At the A1 level, you should learn '소름' as a simple word for 'goosebumps' caused by being cold. You might see it in basic picture books or hear it when someone is shivering. Focus on the phrase '소름 돋아요' (I have goosebumps). It is a good way to describe how your skin feels when the weather changes suddenly. Don't worry about the complex emotional uses yet; just think of it as a physical reaction to the cold air.
At the A2 level, you can start using '소름' to describe being scared. If you see a spider or hear a loud noise at night, you can say '소름 돋았어요!'. You should also learn the difference between '추워요' (I am cold) and '소름 돋아요' (I have goosebumps). At this stage, you are starting to use the word to express simple feelings. You might also notice it in K-dramas when someone is surprised by something a little bit scary.
At the B1 level, you should understand that '소름' is used for both positive and negative intensity. This is the level where you use it to describe a great singer or an amazing movie twist. You should be comfortable using both '소름 돋다' and '소름 끼치다'. You should also be able to distinguish '소름' from '닭살' (cringey). This is a key word for reacting naturally in Korean conversations, especially when you want to show you are impressed.
At the B2 level, you should be able to use '소름' in more complex sentence structures, such as '소름 끼칠 정도로' (to the point of being chilling). You should understand the nuance of adverbs like '쫙' (suddenly/widely) used with it. You can use '소름' to describe coincidences ('진짜 소름이다!') and understand its metaphorical use in news headlines. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the social 'reaction' culture in Korea.
At the C1 level, you can use '소름' and its synonyms like '전율' or '오싹하다' with precision. You understand the literary and poetic uses of these terms. You can discuss the psychological aspects of why something is '소름 끼치다' and use the word in formal discussions about art, music, or social issues to describe a visceral public reaction. You are aware of the subtle differences in register between '소름' and more formal academic terms.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '소름'. You can use it in creative writing to evoke specific physical and emotional atmospheres. You understand historical or etymological nuances and can use the word in wordplay or advanced metaphors. You are fully aware of how '소름' functions in various Korean subcultures, from internet slang to high-level aesthetic criticism, and you can switch between these registers effortlessly.

소름 30秒で

  • 소름 (Soreum) means 'goosebumps' or 'chills' in Korean, covering both physical and emotional reactions.
  • Commonly used with verbs 돋다 (to rise) for general feelings and 끼치다 (to be struck) for creepy feelings.
  • Used broadly in Korean pop culture to express awe, amazement, or fear toward a performance or event.
  • Unlike 'goosebumps', it is not used for 'cringey' romance; use '닭살' (dak-sal) for that instead.

The Korean word 소름 (Soreum) is a fascinating noun that primarily translates to 'goosebumps' or 'chills' in English. However, its usage in modern Korean culture spans a much wider emotional spectrum than the English equivalent often suggests. While in English we might say 'I have goosebumps' mostly when we are cold or scared, Koreans use 소름 to describe a visceral, bodily reaction to something intense, whether that intensity is negative (horror, disgust, creepiness) or positive (awe, amazement, incredible talent).

Physical Origin
Biologically, it refers to the pilomotor reflex where small muscles at the base of hair follicles contract, causing the hair to stand up. In Korean, this is often described as 'rising' (돋다).

갑자기 무서운 생각이 들어서 팔에 소름이 돋았어요. (Suddenly I had a scary thought, so I got goosebumps on my arms.)

In conversational Korean, you will frequently hear the exclamation "소름!" or "와, 소름 돋아!". This is a very common reaction in variety shows, K-dramas, and daily life. If a singer hits a high note perfectly, the audience might touch their arms and say '소름' to indicate they were moved to the point of a physical reaction. Conversely, if someone tells a story about a stalker or a narrow escape from an accident, the listener will use the same word to express that the story sent shivers down their spine.

Negative Nuance
When used in a negative context, it often pairs with '끼치다' (to cause/inflict). '소름 끼치는 사람' refers to a 'creepy person' who makes your skin crawl.

