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A2 adverb 11 min de lecture

꾸벅꾸벅

kkubeokkkubeok

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 꾸벅꾸벅 en 30 secondes

Explication 꾸벅꾸벅 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that '꾸벅꾸벅' is a word used when someone is very sleepy. It's like saying 'nod, nod' with your head. You will mostly see it paired with the word '졸다' (to doze). Think of a student in class who can't keep their eyes open. Their head goes down, then up, then down again. That motion is '꾸벅꾸벅'. You don't need to worry about complex grammar with this word. Just remember it describes a person or an animal that is about to fall asleep while sitting up. It's a fun word to use because it sounds like the action it describes. If you see it in a picture book or a comic, it usually means someone is tired.

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For A2 learners, '꾸벅꾸벅' is an important 'mimetic word' (의태어). In Korean, these words describe how something looks or moves. '꾸벅꾸벅' specifically describes the repetitive dropping of the head when drowsy. You should practice using it in the pattern: [Subject] + [꾸벅꾸벅] + [졸다]. For example, '동생이 꾸벅꾸벅 졸아요' (My younger sibling is nodding off). It's also useful to know that '꾸벅' (just once) can mean a single polite bow. So, '꾸벅 인사하다' means to give a quick bow. At this level, focus on the 'sleepy' meaning as it is very common in daily life, especially when talking about being tired after work or school.

As a B1 learner, you can start to appreciate the nuance of '꾸벅꾸벅' compared to other sleep-related words. While '졸다' is the verb for dozing, '꾸벅꾸벅' adds the visual detail of the head nodding. It's a way to make your Korean sound more 'native' and descriptive. You might also encounter it in descriptions of people being very apologetic, where they bow '꾸벅꾸벅' many times. You should also be careful not to confuse it with '끄덕끄덕' (nodding in agreement). Start looking for this word in Korean dramas or variety show subtitles; it's often used to create a humorous or sympathetic atmosphere when a character is exhausted.

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At the B2 level, you should understand the linguistic structure of mimetic words like '꾸벅꾸벅'. The repetition of the stem '꾸벅' signifies a continuous or rhythmic action. You can use this word to add 'color' to your writing and speaking. For instance, instead of simply stating someone is tired, you can describe the scene: '회의 시간 내내 꾸벅꾸벅 조는 모습이 안쓰러웠다' (It was pitiful to see them nodding off throughout the meeting). You should also be aware of the vowel harmony in mimetic words; '꾸벅' uses 'dark' vowels (ㅜ, ㅓ), which give it a heavier, deeper feeling than words with 'light' vowels (ㅗ, ㅏ). This is why it feels like a heavy head dropping.

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For C1 learners, '꾸벅꾸벅' serves as a gateway to understanding the vast world of Korean phonomimes and their role in literature and media. You should be able to use it metaphorically or in more complex sentence structures. For example, you might see it in a novel to describe the movement of a flower in the wind or a boat on the waves, personifying the object as if it were nodding off. You should also be able to distinguish between '꾸벅꾸벅' and other specific mimetic words like '가물가물' (flickering eyes/consciousness) or '비몽사몽' (the state of being between sleep and wakefulness). At this stage, your usage should be fluid, incorporating it naturally into narratives about fatigue, social etiquette (repeated bowing), or descriptive scenes.

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At the C2 level, you should have a complete grasp of '꾸벅꾸벅' and its cultural connotations. This includes its use in social commentary—for example, discussing the 'nodding off' culture on late-night Korean subways as a symbol of the nation's work ethic and subsequent exhaustion. You should be able to analyze how the word functions in different registers, from the child-friendly '꾸벅꾸벅 하네' to its use in formal news reporting on drowsy driving (졸음운전). Furthermore, you should be comfortable with its historical and etymological roots as a native Korean word that has remained a staple of the language's expressive power, surviving and thriving even as modern vocabulary evolves.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

꾸벅꾸벅 en 30 secondes

꾸벅꾸벅 is a Korean mimetic adverb used to describe the rhythmic motion of nodding off repeatedly when extremely sleepy, typically while sitting or standing.
It is also used to describe the action of bowing multiple times in a very respectful or apologetic manner, though sleepiness is its primary context.
Commonly paired with the verb '졸다' (to doze), it creates a vivid visual image of the head dropping and snapping back up during a struggle with sleep.
It is a friendly, descriptive word used in daily conversation, variety shows, and literature to add sensory detail to a person's physical state of exhaustion.

The Korean word 꾸벅꾸벅 is a fascinating example of an '의태어' (uitae-eo), which translates to a mimetic word or a phonomime. Unlike English, which relies heavily on adverbs like 'sleepily' or 'drowsily,' Korean uses these mimetic words to paint a vivid physical picture of an action. Specifically, 꾸벅꾸벅 describes the rhythmic, repetitive motion of someone’s head dropping down and then jerking back up as they struggle to stay awake. It is the universal visual of 'nodding off.' Imagine a student in a warm classroom during a long lecture, or an office worker on the Seoul subway at 10:00 PM; their chin slowly sinks toward their chest, then suddenly snaps back up as they realize they are falling asleep, only for the cycle to repeat seconds later. This specific, heavy, and somewhat involuntary motion is exactly what 꾸벅꾸벅 captures.

Visual Imagery: The word evokes the image of a heavy object on a hinge. The 'kkub' sound starts with a sharp consonant, representing the initial drop, and the repetition suggests a cycle that the person cannot control. It is often used with the verb '졸다' (to doze) to form the common phrase '꾸벅꾸벅 졸다.'

