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A2 adjective #7,000 más común 8 min de lectura

매끄럽다

maekkeureopda Top 7,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 매끄럽다 en 30 segundos

Explicación 매끄럽다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can use '매끄럽다' to describe simple objects you touch every day. Think about things that are not rough. For example, a table, a piece of paper, or your phone screen. You should learn the basic polite form: '매끄러워요'. Use it when you want to say something feels nice and even. Remember, it's mostly about how things feel to your hands. If you touch a rock and it's not bumpy, it is '매끄러워요'. If you touch a mirror, it is '매끄러워요'. Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on 'Noun + 이/가 + 매끄러워요'. This is a great word to add to your basic vocabulary for describing the world around you.

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At the A2 level, you start using '매끄럽다' to describe people's skin and simple activities. You should be comfortable with the 'ㅂ' irregular conjugation (매끄럽다 -> 매끄러워요). You can also use the noun-modifying form '매끄러운' to say things like '매끄러운 피부' (smooth skin). This is very common in commercials or when talking about health. You might also start using it to describe how a class or a game is going. If there are no problems, you can say '매끄럽게 진행돼요' (It's going smoothly). At this level, you are moving from just describing physical objects to describing how things are happening in a simple way.

By B1, you can use '매끄럽다' to talk about communication and processes. It’s not just about skin or tables anymore; it's about how a story flows or how a person speaks. If you read a book and the story moves easily from one part to another, the story is '매끄럽다'. If you are writing an essay, your teacher might ask you to make the sentences more '매끄럽게' (smoothly). You should also be able to distinguish '매끄럽다' from synonyms like '부드럽다' (soft) and '미끄럽다' (slippery). Use '매끄럽다' when you want to emphasize that there is no 'friction' in a situation or a surface. This adds a layer of sophistication to your descriptions.

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At the B2 level, you can apply '매끄럽다' to professional and social contexts. You can describe a diplomatic negotiation, a business deal, or a complex technical process as '매끄럽다'. This implies that all the moving parts worked together perfectly. You might use it to describe a 'smooth transition' (매끄러운 전환) in a speech or a video. You should also understand the nuance of calling a person's social skills '매끄럽다'—it can be a compliment for being polished, but in some contexts, it might suggest someone is a bit too 'slick' or artificial. You can use the word to critique art, literature, and professional performance with precision.

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At the C1 level, you use '매끄럽다' to discuss abstract aesthetics and complex systemic functions. You might analyze the '매끄러운 문체' (smooth writing style) of a famous author, discussing how their syntax creates a seamless reading experience. You can use it in technical discussions about ergonomics or UI/UX design, where a '매끄러운 사용자 경험' (smooth user experience) is a key goal. You understand the philosophical difference between something being 'smooth' (매끄럽다) and 'natural' (자연스럽다). You can use the word in high-level business reports to describe the integration of two companies or the execution of a multi-phase strategy without any operational friction.

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At the C2 level, '매끄럽다' is a tool for nuanced literary and philosophical expression. You can use it to describe the seamlessness of existence or the frictionless nature of high-level thought processes. You can detect and describe the '매끄러움' (smoothness) in a master musician's performance, where transitions between notes are imperceptible. You might use it to critique the 'overly smooth' (지나치게 매끄러운) nature of a political speech that lacks substance. At this level, you use the word to capture the finest details of texture, flow, and social grace, often using it metaphorically to describe the very fabric of complex interactions or artistic works.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

매끄럽다 en 30 segundos

매끄럽다 primarily describes physical surfaces that are smooth, even, and free of roughness, such as polished wood or silk.
It is frequently used in the beauty and skincare industry to describe a flawless, poreless, and healthy skin texture.
Metaphorically, it refers to processes, events, or speech that flow naturally and without any interruptions or obstacles.
It follows the 'ㅂ' irregular conjugation, becoming '매끄러워요' in the polite present tense and '매끄러운' as a modifier.

The Korean adjective 매끄럽다 (maekkeureopda) is a versatile word primarily used to describe the physical quality of a surface that is even, regular, and free from roughness or bumps. In its most literal sense, it describes the tactile sensation of touching something like a polished marble floor, high-quality silk, or well-sanded wood. For English speakers, it most closely translates to 'smooth,' but it carries specific nuances depending on whether it is describing a physical object, a person's skin, or the flow of a process or speech. Unlike '부드럽다' (soft/tender), which focuses on the lack of hardness, 매끄럽다 focuses on the lack of friction or irregularity on a surface.