그 영화의 반전은 정말 소름 끼칠 정도로 놀라웠어. (The twist in that movie was so surprising it was chilling.)

Understanding 소름 requires recognizing the Korean emphasis on 'jeon-yul' (전율), or the thrill that vibrates through the body. It is not just about the skin; it is about the internal shock. Whether you are walking through a haunted house in Everland or watching a breathtaking performance on 'King of Mask Singer', 소름 is your go-to word for that hair-raising moment.

Slang Usage
Younger generations use '소름' as a standalone reaction to coincidences. If two people say the same thing at the exact same time, one might yell '소름!' to mean 'That's so freaky!' or 'What a coincidence!'

우리 똑같은 옷을 입고 왔네? 진짜 소름이다! (We wore the exact same clothes? That's seriously crazy/freaky!)

In summary, 소름 captures the intersection of physical sensation and intense psychological reaction. It is a word that bridges the gap between what the body feels and what the mind perceives, making it an essential term for expressing high-intensity experiences in Korean.

Using 소름 correctly involves mastering the verbs that typically follow it. The two most common verbs are 돋다 (dot-da) and 끼치다 (kkichi-da). While they are often interchangeable, they carry slightly different grammatical weights and nuances that learners should be aware of to sound natural.

소름이 돋다 (Goosebumps rise)
This describes the spontaneous appearance of goosebumps. It is used for both positive and negative reactions. '돋다' means to sprout, break out, or rise (like the sun or a rash).

가수의 고음을 듣고 전신에 소름이 돋았어요. (Hearing the singer's high note, goosebumps rose all over my body.)

When you use 돋다, the subject is usually the goosebumps themselves (소름이). You are describing the physical state of your skin. It is very common in casual conversation to drop the particle and just say "소름 돋아!" when reacting to something in real-time.

소름이 끼치다 (To be struck by goosebumps)
This verb often carries a stronger, more active sense of 'being overcome' by a chill. It is frequently used for negative, scary, or 'creepy' situations. '끼치다' can mean to cause, to influence, or to spread.

그 남자의 웃음소리는 정말 소름 끼쳐요. (That man's laughter is truly skin-crawling/chilling.)

Another variation is 소름이 쫙 돋다. The adverb 쫙 (jjwak) adds an onomatopoeic feel, suggesting that the goosebumps spread across the skin quickly and extensively. This is a very expressive way to describe a sudden shock.

Idiomatic '소름'
In modern slang, '소름' is often used as a predicate on its own in the form '소름이다'. This is used when something is incredibly coincidental or shocking.

어떻게 내 마음을 그렇게 잘 알아? 진짜 소름이다! (How do you know my mind so well? It's seriously freaky!)

When writing, remember that 소름 is a noun. If you want to say something 'gives you' goosebumps, you can say 소름을 돋게 하다 (to make goosebumps rise) or simply use the passive-style constructions mentioned above. In formal writing, 전율을 느끼다 (to feel a thrill/shudder) might be used instead of the more colloquial 소름이 돋다, though 소름 is perfectly acceptable in most contexts.

You will encounter 소름 in almost every corner of Korean media and daily life. It is one of those words that perfectly captures a reaction, making it a favorite for editors and scriptwriters. Here are the primary environments where you will hear it most frequently.

K-Variety Shows and Reality TV
This is perhaps the most common place. On shows like 'Running Man' or 'I Live Alone', when a cast member does something unexpected or a guest shows off a hidden talent, the captions will often flash '소름!' (Goosebumps!) across the screen. The cast will physically rub their arms to show the audience their reaction.

MC: "와, 방금 노래 들으셨어요? 저 진짜 소름 돋았어요!" (MC: "Wow, did you hear that song just now? I seriously got goosebumps!")

In music competition shows like 'Show Me The Money' or 'Street Woman Fighter', judges use 소름 to validate the skill of the performers. It is the ultimate compliment for a performance that transcends mere 'good' and becomes 'visceral'.

