Signification
To be very close to achieving a goal or understanding something.
Contexte culturel
In the context of the CSAT (Suneung) exam, students often use this phrase in the final month of study to motivate themselves that the 'end' is near. Classic Korean poets often used this phrase to describe the moon, symbolizing a pure but unreachable ideal that feels close to the heart. In 'underdog' stories (like Itaewon Class), the protagonist often uses this phrase to describe their 10-year or 15-year plan becoming a reality. Used in 'Pali-pali' (hurry-hurry) culture to push teams toward the finish line of a project.
Use with '말 듯'
Add '말 듯' (손에 잡힐 듯 말 듯) to express that frustrating feeling of something being *almost* there but still slightly out of reach.
Check the Particle
Always use '에' (in) not '을' (object) for the hand. It's 'in the hand,' not 'the hand.'
Signification
To be very close to achieving a goal or understanding something.
Use with '말 듯'
Add '말 듯' (손에 잡힐 듯 말 듯) to express that frustrating feeling of something being *almost* there but still slightly out of reach.
Check the Particle
Always use '에' (in) not '을' (object) for the hand. It's 'in the hand,' not 'the hand.'
Vividness is Key
Koreans love using this for memories. It makes you sound very poetic and fluent if you use it to describe a nostalgic moment.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
오랜 시간 준비한 프로젝트의 성공이 이제 (____) 듯하다.
The standard idiom is '손에 잡힐 듯하다'.
Which situation is MOST appropriate for this phrase?
When would you say '손에 잡힐 듯하다'?
The idiom describes being very close to a goal or destination.
Complete the dialogue.
가: 이번 시험 합격할 수 있을까? 나: 그럼! 네 노력을 보면 합격이 (____).
'손에 잡힐 듯해' means success is within reach.
Match the feeling to the phrase.
Match 'Vivid Memory' with the correct usage.
This idiom is used for memories that feel tangible and clear.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices오랜 시간 준비한 프로젝트의 성공이 이제 (____) 듯하다.
The standard idiom is '손에 잡힐 듯하다'.
When would you say '손에 잡힐 듯하다'?
The idiom describes being very close to a goal or destination.
가: 이번 시험 합격할 수 있을까? 나: 그럼! 네 노력을 보면 합격이 (____).
'손에 잡힐 듯해' means success is within reach.
Match 'Vivid Memory' with the correct usage.
This idiom is used for memories that feel tangible and clear.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, if you mean someone's presence or image is very vivid in your mind, like '그녀의 모습이 손에 잡힐 듯하다.'
Not at all. It's very common in texts when talking about finishing work or meeting a goal.
'거의 다 됐다' is a simple fact (almost done). '손에 잡힐 듯하다' is more descriptive and emotional.
Yes, but usually only if the object is large (like a mountain) or the visibility is surprisingly good.
Yes, it is a standard Korean idiom used across the peninsula.
Yes, '듯하다' and '것 같다' are interchangeable here, but '듯하다' is more idiomatic.
The '-ㄹ' indicates a future or prospective state—it hasn't been caught yet, but it *will* be.
It's less common, but you can say a memory of a smell is '손에 잡힐 듯 생생하다'.
The negative is usually '손에 잡히지 않는다' (cannot focus), which is a slightly different idiom.
Use '손에 닿는 곳에' (in a place where the hand reaches).
Expressions liées
손에 잡히다
similarTo be caught in hand; to be able to focus.
코앞에 있다
similarTo be right in front of one's nose.
손에 땀을 쥐다
contrastTo have sweaty palms.
다 된 밥에 재 뿌리기
contrastTo throw ash on cooked rice.