Physical Texture: Used for surfaces that have been polished or are naturally even. Examples include glass, polished stones, or a freshly waxed car body.
Skin and Appearance: Commonly used in the beauty industry to describe flawless, poreless, or well-moisturized skin. If someone's skin looks 'smooth as glass,' this is the word you use.
Abstract Flow: Refers to how a conversation, a speech, or a transition in a movie flows without awkward pauses or interruptions. A 'smooth' speaker is often described using this term.

종이 표면이 아주 매끄럽다. (The surface of the paper is very smooth.)

In a social context, you might hear this word when people discuss the quality of a product. If a smartphone has a sleek, seamless design, a reviewer might say the finish is '매끄럽다.' It implies a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. In professional settings, it can describe a project that went 'smoothly' without any hiccups (매끄럽게 진행되다).

그녀의 피부는 정말 매끄러워요. (Her skin is really smooth.)

Work Efficiency: When a meeting or a presentation goes off without a hitch, it is described as being '매끄럽다'. It suggests a lack of friction in communication.

회의 진행이 매끄러웠습니다. (The meeting proceeded smoothly.)

Culturally, Koreans value 'jeong' (connection) and social harmony. A person who can navigate social situations 'smoothly' without causing conflict is often seen as sophisticated. Using this word to describe someone's manners or speech is a high compliment. It suggests they are refined and articulate.

이 탁자는 표면이 참 매끄럽네요. (This table surface is quite smooth, isn't it?)

Using 매끄럽다 correctly requires understanding its conjugation and the specific nouns it frequently modifies. As a descriptive verb (adjective), it follows the standard rules for adjectives in Korean, including the 'ㅂ' irregular conjugation pattern. This means when you attach a suffix starting with a vowel, like '-어/아' or '-은', the final 'ㅂ' of the stem transforms into '우'.

Basic Conjugation: Present Tense: 매끄러워요 (Polite), 매끄러워 (Casual). Past Tense: 매끄러웠어요. Future: 매끄러울 거예요.
Noun Modification: To describe a noun directly (e.g., 'smooth skin'), you use the form '매끄러운'. Example: 매끄러운 피부 (Smooth skin), 매끄러운 진행 (Smooth progress).

그는 매끄러운 목소리로 노래를 불렀다. (He sang with a smooth voice.)

When describing abstract concepts like a story's plot or a sentence's flow, 매끄럽다 is the preferred term. If a translation feels natural and doesn't read like a machine translation, a Korean speaker would say the sentences are '매끄럽다'. This is a common feedback term in writing and editing circles.

문장이 매끄럽지 않아서 수정이 필요해요. (The sentences aren't smooth, so they need editing.)

Adverbial Form: The adverbial form is '매끄럽게', meaning 'smoothly'. It is often used with verbs like '진행되다' (to proceed) or '말하다' (to speak).

일이 매끄럽게 잘 풀렸어요. (The work was resolved smoothly.)

이 바닥은 너무 매끄러워서 넘어질 수 있어요. (This floor is so smooth that you might fall.)

In professional contexts, the word often appears in product descriptions. Whether it's the 'smooth' ride of a car or the 'smooth' finish of a laptop, it conveys a sense of luxury and high quality. It's an essential word for anyone working in design, marketing, or manufacturing in Korea.

You will encounter 매끄럽다 in various real-life scenarios in Korea, from the skincare aisle to the office. Its frequency in daily conversation is high, particularly when evaluating the quality of something or the efficiency of a process.

In Beauty Shops (Olive Young): Sales associates will often say, "이 제품을 쓰면 피부가 매끄러워져요" (If you use this product, your skin will become smooth). It is the ultimate goal of many Korean skincare routines.
In Construction and DIY: Carpenters or interior designers use it to describe the finish of wood or walls. "표면을 매끄럽게 갈아주세요" (Please sand the surface smoothly).

화장품 광고: "매끄러운 피부의 비밀!" (Cosmetic Ad: "The secret to smooth skin!")

In the Korean workplace, during a debriefing after an event or a project launch, a manager might comment on how '매끄럽게' everything went. This is a common way to give praise for good organization. Conversely, if a presentation was choppy or had technical issues, they might say it wasn't '매끄럽다'.

행사 진행이 아주 매끄러웠어요. (The event was handled very smoothly.)

In literature and media, authors use it to describe the flow of a narrative. A well-written book has a '매끄러운 문체' (smooth writing style). If you are learning Korean and you can write a paragraph where the sentences connect logically without sounding robotic, your teacher might compliment you by saying your writing is '매끄럽다'.