Horror and Thriller Genres
In K-Dramas and movies, especially in the 'K-Horror' genre, characters will use '소름' to describe their fear. It is used to build tension. A character might whisper, "나 지금 소름 돋았어..." (I just got goosebumps right now...) to signal that they feel a supernatural presence or a sense of impending danger.

친구 1: "이 방 좀 이상하지 않아?" 친구 2: "어, 나도 소름 끼쳐." (Friend 1: "Isn't this room a bit weird?" Friend 2: "Yeah, I'm getting the creeps too.")

In daily conversations among friends, 소름 is used to react to gossip or 'daebak' (amazing/shocking) news. If someone reveals a secret that explains a long-standing mystery, the response is almost always "소름!". It conveys that the pieces of the puzzle fitting together caused a physical reaction.

News and Journalism
While slightly less formal, news headlines about shocking crimes or unbelievable events will use '소름 끼치는' to describe the nature of the event. For example, '소름 끼치는 범행 동기' (A chilling motive for the crime).

그의 소름 돋는 연기력에 관객들은 숨을 죽였다. (The audience held their breath at his hair-raising acting skills.)

Finally, you will hear it in weather reports during extreme cold snaps, though '추위' is more common. However, when the cold is so sudden it makes your skin react instantly, '소름 돋는 추위' (goosebump-inducing cold) is used to emphasize the sharpness of the temperature drop.

While 소름 is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often make mistakes regarding its nuance, the verbs it pairs with, and the contexts in which it feels natural. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Using the wrong verb for the wrong emotion
While '소름 돋다' and '소름 끼치다' are often interchangeable, using '끼치다' for a beautiful musical performance can sometimes sound slightly 'off' because '끼치다' leans towards the creepy or negative. For positive awe, '돋다' or '소름이 돋았다' is generally safer and more common.

Incorrect: 노래가 너무 예뻐서 소름 끼쳐요. (The song is so beautiful it's creepy - sounds odd.)
Correct: 노래가 너무 좋아서 소름 돋았어요. (The song was so good I got goosebumps.)

Another common mistake is trying to pluralize the word. In English, we almost always say 'goosebumps'. In Korean, saying '소름들' is grammatically incorrect. 소름 is an uncountable noun representing the state of the skin.

Mistake 2: Confusing '소름' with '추위' (Cold)
If you are just cold, you should say '추워요' (I'm cold). If you say '소름 돋아요' because the air conditioner is too high, it sounds a bit dramatic, as if the cold is so intense it's causing a physical shock. Use '소름' only when you want to emphasize the physical reaction, not just the temperature.

This brings up a very important distinction: 소름 vs. 닭살. In English, 'goosebumps' can be used for when someone says something overly romantic or 'cringey'. In Korean, you use 닭살 (dak-sal) for that. If your boyfriend says something very cheesy, you say "닭살 돋아!" If you use "소름 돋아!", it might imply he's actually scaring or creeping you out in a serious way.

Mistake 3: Overusing '소름' in formal settings
While '소름' is widely used, it is quite expressive and informal. In a formal business presentation, saying "이 결과는 정말 소름 돋네요" (These results are really goosebump-inducing) might be seen as too emotional or unprofessional. Use '놀랍다' (surprising) or '경이롭다' (wonderful/marvelous) instead.

Formal: 이 성과는 정말 놀랍습니다. (This achievement is truly surprising/remarkable.)

Lastly, be careful with the word order. In English, we 'get' goosebumps. In Korean, the goosebumps 'rise' (돋다) or 'strike' (끼치다). Avoid translating literally as '소름을 얻다' (to get/obtain goosebumps), as this is not a natural expression in Korean.

Depending on whether you want to emphasize the physical sensation, the emotional thrill, or the 'cringey' feeling, there are several alternatives to 소름. Understanding these will help you express yourself with more precision.

닭살 (Dak-sal) - Chicken Skin
As mentioned before, '닭살' is the literal translation of 'chicken skin'. It is used specifically for 'cringey' or 'cheesy' (오글거리다) situations. When a couple is being too affectionate in public, you say '닭살 커플' (a lovey-dovey couple).