지하철에서 한 남자가 꾸벅꾸벅 졸고 있어요. (A man is nodding off repeatedly on the subway.)

Beyond just sleepiness, this word can occasionally be used to describe repeated, deep bowing, though this is less common than the sleep-related usage. When used for bowing, it implies a sense of extreme politeness or perhaps a repetitive, mechanical apology. However, in 95% of daily conversations, if you hear 꾸벅꾸벅, it is about someone fighting a losing battle with the sandman. It is a very cute and descriptive word, often used to describe pets, babies, or even friends in a lighthearted way. It carries a nuance of being slightly pathetic but relatable, as everyone has experienced that level of exhaustion where the head becomes too heavy to hold up.

Common Contexts: This word is frequently used in literature, webtoons, and daily speech to add flavor. Instead of saying 'He was very sleepy,' a Korean speaker would say 'He was nodding 꾸벅꾸벅,' which is much more descriptive of the physical state.

강아지가 졸린지 꾸벅꾸벅 하더니 결국 잠들었어요. (The puppy was nodding off repeatedly as if sleepy, and finally fell asleep.)

In summary, 꾸벅꾸벅 is an essential word for describing the physical manifestation of drowsiness. It bridges the gap between a simple verb and a full visual description. By using this word, you show a deeper understanding of Korean's unique mimetic system, moving beyond basic vocabulary into the realm of expressive, natural-sounding language. It is a word that brings a smile to people's faces because it so accurately describes a state we've all been in—trying to stay awake when our body has other plans.

Using 꾸벅꾸벅 in a sentence is relatively straightforward because it functions as an adverb. In Korean, adverbs typically appear before the verb they modify. The most frequent partner for this word is the verb 졸다 (to doze/nod off). When combined, 꾸벅꾸벅 졸다 creates a complete image of the nodding-off action. It is important to note that you don't need to change the form of 꾸벅꾸벅 regardless of the politeness level or tense of the sentence. It remains static while the verb at the end of the sentence changes.

Sentence Structure: [Subject] + [꾸벅꾸벅] + [졸다/하다/인사하다]. For example: '학생들이 꾸벅꾸벅 졸고 있어요' (The students are nodding off repeatedly).

어제 잠을 못 자서 수업 시간에 꾸벅꾸벅 졸았어요. (I didn't sleep yesterday, so I kept nodding off during class.)

Another common usage is with the verb 인사하다 (to greet/bow). While 꾸벅 (single) refers to one polite bow, 꾸벅꾸벅 (repeated) implies bowing several times. This is often seen in situations where someone is being overly apologetic or extremely respectful, such as a child thanking a grandparent multiple times for a gift. However, you must be careful with the context; if you say someone is bowing 꾸벅꾸벅, it might sound like they are being a bit mechanical or frantic, depending on the tone of your voice.

In more descriptive or literary contexts, 꾸벅꾸벅 can be used to describe the movement of inanimate objects that mimic a nodding motion, like a flower head heavy with dew or a buoy in the water, though this is quite poetic. For daily use, stick to describing people or animals. When you use it to describe a friend, it adds a touch of empathy. Instead of just saying 'You look tired,' saying '너 아까부터 꾸벅꾸벅 졸더라' (You've been nodding off for a while) sounds more observant and natural. It's a great word to use when you want to describe a scene vividly without using complex grammatical structures.

Usage with Tense: Past: 꾸벅꾸벅 졸았다. Present: 꾸벅꾸벅 존다. Future: 꾸벅꾸벅 졸 것이다. The adverb remains unchanged, making it a very 'low-maintenance' word for learners to master.

고양이가 햇볕 아래에서 꾸벅꾸벅 졸고 있는 모습이 너무 귀여워요. (The sight of the cat nodding off in the sun is so cute.)

Finally, consider the intensity. If you use 꼬박꼬박 instead, the meaning changes entirely to 'regularly' or 'faithfully.' The vowel shift from 'ㅜ' (u) to 'ㅗ' (o) in Korean mimetic words often changes the nuance from heavy/slow to light/fast. 꾸벅꾸벅 is the heavy, deep version, perfect for that heavy-headed sleepiness that feels impossible to resist.

In South Korea, you will encounter 꾸벅꾸벅 in several distinct environments. The most common is public transportation. If you take the Seoul Metro during rush hour or late at night, you will see rows of people 꾸벅꾸벅 졸고 있는 (nodding off). Because of the high-pressure work and study culture, this word is almost a national collective experience. You'll hear people talking about their commute, saying, '지하철에서 꾸벅꾸벅 졸다가 내려야 할 역을 놓쳤어' (I was nodding off on the subway and missed my stop). This is a very relatable scenario for most Koreans.

Variety Shows & Media: Korean variety shows (like 'Running Man' or 'I Live Alone') make heavy use of on-screen captions. When a cast member is caught napping or looking sleepy during a long shoot, the editors will almost certainly splash the text '꾸벅꾸벅' across the screen in a playful font. This helps viewers immediately understand the cast member's physical state in a humorous way.

드라마에서 주인공이 밤샘 공부를 하다가 꾸벅꾸벅 조는 장면이 나왔어요. (A scene appeared in the drama where the main character was nodding off after studying all night.)