번역이 아주 매끄럽게 잘 되었네요. (The translation was done very smoothly/naturally.)

In the Kitchen: While '부드럽다' is more common for food, you might hear '매끄럽다' when talking about the surface of a dough or the texture of a ceramic bowl. "반죽의 표면이 매끄러워질 때까지 치대세요" (Knead until the surface of the dough becomes smooth).

Learning 매끄럽다 involves navigating a few linguistic traps that English speakers often fall into. The most frequent errors involve conjugation, confusion with similar-sounding words, and using it in inappropriate contexts.

The Conjugation Trap: Many learners forget the 'ㅂ' irregular rule and say '매끄럽아요' instead of '매끄러워요'. Remember, if the suffix starts with a vowel, the 'ㅂ' must change to '우'.
Confusion with '미끄럽다': '매끄럽다' (Smooth) vs. '미끄럽다' (Slippery). Only one vowel separates them! If you say the floor is '매끄러워요', you are complimenting its finish. If you say it is '미끄러워요', you are warning someone they might slip. This is a vital distinction.

Incorrect: 매끄럽아요 (Maekkeureop-ayo)
Correct: 매끄러워요 (Maekkeureoweoyo)

Another mistake is using 매끄럽다 when you should use 부드럽다 (soft). If you are talking about the texture of a cake or the feel of a plush blanket, '매끄럽다' sounds strange. '매끄럽다' implies a lack of bumps on a surface, whereas '부드럽다' implies a yielding, soft sensation. Think of '매끄럽다' as 'sleek' and '부드럽다' as 'soft'.

Wrong context: 케이크가 매끄러워요 (The cake is smooth - sounds like the cake is made of plastic).
Better: 케이크가 부드러워요 (The cake is soft/creamy).

Misusing with Liquids: Liquids themselves are not described as '매끄럽다'. However, the *flow* of a liquid can be. If you say water is '매끄럽다', it makes no sense. But if you say the water flows '매끄럽게', it means it flows without obstruction.

To truly master Korean, you need to understand the subtle differences between 매끄럽다 and its synonyms. Depending on the context, one might be more appropriate than the others.

부드럽다 (Budeureopda): Focuses on softness or gentleness. Use this for blankets, bread, or a kind voice. 매끄럽다 is about the surface finish; 부드럽다 is about the lack of hardness.
미끄럽다 (Mikkeureopda): Means 'slippery'. This is often a negative or cautionary term (e.g., an icy road). While something '매끄럽다' might also be '미끄럽다', the latter emphasizes the risk of slipping.
반들반들하다 (Bandeul-bandeul-hada): This is an ideophone (mimetic word) that means 'shiny and smooth'. It implies a glossy, polished look, like a bald head or a polished apple.

비교:
1. 표면이 매끄럽다 (The surface is smooth - even).
2. 표면이 미끄럽다 (The surface is slippery - dangerous).

For abstract flow, you can also use 유창하다 (yuchanghada), which specifically means 'fluent'. While a '매끄러운 발표' (smooth presentation) focuses on the lack of interruptions, a '유창한 발표' (fluent presentation) focuses on the speaker's language proficiency. Another alternative for abstract progress is 순조롭다 (sunjoropda), which means 'to go smoothly/favourably' in the sense of a plan working out.

그의 태도는 매우 매끄러웠다. (His manner was very smooth/polished.)

보드랍다 (Bodeurapda): A more delicate version of '부드럽다'. Often used for a baby's skin or fine fabric. It carries a more emotive, gentle nuance than the technical '매끄럽다'.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The 'ㅂ' at the end of many Korean adjectives like 매끄럽다, 덥다 (hot), and 춥다 (cold) is a remnant of an old sound that changed over centuries, which is why they conjugate irregularly today.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /mɛ.k͈ɯ.ɾʌp̚.t͈a/

US /me.k͈ɯ.rʌp̚.t͈a/

Stress is typically equal across syllables in Korean, but the tensed '끄' (kk) naturally carries more acoustic energy.

Rima con

부드럽다 (budeureopda) 미끄럽다 (mikkeureopda) 가렵다 (garyeopda) 두렵다 (duryeopda) 어렵다 (eoryeopda) 더럽다 (deoreopda) 가볍다 (gabyeopda) 무겁다 (mugeopda)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing '끄' as a soft 'g' or 'k' instead of a tensed 'kk'.
Failing to apply the 'ㅂ' irregular rule in conjugation (saying 매끄럽어요).
Confusion with '미끄럽다' (slippery).
Not making the 'p' in '럽' a clear unreleased stop.
Over-emphasizing the final '다' in casual speech.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, especially in commercials and product descriptions.