그 영화 대사가 너무 닭살 돋아서 못 보겠어. (The lines in that movie are so cheesy/cringey I can't watch it.)

While 소름 is about intensity and shock, 닭살 is about that specific feeling of embarrassment for someone else's over-the-top behavior or romance.

전율 (Jeon-yul) - Thrill / Shudder
This is a more formal and literary term. It refers to a shudder or a tremor caused by a powerful emotion like fear, joy, or excitement. You will find this in novels or high-level journalism.

그의 연설은 청중들에게 깊은 전율을 선사했다. (His speech gave the audience a deep thrill/shudder.)

오싹하다 (Ossak-hada) - To feel chilly/creepy
This is an adjective that describes the feeling of a sudden chill, usually from fear. If '소름' is the noun (goosebumps), '오싹하다' is the state of feeling that chill. It is very common in ghost stories.

뒤에서 누군가 쳐다보는 것 같아 등줄기가 오싹했다. (I felt a chill down my spine as if someone was watching me from behind.)

Other words include 무섭다 (to be scared), which is more general, and 섬뜩하다 (to be startled/creeped out), which is a sharper, more sudden feeling of fear than '오싹하다'.

Comparison Table
  • 소름: General term for goosebumps (Positive/Negative).
  • 닭살: Cringey/Cheesy goosebumps.
  • 전율: Deep emotional thrill/shudder (Formal).
  • 오싹: Chilly fear (Negative).

Choosing the right word depends entirely on the context. If you are at a K-pop concert, use 소름. If you are watching a scary movie, use 소름 or 오싹. If your friend is acting way too cute (aegyo), use 닭살.

発音ガイド

UK /sʰo̞ɾɯm/
US /sʰo̞ɾɯm/
Stress is usually equal on both syllables, but 'so' may be slightly lengthened in exclamations.
韻が合う語
구름 (gureu
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r'.
  • Pronouncing 'eu' as 'u' (like 'room').
  • Making the 's' too aspirated (like 'ss').
  • Dropping the final 'm' sound.
  • Over-emphasizing the first syllable.

レベル別の例文

1

날씨가 추워서 소름이 돋았어요.

The weather is cold, so I got goosebumps.

소름 (noun) + 이 (subject particle) + 돋다 (to rise)

2

팔에 소름이 있어요.

I have goosebumps on my arm.

Simple existence sentence with '있어요'.

3

와! 소름!

Wow! Goosebumps!

Exclamatory use of the noun.

4

소름이 돋아서 옷을 입어요.

I'm putting on clothes because I got goosebumps.

-아서/-어서 (reason/cause) connector.

5

찬바람에 소름이 돋아요.

Goosebumps rise in the cold wind.

Noun + 에 (at/due to).

6

소름이 무서워요?

Are goosebumps scary?

Basic question form.

7

동생 팔에 소름이 돋았어요.

Goosebumps rose on my younger sibling's arm.

Possessive structure.

8

소름이 금방 사라졌어요.

The goosebumps disappeared quickly.

사라지다 (to disappear) in past tense.

1

무서운 이야기를 들어서 소름이 돋았어요.

I got goosebumps because I heard a scary story.

Using '돋다' for fear-induced goosebumps.

2

저 영화는 정말 소름 끼쳐요.

That movie is really chilling/creepy.

소름 끼치다 (to be chilling/creepy).

3

벌레를 보고 소름이 돋았어요.

I got goosebumps after seeing a bug.

Reaction to disgust.

4

갑자기 소름이 쫙 돋았어요.

Suddenly, goosebumps spread all over.

Adverb '쫙' emphasizes the suddenness.

5

밤에 혼자 있으면 소름이 돋을 때가 있어요.

There are times when I get goosebumps being alone at night.

-을 때 (when...).

6

그 소리는 소름 끼치게 싫어요.

I hate that sound; it's chilling.

-게 (adverbializer) modifying '싫다'.

7

소름 돋는 꿈을 꾸었어요.

I had a goosebump-inducing dream.

