은 언제였나요? 왜 그랬는지 써 보세요.

숨이 찰 정도로 열심히 노력해 본 적이 있나요? 그 경험에 대해 적어 보세요.

바쁜 일상을 '숨차다'라고 표현한다면, 당신의 요즘 생활은 어떤가요?

운동을 할 때 숨이 차는 느낌을 어떻게 생각하시나요? 고통인가요, 성취감인가요?

만약 당신이 숨이 찰 때 가장 먼저 하고 싶은 일은 무엇인가요?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, it's not common. For shock, Koreans use '숨이 멎다' (breath stops) or '가슴이 철렁하다'. '숨차다' is for physical effort or a busy pace.

In Korean grammar, it is a descriptive verb (adjective). This means it describes a state rather than an action.

There is no difference in meaning. '숨이 차요' is just more complete with the subject particle '이'. In casual speech, '숨차요' is more frequent.

No. For a breath-taking movie, use '숨 막히는' (suffocatingly intense) or '대단한' (great). '숨차다' would imply the movie is moving too fast for you to follow.

Use '안 숨차요' or '숨이 안 차요'.

Usually, '호흡 곤란' (breathing difficulty) is used in formal reports, but a patient will tell the doctor '숨이 차요'.

No. It describes how someone does an action (running) or how a period of time passes, not a personality trait.

The past tense is '숨찼다' (plain) or '숨찼어요' (polite).

Yes, '숨참' can be used as a noun, but it is less common than using the phrase '숨이 찬 것'.

'숨이 턱에 닿다' (to be out of breath to the point of reaching the chin) is very common.

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