Another place you'll hear this is in schools and hagwons (private academies). Teachers often use it to gently tease or wake up students. A teacher might say, '철수야, 앞에서 그렇게 꾸벅꾸벅 졸면 어떡해?' (Cheolsu, what am I going to do with you nodding off like that right in front of me?). It's less harsh than saying 'Wake up!' or 'Stop sleeping!' because the mimetic word acknowledges the physical struggle the student is having. It's also very common in parenting. Parents will watch their toddlers during a car ride and whisper, '어머, 우리 아기 꾸벅꾸벅 하네' (Oh, our baby is nodding off).

Social media and webtoons are also prime locations for this word. In webtoons, an artist doesn't need to draw many frames of animation; they can simply draw a character with a tilted head and write '꾸벅... 꾸벅...' next to them to indicate they are falling asleep. On Instagram or YouTube, pet owners frequently use this word in captions for videos of their dogs or cats fighting sleep. The word is essentially the 'Zzz' of the Korean visual and auditory world, but specifically for that transitional phase before someone fully falls over or lays down to sleep.

News & Literature: While it's an informal-sounding word, you'll even see it in news reports about 'drowsy driving' (졸음운전), describing how drivers might start nodding off before an accident. In literature, it's used to add a rhythmic, sensory quality to a scene, making the reader feel the heaviness of the atmosphere.

춘곤증 때문에 오후만 되면 사무실 여기저기서 꾸벅꾸벅 조는 사람들이 보여요. (Because of spring fever, you can see people nodding off here and there in the office every afternoon.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 꾸벅꾸벅 with its 'brother' word, 끄덕끄덕. While they look and sound similar, their meanings are worlds apart. 끄덕끄덕 (kkeudeok-kkeudeok) describes nodding your head in agreement or understanding. If your teacher asks if you understand and you say you were '꾸벅꾸벅,' they will think you were falling asleep in their class, not agreeing with them! Remember: '끄' (kkeu) is for 'yes/agreement,' and '꾸' (kku) is for 'sleepy/bowing.' The 'u' sound in 'kku' feels heavier, like your head is falling down.

Confusion with 꼬박꼬박: Another common pitfall is 꼬박꼬박 (kkobak-kkobak). This word means 'regularly,' 'faithfully,' or 'without fail.' For example, '꼬박꼬박 저축하다' means to save money regularly. Because of the similar double-consonant 'ㄲ' and the 'ㅂ' sound, learners often mix them up. If you tell your boss you are working '꾸벅꾸벅,' you are telling them you are falling asleep at your desk, when you probably meant to say you are working '꼬박꼬박' (faithfully)!

Wrong: 선생님 말씀에 꾸벅꾸벅 고개를 흔들었어요. (I nodded my head to the teacher's words - implies nodding off.)
Right: 선생님 말씀에 끄덕끄덕 고개를 끄덕였어요. (I nodded my head in agreement to the teacher's words.)

A third mistake is using 꾸벅꾸벅 for a single bow. If you bow once to say hello, you should use the single form 꾸벅. Saying you bowed '꾸벅꾸벅' implies you were like a bobblehead, bowing over and over again. This might come across as desperate, weirdly robotic, or like you're in a cartoon. Use the double form only when the action is actually repetitive. Similarly, don't use it to mean 'I am sleeping.' It specifically describes the *motion* of falling asleep while sitting or standing. Once you are lying down and fully asleep, 꾸벅꾸벅 no longer applies.

Finally, some learners try to use it as a verb directly without '하다' or '졸다'. While in very casual slang you might say '나 계속 꾸벅꾸벅해,' it is grammatically much safer and more natural to include the verb. Also, avoid using it in extremely formal written reports unless you are specifically describing human behavior in a social study. It is a 'vivid' word, which makes it slightly more suited for speech, stories, and casual writing than for a formal business proposal or a scientific paper.

Summary of Mistakes: 1. Confusing with 끄덕끄덕 (agreement). 2. Confusing with 꼬박꼬박 (regularly). 3. Using it for a single bow. 4. Using it for someone already lying down and asleep.

잘못된 사용: 침대에서 꾸벅꾸벅 자고 있어요. (Sleeping '꾸벅꾸벅' in bed - incorrect because there's no nodding motion in bed.)

Korean is rich with mimetic words for sleepiness. If 꾸벅꾸벅 doesn't quite fit your situation, you might consider 가물가물. While 꾸벅꾸벅 describes the head movement, 가물가물 describes the eyes flickering or vision becoming blurry as you lose consciousness. You might say '정신이 가물가물해요' to mean 'My consciousness is fading.' This is more about the internal feeling of sleepiness rather than the external physical motion of the head.

꾸벅 vs. 벅벅: Don't confuse '꾸벅' with '벅벅' (beok-beok), which is the sound/motion of scratching something hard. They sound similar but are totally unrelated. If you scratch your head while nodding off, you're doing both, but keep the words separate!

Alternative: 눈이 가물가물 감겨요. (My eyes are flickering shut / I'm losing consciousness of the surroundings.)

Another alternative is 쿨쿨 (kul-kul), which is the Korean equivalent of 'Zzz' or 'snoring loudly.' This is used when someone is *already* deeply asleep. If 꾸벅꾸벅 is the journey to sleep, 쿨쿨 is the destination. You wouldn't use them together for the same moment. You'd say, 'He was nodding off (꾸벅꾸벅) and now he's fast asleep (쿨쿨).' For a lighter, more peaceful sleep, you can use 새근새근 (sae-geun-sae-geun), often used for babies breathing softly while asleep.