Adjective form modifying '꿈'.

8

이 노래를 들으면 소름이 돋아요.

When I listen to this song, I get goosebumps.

-면 (if/when) conditional.

1

가수의 가창력이 너무 좋아서 소름이 돋았어요.

The singer's vocal ability was so good I got goosebumps.

Positive use of '소름'.

2

그 사람의 눈빛이 정말 소름 끼치더라고요.

That person's gaze was really chilling/creepy.

-더라고요 (recalling a past observation).

3

우리가 여기서 만나다니 진짜 소름이다!

It's seriously freaky that we met here!

Slang use of '소름이다' for coincidences.

4

영화의 반전이 너무 소름 돋았어요.

The movie's plot twist gave me goosebumps.

Abstract use for intellectual shock.

5

소름 끼치는 범죄 소식을 들었어요.

I heard news of a chilling crime.

Adjective use in a serious context.

6

그의 연기는 소름이 돋을 만큼 완벽했어요.

His acting was so perfect it gave me goosebumps.

-을 만큼 (to the extent of).

7

이야기를 듣는 내내 소름이 가시지 않았어요.

The goosebumps didn't go away the whole time I heard the story.

가시다 (to pass/vanish) + 지 않다.

8

소름 돋는 우연이 계속되고 있어요.

Goosebump-inducing coincidences are continuing.

Continuous tense with -고 있다.

1

그의 소름 끼치는 웃음소리가 아직도 귓가에 맴돌아요.

His chilling laughter is still ringing in my ears.

Descriptive phrase '소름 끼치는' with '맴돌다'.

2

전율을 느낄 정도로 소름 돋는 무대였어요.

It was a performance so goosebump-inducing that I felt a thrill.

Using '전율' (thrill) and '소름' together for emphasis.

3

그 사건을 생각하면 지금도 소름이 쫙 끼쳐요.

Even now, thinking about that incident gives me the chills.

Present tense used for a recurring feeling.

4

소름 돋게 똑같은 두 사람의 외모에 모두가 놀랐다.

Everyone was surprised by the two people's chillingly identical appearance.

Adverbial '소름 돋게' modifying an adjective.

5

그녀의 차가운 태도는 소름이 끼칠 정도였다.

Her cold attitude was to the point of being chilling.

-을 정도였다 (was to the extent that...).

6

어떻게 내 생각을 맞혔지? 진짜 소름 돋네.

How did you guess my thoughts? Truly goosebump-inducing.

-네 ending for spontaneous realization.

7

소름 끼치는 정적이 방 안을 가득 채웠다.

A chilling silence filled the room.

Metaphorical use with '정적' (silence).

8

이 소설은 읽을수록 소름 돋는 구석이 있다.

The more you read this novel, the more chilling parts there are.

-을수록 (the more... the more...).

1

인간의 잔혹함에 대해 생각하면 소름이 끼치지 않을 수 없다.

Thinking about human cruelty, one cannot help but feel a chill.

-지 않을 수 없다 (cannot help but...).

2

그의 연설은 소름 돋는 통찰력으로 가득 차 있었다.

His speech was full of chilling (profound) insight.

Using '소름' for intellectual depth/intensity.

3

대자연의 경이로움 앞에서 나는 소름이 돋는 것을 느꼈다.

In the face of the wonders of Mother Nature, I felt goosebumps rising.

Formal '느꼈다' (felt) construction.

4

소름 끼치도록 정교한 가짜 뉴스가 사회를 혼란에 빠뜨리고 있다.

Chillingly sophisticated fake news is throwing society into chaos.

-도록 (to the point of/so that).

5

그의 범행 수법은 경찰들도 소름이 돋을 만큼 잔인했다.

His method of crime was so cruel that even the police got goosebumps.

Subject + 조차/도 (even) + 소름.

6

작가의 소름 돋는 묘사 덕분에 현장감이 생생하게 느껴졌다.

Thanks to the author's chilling descriptions, the sense of being there was vivid.

Noun + 덕분에 (thanks to).