Escritura 3/5

Requires remembering the 'ㅂ' irregular conjugation rule.

Expresión oral 3/5

Pronouncing the tensed 'kk' sound correctly is important for clarity.

Escucha 2/5

Easily confused with '미끄럽다' (slippery) if not listening carefully.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

피부 (Skin) 표면 (Surface) 부드럽다 (Soft) 거칠다 (Rough) 진행 (Progress)

Aprende después

미끄럽다 (Slippery) 순조롭다 (Smooth/Favorable) 유창하다 (Fluent) 자연스럽다 (Natural) 다듬다 (To polish/refine)

Avanzado

윤택하다 (Lustrous/Affluent) 반들거리다 (To be glossy) 매끈매끈 (Mimetic word for smooth/slippery) 처세술 (Social skills/Politics)

Gramática que debes saber

ㅂ Irregular Conjugation

매끄럽다 + 어요 -> 매끄러워요

-게 (Adverbializer)

매끄럽게 진행되다 (To proceed smoothly)

-(으)ㄴ (Noun Modifier for Adjectives)

매끄러운 피부 (Smooth skin)

-아/어지다 (To become...)

피부가 매끄러워졌어요 (Skin became smooth)

-(으)니까 (Reason/Cause)

바닥이 매끄러우니까 조심해 (Be careful because the floor is smooth)

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Ejemplos por nivel

책상이 매끄러워요.

The desk is smooth.

Basic adjective use with the subject marker '이/가'.

얼음이 매끄러워요.

The ice is smooth.

Present tense polite form.

이 종이는 매끄러워요.

This paper is smooth.

Using '이' as a demonstrative pronoun.

사과가 매끄러워요.

The apple is smooth.

Simple adjective sentence.

유리가 매끄러워요.

The glass is smooth.

Subject-Adjective structure.

돌이 매끄러워요.

The stone is smooth.

Describing physical texture.

매끄러운 공이에요.

It's a smooth ball.

Noun-modifying form '매끄러운'.

피부가 매끄러워요.

The skin is smooth.

Common usage for physical appearance.

피부가 정말 매끄러워요.

Your skin is really smooth.

Adverb '정말' used for emphasis.

매끄러운 피부를 원해요.

I want smooth skin.

Noun-modifying form in an object position.

길이 매끄럽게 닦였어요.

The road was wiped/paved smoothly.

Adverbial form '매끄럽게'.

표면이 매끄러운 탁자예요.

It's a table with a smooth surface.

Relative clause modifying '탁자'.

비누가 매끄러워요.

The soap is smooth.

Describing a common household object.

이 로션은 피부를 매끄럽게 해줘요.

This lotion makes the skin smooth.

Using '-게 하다' to mean 'to make/cause'.

말을 매끄럽게 잘해요.

They speak smoothly and well.

Adverbial use describing speech.

바닥이 매끄러우니까 조심하세요.

The floor is smooth, so be careful.

Reasoning connector '-(으)니까'.

이야기 전개가 매끄러워요.

The story development is smooth.

Abstract usage for narrative flow.

문장을 더 매끄럽게 고쳐주세요.

Please fix the sentences to be smoother.

Requesting a change in quality using '-게'.

회의가 매끄럽게 진행되었습니다.

The meeting proceeded smoothly.

Formal past tense with an adverb.

발음이 매끄러워서 듣기 좋아요.

The pronunciation is smooth, so it's nice to listen to.

Connecting two clauses with '-어서'.

화면 전환이 아주 매끄럽네요.

The screen transition is very smooth.

Exclamatory ending '-네요'.

이 옷감은 아주 매끄러운 실크예요.

This fabric is very smooth silk.

Describing material properties.

그녀는 매끄러운 솜씨로 요리를 했다.

She cooked with smooth (skillful) skill.

Metaphorical use for skill.

계획이 매끄럽게 세워졌어요.

The plan was established smoothly.

Passive structure with an adverb.

협상이 매끄럽게 타결되었습니다.

The negotiation was concluded smoothly.

Formal business context.

그의 매끄러운 화술에 모두가 감탄했다.

Everyone was impressed by his smooth speech/oratory.

Noun '화술' (art of speaking) modified by '매끄러운'.

이 소프트웨어는 매끄러운 사용자 인터페이스를 제공한다.

This software provides a smooth user interface.

Technical/marketing context.