Formal Alternatives: If you need to be more formal, you can use the phrase 졸음을 참지 못하다 (to not be able to endure sleepiness) or 비몽사몽 (half-asleep, half-awake). These don't have the cute, mimetic quality of 꾸벅꾸벅, but they are more appropriate for serious writing or professional contexts.

Formal: 피곤해서 비몽사몽인 상태예요. (I'm in a half-asleep, half-awake state because I'm tired.)

Lastly, for the 'bowing' aspect of the word, you could use 정중하게 (politely/respectfully) or 여러 번 (several times). For example, '여러 번 고개 숙여 인사했다' (He bowed his head several times). This is a more literal way to describe the action without using a mimetic word. However, in most casual settings, 꾸벅꾸벅 remains the most natural and expressive choice for both nodding off and repetitive bowing.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

Korean has thousands of these mimetic words. Changing just one vowel (like from 'u' to 'o') can change the feeling of the word from 'heavy' to 'light'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /k͈u.bʌk.k͈u.bʌk/

US /k͈u.bʌk.k͈u.bʌk/

Equal stress on both '꾸벅' parts, with a slight rhythmic pause in between.

Rime avec

벅벅 (beok-beok) 넙죽넙죽 (neopjuk-neopjuk) 허벅허벅 (heobeok-heobeok) 터벅터벅 (teobeok-teobeok) 덥석덥석 (deopseok-deopseok) 쩍쩍 (jjeok-jjeok) 퍽퍽 (peok-peok) 덜컥덜컥 (deolkeok-deolkeok)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'kk' as a soft 'g' (gubbeok).
Pronouncing 'eo' as 'o' (kkubok).
Releasing the final 'k' sound too strongly (kkubok-kuh).
Mixing it up with 'kkeudeok-kkeudeok'.
Not making the 'kk' sound tensed enough.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its repetitive structure.

Écriture 3/5

Need to remember the double 'kk' and the correct vowels.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires correct tense 'kk' pronunciation for clarity.

Écoute 2/5

The rhythm makes it very distinctive in speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

졸다 인사 피곤하다 고개 자다

Apprends ensuite

끄덕끄덕 꼬박꼬박 가물가물 비몽사몽 식곤증

Avancé

의태어 (Mimetic words) 의성어 (Onomatopoeia) 모음 조화 (Vowel harmony)

Grammaire à connaître

의태어 (Mimetic Words)

꾸벅꾸벅, 깡충깡충, 보글보글

-고 있다 (Continuous Tense)

졸고 있어요 (Is dozing)

-아서/어서 (Reason/Cause)

졸려서 꾸벅꾸벅 해요 (Nodding because I'm sleepy)

Reduplication for emphasis

꾸벅 (once) vs 꾸벅꾸벅 (repeatedly)

Adverbial placement

Usually before the verb: 꾸벅꾸벅 졸다

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Exemples par niveau

아기가 꾸벅꾸벅 졸아요.

The baby is nodding off.

꾸벅꾸벅 is an adverb modifying the verb 졸다 (to doze).

강아지가 꾸벅꾸벅 해요.

The puppy is nodding off.

Here, '해요' is used as a generic verb for the action of nodding.

저는 수업 시간에 꾸벅꾸벅 졸았어요.

I nodded off during class.

Past tense of 졸다 is 졸았어요.

동생이 꾸벅꾸벅 인사해요.

My younger sibling is bowing repeatedly.

꾸벅꾸벅 can also describe repeated bowing.

너무 졸려서 꾸벅꾸벅 해요.

I'm so sleepy I'm nodding off.

너무 (too/so) + adjective + -어서 (reason) + action.

고양이가 창가에서 꾸벅꾸벅 졸고 있어요.

The cat is nodding off by the window.

-고 있다 expresses a continuous action.

아빠가 티비를 보다가 꾸벅꾸벅 하세요.

Dad is nodding off while watching TV.

Honorific ending -세요 used for 'Dad'.

친구들이 꾸벅꾸벅 졸고 있어요.

The friends are nodding off.

Plural subject '친구들'.

어제 늦게 자서 오늘 꾸벅꾸벅 졸았어요.

I slept late yesterday, so I nodded off today.

Connecting two sentences with -아서/-어서 (because).

지하철에서 사람들이 꾸벅꾸벅 졸고 있어요.

People are nodding off on the subway.

Location marker -에서.

졸리면 꾸벅꾸벅 하지 말고 가서 자요.

If you're sleepy, don't keep nodding off, go to sleep.

-지 말고 (don't do X, do Y).

아이가 할머니께 꾸벅꾸벅 인사를 드렸어요.

The child gave several bows to the grandmother.

인사를 드리다 is the honorific form of 인사하다.

점심을 먹은 후에 꾸벅꾸벅 졸음이 와요.

After eating lunch, I start nodding off.

-(으)ㄴ 후에 (after doing something).

버스가 흔들리니까 꾸벅꾸벅 더 졸려요.

Because the bus is shaking, I feel more like nodding off.

-(으)니까 (because/since).

책을 읽으려고 하면 꾸벅꾸벅 졸게 돼요.

Whenever I try to read a book, I end up nodding off.

-게 되다 (to end up doing/become).

우리 집 강아지는 졸릴 때 꾸벅꾸벅 해요.

Our dog nods off when it's sleepy.

-을 때 (when).

졸음을 참으려고 노력했지만 결국 꾸벅꾸벅 졸고 말았어요.

I tried to hold back the sleep, but I ended up nodding off.

-고 말다 (to end up doing something unintentionally).

밤새 공부한 탓인지 수업 시간에 계속 꾸벅꾸벅 하더라고요.

Maybe because I studied all night, I kept nodding off in class.

-ㄴ 탓인지 (perhaps because of..., used for negative results).

앞자리 학생이 꾸벅꾸벅 조는 모습이 귀여웠어요.

The student in the front seat looked cute nodding off.

Noun-modifying form -는 모습 (the sight of...).

부장님께서 말씀하실 때 꾸벅꾸벅 졸면 안 돼요.

You shouldn't nod off when the manager is speaking.

-(으)면 안 되다 (should not...).

따뜻한 햇볕을 받으며 고양이가 꾸벅꾸벅 졸고 있네요.

The cat is nodding off while basking in the warm sunlight.

-(으)며 (while doing...).

커피를 마셨는데도 계속 꾸벅꾸벅 졸음이 쏟아져요.

Even though I drank coffee, I keep nodding off.

-는데도 (even though).

그는 미안한지 나에게 꾸벅꾸벅 고개를 숙였다.

Perhaps because he felt sorry, he bowed his head to me repeatedly.

Literary style ending -다.

영화가 너무 지루해서 관객들이 여기저기서 꾸벅꾸벅 졸았다.

The movie was so boring that audience members were nodding off everywhere.

여기저기서 (here and there).

피로가 누적되었는지 서서 가면서도 꾸벅꾸벅 조는 사람이 있었다.

Perhaps due to accumulated fatigue, there was someone nodding off even while standing.

-면서도 (even while doing...).

그는 잘못을 빌며 꾸벅꾸벅 사죄의 인사를 건넸다.

He offered bows of apology repeatedly while begging for forgiveness.

건네다 (to offer/hand over).

봄바람에 꽃들이 꾸벅꾸벅 고개를 흔드는 것 같다.

The flowers seem to be nodding their heads in the spring breeze.

Metaphorical usage; -는 것 같다 (it seems like...).

식곤증 때문에 오후 업무 시간에는 꾸벅꾸벅 졸기 일쑤다.

I'm always nodding off during afternoon work hours because of post-meal drowsiness.

-기 일쑤다 (to be always doing something, usually negative).

아이들이 꾸벅꾸벅 졸면서도 끝까지 만화를 보려고 하네요.

The kids are trying to watch the cartoon until the end even while nodding off.

-으려고 하다 (to intend/try to do).

연설이 길어지자 청중석 여기저기서 꾸벅꾸벅 하는 모습이 포착되었다.

As the speech dragged on, people nodding off were spotted throughout the audience.

-자 (as soon as/when... then...).

그는 술에 취해 꾸벅꾸벅 졸다가 바닥에 넘어질 뻔했다.

He was nodding off while drunk and almost fell to the floor.

-(으)ㄹ 뻔했다 (almost did...).

졸음운전은 꾸벅꾸벅 조는 순간 큰 사고로 이어질 수 있다.

Drowsy driving can lead to a major accident the moment you nod off.

-ㄹ 수 있다 (can/possibility).

강의실의 무거운 공기 속에서 학생들은 약속이라도 한 듯 꾸벅꾸벅 졸기 시작했다.

In the heavy air of the lecture hall, students began to nod off as if they had made a pact.

-ㄴ 듯 (as if...).

노인은 지팡이에 몸을 의지한 채 꾸벅꾸벅 깊은 생각에 잠긴 듯 보였다.

The old man, leaning on his cane, looked as though he were lost in deep thought, nodding off.

-ㄴ 채 (in the state of...).

그는 자신의 무례함을 꾸벅꾸벅 반복되는 사과로 무마하려 애썼다.

He tried to smooth over his rudeness with a series of repeated bows and apologies.

무마하다 (to smooth over/hush up).

낚시찌가 물결을 따라 꾸벅꾸벅 움직이는 것을 가만히 지켜보았다.

I quietly watched the fishing float bobbing up and down along the waves.

Descriptive/Metaphorical use for objects.

춘곤증의 습격에 장사 없다고, 천하의 그도 꾸벅꾸벅 조는 모습은 피할 수 없었다.

They say no one is strong enough to resist spring fever, and even a man of his stature couldn't avoid nodding off.

Idiomatic expression '장사 없다' (no one is a match for...).

창밖의 버들가지가 바람에 꾸벅꾸벅 인사를 건네는 평화로운 오후였다.

It was a peaceful afternoon with willow branches outside the window nodding greetings in the wind.

Personification in literary prose.

그는 밀려오는 잠을 쫓으려 눈을 부릅떴지만, 이내 다시 고개가 꾸벅꾸벅 떨궈졌다.

He opened his eyes wide to chase away the oncoming sleep, but soon his head dropped again, nodding.

이내 (soon/shortly after).

밤샘 작업의 여파로 회의실은 꾸벅꾸벅 조는 소리 없는 아우성으로 가득 찼다.

As an aftermath of working all night, the meeting room was filled with the silent outcry of people nodding off.

Metaphorical '소리 없는 아우성' (silent outcry).

고단한 삶의 무게가 어깨를 짓누르는지, 퇴근길 지하철 안의 사람들은 약속이나 한 듯 꾸벅꾸벅 졸음에 몸을 맡기고 있었다.

As if the weight of a weary life were pressing down on their shoulders, the people in the subway on their way home were surrendering themselves to sleep, nodding off as if by agreement.