사건의 인과관계가 매끄럽지 못하다.

The cause-and-effect relationship of the incident is not smooth (logical).

Using '-지 못하다' for negative evaluation.

신제품의 표면 처리가 아주 매끄럽게 잘 나왔다.

The surface treatment of the new product came out very smoothly.

Describing manufacturing quality.

기존 시스템에서 신규 시스템으로의 매끄러운 전환이 필요합니다.

A smooth transition from the existing system to the new system is necessary.

Abstract 'transition' modified by '매끄러운'.

그는 위기 상황에서도 매끄럽게 대처했다.

He handled the crisis smoothly.

Describing crisis management.

번역이 원문만큼이나 매끄럽고 자연스럽다.

The translation is as smooth and natural as the original text.

Comparison using '-만큼이나'.

저자의 매끄러운 문체는 독자들을 사로잡기에 충분했다.

The author's smooth writing style was enough to captivate readers.

Literary analysis context.

공정의 매끄러운 흐름을 방해하는 요소를 제거해야 합니다.

We must remove elements that hinder the smooth flow of the process.

Industrial/Operational terminology.

그의 행동은 마치 잘 짜인 각본처럼 매끄러웠다.

His actions were as smooth as a well-written script.

Simile using '마치 ~처럼'.

외교적 마찰 없이 매끄러운 합의를 도출해냈다.

They reached a smooth agreement without diplomatic friction.

High-level political context.

연주자의 매끄러운 레가토가 돋보이는 곡이었다.

It was a piece where the performer's smooth legato stood out.

Musical critique using loanwords (legato).

데이터 전송이 매끄럽지 않을 경우 오류 메시지가 뜹니다.

An error message appears if the data transmission is not smooth.

Technical conditional sentence.

그는 매끄러운 처세술로 사내에서 인정을 받았다.

He was recognized in the company for his smooth social/political skills.

Social '처세술' (social wisdom/politics).

두 기업의 합병 과정이 예상보다 매끄럽게 마무리되었다.

The merger process of the two companies was finalized more smoothly than expected.

Corporate finance context.

언어의 매끄러운 흐름 속에 숨겨진 날카로운 비판을 읽어내야 한다.

One must read the sharp criticism hidden within the smooth flow of language.

Advanced literary criticism.

그의 삶은 굴곡 없이 매끄러운 듯 보였으나 내면은 복잡했다.

His life seemed smooth without ups and downs, but his inner self was complex.

Contrast between appearance and reality.

정교하게 설계된 기계가 매끄러운 소리를 내며 돌아가기 시작했다.

The elaborately designed machine began to run, making a smooth sound.

Describing mechanical perfection.

철학적 논리가 매끄럽게 연결되지 않으면 설득력을 잃는다.

If philosophical logic is not smoothly connected, it loses its persuasiveness.

Abstract logic and rhetoric.

그의 문장은 매끄러움을 넘어선 어떤 경지에 도달해 있었다.

His sentences had reached a level beyond mere smoothness.

Sublime aesthetic evaluation.

사회 시스템의 매끄러운 작동을 위해서는 시민의 협조가 필수적이다.

For the smooth functioning of the social system, citizen cooperation is essential.

Sociopolitical commentary.

매끄러운 표면 뒤에 감춰진 거친 질감을 찾아내는 것이 예술의 역할이다.

The role of art is to find the rough texture hidden behind smooth surfaces.

Artistic theory.

고도의 기술력이 집약된 매끄러운 곡선미가 돋보이는 건축물이다.

It is a building that stands out for its smooth curves, integrating high technology.

Architectural description.

Colocaciones comunes

피부가 매끄럽다

진행이 매끄럽다

문장이 매끄럽다

표면이 매끄럽다

목소리가 매끄럽다

연결이 매끄럽다

솜씨가 매끄럽다

흐름이 매끄럽다

매끄러운 촉감

매끄러운 곡선

Frases Comunes

매끄럽게 넘어가다

— To transition smoothly or to let something slide without issue.

이번 실수는 매끄럽게 넘어갔지만 다음은 조심해.

매끄러운 마무리

— A smooth finish or a clean conclusion to a task.

프로젝트의 매끄러운 마무리가 중요합니다.

매끄럽게 풀리다

— For a problem or situation to be resolved smoothly.

복잡했던 문제가 매끄럽게 풀렸어요.

매끄러운 피부 결

— Smooth skin texture (a specific term in skincare).

매끄러운 피부 결을 위해 팩을 해요.

매끄러운 대화

— A smooth conversation without awkward silences.