Complex descriptive sentence with personification of 'life's weight'.

어린 시절, 할머니의 무릎을 베고 누워 꾸벅꾸벅 조는 나를 보며 할머니는 나지막이 자장가를 불러주시곤 했다.

In my childhood, seeing me nodding off while lying on her lap, my grandmother used to softly sing me a lullaby.

-곤 했다 (used to do regularly).

그의 고개가 꾸벅꾸벅 떨궈질 때마다, 그가 짊어진 책임의 무게가 얼마나 무거웠을지 짐작할 수 있었다.

Every time his head dropped in a nod, I could guess how heavy the weight of the responsibility he carried must have been.

-을지 짐작하다 (to guess/surmise...).

침묵만이 흐르는 도서관에서 유일하게 들리는 소리는 누군가 꾸벅꾸벅 졸다 책상에 머리를 부딪히는 둔탁한 소리뿐이었다.

The only sound in the silent library was the dull thud of someone nodding off and hitting their head on the desk.

둔탁한 소리 (dull/heavy sound).

그는 자신의 과오를 뉘우치며 피해자 앞에서 꾸벅꾸벅 고개를 숙여 진심 어린 사죄를 표했다.

Repenting for his mistakes, he bowed his head repeatedly before the victim, expressing a sincere apology.

뉘우치다 (to repent/regret).

달리는 기차의 규칙적인 진동은 꾸벅꾸벅 조는 승객들에게 마치 요람의 흔들림과도 같은 안락함을 선사했다.

The rhythmic vibration of the running train provided the nodding passengers with a comfort akin to the rocking of a cradle.

선사하다 (to present/provide, formal).

폭풍전야의 고요함 속에서 바다 위의 부표만이 꾸벅꾸벅 파도를 타며 다가올 폭풍을 예고하는 듯했다.

In the calm before the storm, only the buoy on the sea seemed to herald the coming tempest, bobbing up and down with the waves.

Advanced metaphorical use for an object.

인생의 황혼기에 접어든 노학자는 서재의 안락의자에 앉아 꾸벅꾸벅 졸며 지난 세월을 반추하는 듯한 평온한 표정을 짓고 있었다.

The elderly scholar, having entered the twilight of his life, sat in an armchair in his study, nodding off with a peaceful expression as if ruminating on the years gone by.

반추하다 (to ruminate/reflect).

Collocations courantes

꾸벅꾸벅 졸다

꾸벅꾸벅 인사하다

계속 꾸벅꾸벅

졸려서 꾸벅꾸벅

꾸벅꾸벅 고개를 숙이다

지하철에서 꾸벅꾸벅

수업 시간에 꾸벅꾸벅

꾸벅꾸벅 사죄하다

꾸벅꾸벅 하다가 깨다

강아지가 꾸벅꾸벅

Phrases Courantes

꾸벅꾸벅 졸음이 오다

— To feel the nodding-off kind of sleepiness coming on.

오후가 되니 꾸벅꾸벅 졸음이 오네요.

꾸벅꾸벅 고개를 흔들다

— To shake/nod the head repeatedly (usually in sleep).

그는 꾸벅꾸벅 고개를 흔들며 잠을 참았다.

꾸벅꾸벅 인사를 건네다

— To offer repeated bows as a greeting.

그녀는 웃으며 꾸벅꾸벅 인사를 건넸다.

꾸벅꾸벅 조는 모습

— The sight of someone nodding off.

꾸벅꾸벅 조는 모습이 정말 안쓰러워요.

꾸벅꾸벅 하다가 넘어지다

— To fall over while nodding off.

꾸벅꾸벅 하다가 의자에서 넘어질 뻔했어요.

꾸벅꾸벅 하는 중

— In the middle of nodding off.

지금 한창 꾸벅꾸벅 하는 중이에요.

꾸벅꾸벅 졸음을 쫓다

— To try to drive away the nodding-off sleepiness.

커피를 마시며 꾸벅꾸벅 졸음을 쫓았다.

꾸벅꾸벅 반복하다

— To repeat the nodding motion.

고개가 꾸벅꾸벅 반복해서 떨어졌다.

꾸벅꾸벅 졸다 깨다

— To keep nodding off and waking up.

기차에서 꾸벅꾸벅 졸다 깨다를 반복했다.

꾸벅꾸벅 인사하며 사과하다

— To apologize while bowing repeatedly.

그는 꾸벅꾸벅 인사하며 사과를 했다.

Souvent confondu avec

꾸벅꾸벅 vs 끄덕끄덕

Means nodding in agreement. Don't use it for sleep!

꾸벅꾸벅 vs 꼬박꼬박

Means regularly or faithfully. Don't use it for sleep!

꾸벅꾸벅 vs 벅벅

Means scratching something hard. Sounds similar but very different.

Expressions idiomatiques

"꾸벅꾸벅 졸음의 늪"

— A state of deep, inescapable sleepiness where you keep nodding off.

회의가 너무 길어서 꾸벅꾸벅 졸음의 늪에 빠졌다.

informal/metaphorical

"꾸벅꾸벅 하는 기계"

— Someone who is constantly nodding off (like a machine).

그는 오후만 되면 꾸벅꾸벅 하는 기계가 된다.

slangy

"꾸벅꾸벅 인사의 달인"

— Someone who is overly polite and bows excessively.