우리는 처음 만났지만 매끄러운 대화를 나눴다.

매끄럽게 갈다

— To grind or sand something until it is smooth.

나무 판자를 매끄럽게 갈아 주세요.

매끄러운 진행자

— A smooth/skilled moderator or host.

그는 방송계에서 매끄러운 진행자로 유명하다.

매끄러운 바닥

— A smooth floor (often a warning or a description).

매끄러운 바닥에서 스케이트를 타요.

매끄러운 솜씨

— Smooth/deft skill in doing something.

그는 매끄러운 솜씨로 기계를 고쳤다.

매끄러운 번역

— A smooth and natural-sounding translation.

이 소설은 매끄러운 번역 덕분에 인기가 많다.

Se confunde a menudo con

매끄럽다 vs 미끄럽다

Means 'slippery'. Often used for ice or wet floors. Easy to confuse because of the similar sound.

매끄럽다 vs 부드럽다

Means 'soft'. Used for textures like cotton or bread, or for a person's gentle personality.

매끄럽다 vs 매끈하다

Very similar, but '매끈하다' is often used to describe long, sleek shapes or a healthy body.

Modismos y expresiones

"매끄러운 미꾸라지 같다"

— To be like a smooth loach; used for someone who is slippery and good at escaping responsibility.

그는 매끄러운 미꾸라지처럼 교묘하게 빠져나갔다.

Informal/Negative

"기름을 친 듯 매끄럽다"

— To be as smooth as if oiled; describes something moving very efficiently.

기계가 기름을 친 듯 매끄럽게 돌아간다.

Neutral

"매끄럽게 입을 놀리다"

— To talk smoothly/glibly, often with an implication of being untrustworthy.

그는 매끄럽게 입을 놀려 사람들을 속였다.

Informal/Negative

"물 흐르듯 매끄럽다"

— To be as smooth as flowing water; describes a very natural flow.

연기가 물 흐르듯 매끄러웠다.

Neutral/Positive

"매끄러운 길만 걷다"

— To walk only on smooth paths; meaning to have an easy, trouble-free life.

그는 부모님 덕분에 매끄러운 길만 걸어왔다.

Neutral

"매끄러운 얼굴"

— A smooth face; can mean someone who looks young or someone who hides their true feelings well.

그는 매끄러운 얼굴로 거짓말을 했다.

Neutral/Negative

"실크처럼 매끄럽다"

— As smooth as silk; a common simile for texture.

머릿결이 실크처럼 매끄러워요.

Neutral

"매끄럽게 다듬다"

— To refine or polish something (like a plan or a text) to perfection.

보고서의 내용을 매끄럽게 다듬었다.

Neutral/Positive

"매끄러운 관계"

— A smooth relationship without conflict.

두 나라의 매끄러운 관계를 위해 노력해야 한다.

Formal

"매끄럽게 화제를 돌리다"

— To change the subject smoothly/deftly.

그녀는 매끄럽게 화제를 돌려 어색함을 없앴다.

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

매끄럽다 vs 미끄럽다

Only one vowel difference (ae vs i).

매끄럽다 is about surface evenness (positive/neutral). 미끄럽다 is about lack of traction (often a warning).

바닥이 매끄러워요 (The floor is smooth - looks good). 바닥이 미끄러워요 (The floor is slippery - watch out).

매끄럽다 vs 부드럽다

Both translate to 'smooth' in certain English contexts.

매끄럽다 is 'smooth' like glass. 부드럽다 is 'soft' like silk or a pillow.

이 종이는 매끄러워요 (Smooth paper). 이 이불은 부드러워요 (Soft blanket).

매끄럽다 vs 평평하다

Both describe surface qualities.

평평하다 means 'flat' or 'level'. 매끄럽다 means 'smooth' or 'not rough'.

운동장이 평평해요 (The field is flat). 거울이 매끄러워요 (The mirror is smooth).

매끄럽다 vs 매끈하다

Nearly identical meaning.

매끈하다 is more often used for shapes (sleek legs, sleek car) rather than just texture.

다리가 매끈해요 (Her legs are sleek/smooth).

매끄럽다 vs 껄끄럽다

It is the opposite of 매끄럽다.

껄끄럽다 means scratchy or socially awkward. It's the antonym of the social 'smoothness' of 매끄럽다.

그와의 관계가 껄끄러워요 (My relationship with him is awkward/rough).

Patrones de oraciones

N + 이/가 매끄러워요

종이가 매끄러워요.

매끄러운 + N

매끄러운 피부를 원해요.