그 신입사원은 꾸벅꾸벅 인사의 달인이다.

humorous

"꾸벅꾸벅 고개 낚시"

— Comparing the nodding head to a fishing rod bobbing (fishing for sleep).

수업 시간에 고개 낚시를 꾸벅꾸벅 하고 있네.

slang

"꾸벅꾸벅 졸음 귀신"

— The 'sleep ghost' that makes you nod off.

꾸벅꾸벅 졸음 귀신이 붙었나 봐요.

child-friendly

"꾸벅꾸벅 사죄의 아이콘"

— Someone known for apologizing profusely with bows.

그는 우리 팀의 꾸벅꾸벅 사죄의 아이콘이다.

humorous

"꾸벅꾸벅 졸음 운전"

— Drowsy driving characterized by nodding off.

꾸벅꾸벅 졸음 운전은 절대 금물입니다.

neutral

"꾸벅꾸벅 졸음 사투"

— A desperate struggle against nodding off.

시험 기간이라 꾸벅꾸벅 졸음 사투를 벌이고 있다.

literary

"꾸벅꾸벅 고개 인사"

— The act of greeting with a series of quick bows.

그는 꾸벅꾸벅 고개 인사를 하며 지나갔다.

neutral

"꾸벅꾸벅 졸음 샤워"

— Being overwhelmed by sleepiness as if being showered by it.

점심 직후라 꾸벅꾸벅 졸음 샤워를 하는 기분이다.

metaphorical

Facile à confondre

꾸벅꾸벅 vs 끄덕끄덕

Similar sound and repetitive structure.

끄덕끄덕 is for agreement (Yes); 꾸벅꾸벅 is for sleep or bowing.

선생님 말씀에 고개를 끄덕끄덕 했어요.

꾸벅꾸벅 vs 꼬박꼬박

Similar double 'kk' and 'b' sounds.

꼬박꼬박 means doing something without fail/regularly; 꾸벅꾸벅 is the motion of nodding.

숙제를 꼬박꼬박 해요.

꾸벅꾸벅 vs 꾸벅

It's the single version of the word.

꾸벅 is usually a single polite bow; 꾸벅꾸벅 is repeated nodding or bowing.

선생님께 꾸벅 인사했어요.

꾸벅꾸벅 vs 가물가물

Both relate to being sleepy.

가물가물 is about fading vision/consciousness; 꾸벅꾸벅 is about the head motion.

졸려서 눈앞이 가물가물해요.

꾸벅꾸벅 vs 비몽사몽

Both relate to sleepiness.

비몽사몽 is a noun/state (half-asleep); 꾸벅꾸벅 is an adverb (the action of nodding).

비몽사몽 상태로 일어났어요.

Structures de phrases

[Subject]이/가 꾸벅꾸벅 졸아요.

아기가 꾸벅꾸벅 졸아요.

[Subject]이/가 [Place]에서 꾸벅꾸벅 졸고 있어요.

친구가 버스에서 꾸벅꾸벅 졸고 있어요.

[Reason]-아서/어서 꾸벅꾸벅 졸게 되었어요.

피곤해서 꾸벅꾸벅 졸게 되었어요.

꾸벅꾸벅 졸면서도 [Action]하려고 해요.

꾸벅꾸벅 졸면서도 공부하려고 해요.

꾸벅꾸벅 조는 모습이 [Adjective]해 보여요.

꾸벅꾸벅 조는 모습이 안쓰러워 보여요.

[Metaphor]처럼 꾸벅꾸벅 [Action].

꽃들이 바람에 꾸벅꾸벅 인사를 하듯 흔들려요.

Mixed

자꾸 꾸벅꾸벅 하게 돼요.

졸음이 와서 자꾸 꾸벅꾸벅 하게 돼요.

Mixed

꾸벅꾸벅 인사하며 [Action].

꾸벅꾸벅 인사하며 방을 나갔어요.

Famille de mots

Noms

꾸벅 (A single deep bow or nod)

졸음 (Sleepiness/drowsiness)

인사 (Greeting/bow)

Verbes

졸다 (To doze/nod off)

인사하다 (To greet/bow)

꾸벅하다 (To do a nod/bow)

Adjectifs

졸린 (Sleepy)

피곤한 (Tired)

Apparenté

끄덕끄덕 (Nodding in agreement)

꼬박꼬박 (Regularly/faithfully)

가물가물 (Flickering/fading)

비몽사몽 (Half-asleep)

식곤증 (Post-meal drowsiness)

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in daily speech and media.

Erreurs courantes

Using 꾸벅꾸벅 instead of 끄덕끄덕 → 선생님 말씀에 고개를 끄덕끄덕 했어요.
끄덕끄덕 is for nodding in agreement, while 꾸벅꾸벅 is for nodding off or bowing.
Using 꾸벅꾸벅 for someone lying down → 침대에서 쿨쿨 자고 있어요.
꾸벅꾸벅 describes the motion of the head dropping, which doesn't happen when lying down.
Using 꾸벅꾸벅 instead of 꼬박꼬박 → 돈을 꼬박꼬박 저축해요.
꼬박꼬박 means 'regularly' or 'without fail', while 꾸벅꾸벅 is about nodding.
Spelling it as 구벅구벅 → 꾸벅꾸벅
The first consonant must be the tensed ㄲ (kk), not the plain ㄱ (g).
Using it for a single bow → 선생님께 꾸벅 인사했어요.
Use '꾸벅' (once) for a single bow; '꾸벅꾸벅' implies multiple bows.

Astuces

Pair it with 졸다

The most natural way to use this word is '꾸벅꾸벅 졸다'. It's a fixed expression in many people's minds.

Tense the ㄲ

Make sure the 'kk' sound is sharp and strong. It shouldn't sound like a soft 'g'.

Think of a bobblehead

Visualizing a bobblehead doll will help you remember the repetitive 'down and up' motion.

Subway Watching

Next time you are on a Korean subway, look for people doing this. It's the best way to see the word in action.

The Sleepy Cook

Remember the 'Cook' (꾸) who is 'Back' (벅) and nodding off.

Adverbial Position

Always place it before the verb it describes, like '꾸벅꾸벅 졸았다'.

Polite Bowing

Use it to describe someone who is being very respectful by bowing multiple times.

Variety Show Captions

Watch for this word in captions. It's a great way to learn how it's used humorously.

Don't say 끄덕끄덕

Avoid using 끄덕끄덕 when you mean you are sleepy. You don't want to say you are 'agreeing' to sleep!

Add Flavor

Use this word instead of 'very tired' to make your Korean writing more vivid and native-like.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Cook' (꾸) who is 'Back' (벅) from a long shift and is nodding off at the table. He goes 'Kku-beok, Kku-beok.'

Association visuelle

Imagine a bobblehead doll in a car that keeps tipping forward. That rhythmic motion is '꾸벅꾸벅'.

Word Web

졸다 (Doze) 지하철 (Subway) 피곤 (Fatigue) 인사 (Bow) 아기 (Baby) 강아지 (Puppy) 수업 (Class) 밤샘 (All-nighter)

Défi

Try to spot someone nodding off on public transport and think to yourself: '저 사람 꾸벅꾸벅 졸고 있네' (That person is nodding off).

Origine du mot

Native Korean word. It is a mimetic word (의태어) formed by the repetition of '꾸벅'. The stem '꾸벅' likely originates from the physical sensation of something heavy tipping over or bending.

Sens originel : The motion of a heavy object or a head bending forward and down.

Koreanic (Native Korean vocabulary)

Contexte culturel

While generally harmless, be careful not to use it to mock someone's genuine medical condition or extreme exhaustion in a mean way.

In English, we say 'nodding off' or 'dozing.' We don't have a specific word that describes the *motion* as vividly as '꾸벅꾸벅.'

Commonly seen in webtoons like 'Lookism' or 'True Beauty' to show tired characters. Frequently used in variety shows like '2 Days 1 Night' during long bus rides. Mentioned in Korean children's songs about sleepy animals.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Public Transport

지하철에서 졸다
내릴 역을 놓치다
어깨에 기대다
피곤한 출퇴근

School/University

수업 시간에 졸다
밤샘 공부
교수님 눈치
필기하다가 졸다

Office

회의 중 졸음
식곤증
커피 마시다
야근

Home/Pets

강아지가 졸다
아기가 자다
티비 보다가 졸다
낮잠

Apology/Greeting

정중하게 인사
여러 번 사과
고개를 숙이다
예의 바르다

Amorces de conversation

"어제 잠을 못 잤나 봐요? 아까부터 꾸벅꾸벅 조시네요."

"지하철에서 꾸벅꾸벅 졸다가 목적지를 지나친 적 있어요?"

"점심만 먹으면 왜 이렇게 꾸벅꾸벅 졸음이 올까요?"

"강아지가 꾸벅꾸벅 조는 모습 본 적 있어요? 진짜 귀여워요."

"수업 시간에 꾸벅꾸벅 졸지 않으려면 어떻게 해야 할까요?"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 하루 중 가장 피곤해서 꾸벅꾸벅 졸았던 순간에 대해 써보세요.

내가 본 가장 귀여운 '꾸벅꾸벅' 장면은 무엇인가요?

꾸벅꾸벅 조는 사람을 보면 어떤 생각이 드는지 적어보세요.

중요한 자리에서 꾸벅꾸벅 졸았던 실수담이 있다면 공유해주세요.

한국의 '꾸벅꾸벅' 문화(지하철 등)에 대한 당신의 생각은 어떤가요?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Usually, no. '꾸벅꾸벅' describes the head dropping down while you are sitting or standing. Once you are lying down, your head can't really 'drop' anymore, so the motion doesn't fit.

Yes, it has a slightly cute and vivid nuance. It's often used for babies, pets, or friends in a friendly way.

'꾸벅' is one single bow or nod. '꾸벅꾸벅' means the action is happening over and over again.

You can use it to describe a situation (e.g., 'I was so tired I was nodding off'), but be careful. It's a bit informal, so '졸음을 참기 힘들었습니다' might sound more professional.

Yes, '꼬박꼬박' actually sounds 'lighter' because of the 'o' vowel, but it has a different meaning. There isn't a direct 'light' version for nodding off specifically that is as common as '꾸벅꾸벅'.

It's ㄲ + ㅜ + ㅂ + ㅓ + ㄱ, repeated twice. Make sure not to use ㄲ + ㅗ (꼬박꼬박) or ㄲ + ㅡ (끄덕끄덕).

In poetic or literary contexts, it can describe things like flowers or boats bobbing, but in everyday life, it's almost always about heads.

Not always. It can also mean someone is bowing repeatedly to show respect or to apologize.

Yes, '꾸벅꾸벅 하다' is a very common and natural way to say someone is nodding off.

Because it 'mimics' the physical look of the action. The sound of the word itself is meant to evoke the feeling of the movement.

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