V + 게 매끄럽다

진행이 매끄럽게 잘 됐어요.

N + 을/를 매끄럽게 고치다

문장을 매끄럽게 고쳤어요.

N + 이/가 매끄럽지 못하다

연결이 매끄럽지 못해요.

매끄러운 + Abstract Noun

그는 매끄러운 화술을 가졌다.

매끄러움을 넘어서다

그의 연주는 매끄러움을 넘어선 예술이었다.

매끄러운 표면 뒤의 ~

매끄러운 표면 뒤의 진실을 봐라.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

매끄러움 (Smoothness)

매끄러운 정도 (Degree of smoothness)

Verbos

매끄러워지다 (To become smooth)

매끄럽게 하다 (To make something smooth)

Adjetivos

매끄럽다 (Smooth)

매끈하다 (Sleek/Smooth)

Relacionado

미끄럽다 (Slippery)

부드럽다 (Soft)

보드랍다 (Delicate/Soft)

매끄러이 (Smoothly - literary)

맨끄럽다 (Very smooth - rare/dialect)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

High, especially in marketing, beauty, and professional evaluations.

Errores comunes

Using 매끄럽아요 instead of 매끄러워요. → 매끄러워요
This is a ㅂ-irregular adjective. When a vowel-starting suffix is added, ㅂ changes to 우.
Saying '케이크가 매끄러워요' (The cake is smooth). → 케이크가 부드러워요
매끄럽다 is for surface texture (like glass). For soft mouthfeel or texture of food, use 부드럽다.
Confusing 매끄럽다 with 미끄럽다. → 매끄럽다 (Smooth), 미끄럽다 (Slippery)
If the floor is smooth but safe, it's 매끄럽다. If you might fall, it's 미끄럽다.
Using 매끄러운 to describe a kind person. → 부드러운 사람 / 상냥한 사람
매끄러운 사람 can sound like you are calling them a 'slick' or 'slippery' person (negative).
Spelling it as 매그럽다. → 매끄럽다
The second syllable must have the tensed ㄲ (kk) sound, not a single ㄱ (g).

Consejos

Master the ㅂ Irregular

Always remember that 매끄럽다 follows the ㅂ irregular rule. This is the most common mistake for learners. Practice saying '매끄러워요' until it feels natural.

The 'Marble' Connection

To remember the meaning, associate '매끄럽다' (Maekkeureopda) with 'Marble'. Both start with an 'M' sound and marble is the quintessential smooth surface.

Skincare Context

In Korea, skin texture is as important as skin tone. Use '매끄러운 피부' when complimenting someone's skin; it shows you understand Korean beauty standards.

Smooth Progress

In a workplace, use '매끄럽게 진행되었습니다' to report that a task went well. It sounds more professional and sophisticated than just saying '잘 됐어요'.

Vowel Distinction

Focus on the 'ae' (ㅐ) in 매끄럽다 vs the 'i' (ㅣ) in 미끄럽다. This distinction is vital for safety (smooth vs slippery)!

Natural Transitions

When an editor says your writing isn't '매끄럽다', they mean your sentences don't flow logically. Look at your connecting words (conjunctions).

Tensed Sound

Don't forget to tense the 'kk' (ㄲ) in the second syllable. A weak 'k' sound will make the word harder for native speakers to recognize.

Smooth vs Soft

If you can slide your hand across it easily, it's 매끄럽다. If you can press into it and it's squishy, it's 부드럽다.

M-M-M Rule

Marble, Mirror, Metal—all are 매끄럽다. All start with M, just like the first syllable of 매끄럽다.

Diplomatic Smoothness

Use this word to describe social interactions that were handled with grace and without conflict.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Mac' (매끄) computer. They are famous for their 'smooth' (매끄럽다) design and 'smooth' operating system.

Asociación visual

Imagine a hand sliding perfectly across a sheet of polished glass or a silk ribbon. There is zero friction.

Word Web

Skin (피부) Silk (실크) Glass (유리) Smooth Speech (매끄러운 말) Progress (진행) Polished (연마된) Sleek (매끈한) Frictionless (마찰 없는)

Desafío

Try to find three things in your room right now that are '매끄럽다' and three things that are '거칠다' (rough). Say them out loud: '이 거울은 매끄러워요' (This mirror is smooth).

Origen de la palabra

매끄럽다 is a native Korean word. It is formed from the root '매끄-' which relates to smoothness or sleekness, combined with the suffix '-업/옵/업다' which often forms adjectives describing a state or feeling.

Significado original: The root is likely connected to words describing being polished or having a clear surface.

Koreanic

Contexto cultural

Be careful when describing a person as '매끄럽다' (smooth); it can sometimes imply they are manipulative or 'slippery' like a politician.

English speakers often use 'smooth' for both texture and personality. In Korean, '매끄럽다' is more technical for texture and flow, while '부드럽다' is used more for personal kindness.

Skincare brand advertisements (e.g., Sulwhasoo, Innisfree) constantly use '매끄러운 피부'. The song 'Smooth Criminal' by Michael Jackson is translated in some Korean contexts using '매끄러운' or '매끈한'. K-Drama dialogue often uses '매끄럽게' to describe a plan or a lie working out perfectly.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Skincare/Beauty

매끄러운 피부 결
피부가 매끄러워졌어요
매끄럽게 발려요
매끄러운 마무리감

Business/Meetings

매끄러운 회의 진행
업무가 매끄럽게 풀리다
매끄러운 협상
매끄러운 인수인계

Writing/Editing

문장이 매끄럽다
글의 흐름이 매끄럽다
매끄러운 번역
매끄럽게 다듬다

Interior Design/Crafts

표면이 매끄럽다
매끄러운 마감
매끄럽게 갈다
매끄러운 질감

Speaking/Presentations

매끄러운 화술
말을 매끄럽게 하다
매끄러운 목소리
매끄러운 연결

Inicios de conversación

"이 화장품 써보니까 피부가 정말 매끄러워지지 않았어요? (Don't you think my skin got really smooth after using this cosmetic?)"

"오늘 회의 진행이 참 매끄러웠는데, 어떻게 생각하세요? (The meeting went very smoothly today, what do you think?)"

"이 테이블 표면이 너무 매끄러워서 촉감이 좋네요. (This table surface is so smooth that it feels nice to touch.)"

"번역하신 문장들이 아주 매끄러운 것 같아요. 비결이 뭐예요? (The sentences you translated seem very smooth. What's your secret?)"

"길이 매끄럽게 잘 닦여 있어서 운전하기 편하네요. (The road is paved smoothly, so it's comfortable to drive.)"

Temas para diario

오늘 하루 중 가장 '매끄럽게' 진행되었던 일은 무엇인가요? 그 이유는 무엇인가요? (What was the most 'smoothly' proceeding thing today? What was the reason?)

자신의 피부를 매끄럽게 관리하기 위해 하는 루틴이 있다면 적어보세요. (Write down your routine, if any, to keep your skin smooth.)

최근에 읽은 책이나 본 영화 중에서 이야기가 매끄럽지 않았던 것이 있었나요? (Was there a book or movie you recently saw where the story wasn't smooth?)

자신의 한국어 발음을 더 매끄럽게 만들기 위해 어떤 연습을 할 수 있을까요? (What practice can you do to make your Korean pronunciation smoother?)

인간관계를 매끄럽게 유지하는 가장 좋은 방법은 무엇이라고 생각하나요? (What do you think is the best way to maintain relationships smoothly?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Generally, no. For food textures like cream or pudding, use '부드럽다' (soft/smooth). '매끄럽다' sounds like the food has a hard, polished surface like plastic. However, you can use it for dough (반죽) when the surface becomes smooth after kneading.

They are very close. '매끄럽다' is more common for general texture and flow. '매끈하다' is often used to describe things that are sleek, well-proportioned, or have a 'clean' look, like a sports car or a well-groomed person.

Since it's a 'ㅂ' irregular, the 'ㅂ' becomes '우'. Then you add '-었-'. So it becomes '매끄러웠다' or '매끄러웠어요'.

Mostly, yes. It implies quality and efficiency. However, when describing a person's speech or social behavior, it can sometimes imply they are *too* smooth, perhaps a bit insincere or 'slick'.

Yes. A '매끄러운 길' is a well-paved road without bumps. But be careful; if the road is '미끄럽다', it means it's icy or oily and dangerous.

Use '매끄럽게'. For example, '일이 매끄럽게 진행됐어요' (The work proceeded smoothly).

Yes! A '매끄러운 목소리' is a smooth, pleasant voice without raspiness or hesitation.

Constantly. It is one of the most common words used to describe the desired effect of serums, lotions, and masks on skin texture.

The most direct opposite is '거칠다' (rough). Other opposites include '울퉁불퉁하다' (bumpy) and '투박하다' (crude/rough).

Yes, to describe the flow of a melody or a transition between notes (like a legato). A '매끄러운 연주' is a smooth performance.

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