7

소름 끼치는 예감이 적중했을 때의 공포는 말로 표현할 수 없다.

The fear when a chilling premonition comes true cannot be expressed in words.

-을 때의 (the... of when...).

8

그의 천재적인 재능은 가끔 소름이 끼칠 정도로 두렵게 느껴진다.

His genius talent sometimes feels frightening to the point of being chilling.

Combining '천재적' (genius) and '소름'.

1

역사의 비극이 되풀이되는 것을 보며 소름 끼치는 기시감을 느꼈다.

Watching historical tragedies repeat, I felt a chilling sense of déjà vu.

기시감 (déjà vu) with '소름 끼치는'.

2

그의 문장은 소름 돋을 만큼 날카로워 독자의 심장을 파고든다.

His sentences are so chillingly sharp they pierce the reader's heart.

Metaphorical use in literary criticism.

3

인공지능이 인간의 감정을 완벽히 흉내 내는 모습은 소름 끼치기까지 한다.

The way AI perfectly mimics human emotions is even chilling.

-기까지 한다 (goes as far as to...).

4

소름 끼치는 침묵 속에서 우리는 서로의 숨소리만을 확인했다.

In the chilling silence, we only confirmed each other's breathing.

Using '소름' to create atmosphere.

5

그는 소름 끼칠 정도의 평정심을 유지하며 위기를 극복했다.

He overcame the crisis by maintaining a chillingly calm demeanor.

평정심 (calmness/composure) with '소름 끼칠 정도'.

6

사회 시스템의 소름 돋는 치밀함이 개인의 자유를 억압하고 있다.

The chilling meticulousness of the social system is suppressing individual freedom.

Abstract social critique.

7

그녀의 노래에는 듣는 이의 영혼을 소름 돋게 하는 마력이 있다.

Her songs have a magical power that gives the listener's soul goosebumps.

Soul (영혼) as the object of '소름 돋게 하다'.

8

소름 끼치는 진실이 밝혀지자 세상은 충격에 휩싸였다.

As the chilling truth was revealed, the world was engulfed in shock.

Passive '밝혀지자' (as it was revealed).

よく使う組み合わせ

소름이 돋다
소름이 끼치다
소름이 쫙 돋다
소름 돋는 연기
소름 끼치는 정적
소름 돋는 반전
소름이 가시다
소름이 돋을 만큼
소름 끼치게 싫다
소름 유발자

よく使うフレーズ

와, 소름!

— Wow, goosebumps! Used as a quick reaction to something amazing or shocking.

노래 진짜 잘한다. 와, 소름!

진짜 소름이다.

— It's seriously goosebump-inducing/freaky. Used for coincidences or shocks.

우리가 같은 생각을 했다니 진짜 소름이다.

소름 돋아.

— I'm getting goosebumps. The most common way to express the feeling in real-time.

저 사람 눈빛 봐. 소름 돋아.

소름 끼쳐요.

— It's creepy/chilling. Often used to describe something or someone scary.

그 영화 장면은 정말 소름 끼쳐요.

팔에 소름 돋았어.

— I got goosebumps on my arm. Showing physical proof of being moved or scared.

이것 봐, 나 지금 팔에 소름 돋았어.

소름 돋는 이야기.

— A goosebump-inducing (usually scary) story.

할머니가 소름 돋는 이야기를 해주셨다.

소름 끼칠 정도로.

— To the point of being chilling/amazing.

그는 소름 끼칠 정도로 똑똑하다.

온몸에 소름이...

— Goosebumps all over my body... Used when words fail to describe the intensity.

그 광경을 보고 온몸에 소름이...

소름 유발.

— Inducing goosebumps. Often used in YouTube titles or captions.

소름 유발 주의! 역대급 공포 영상.

소름이 돋다 못해...

— Beyond just getting goosebumps... used for extreme reactions.

소름이 돋다 못해 눈물이 났다.

慣用句と表現

"소름이 끼치다"

— To be extremely creepy or chilling, making one's skin crawl.

그의 웃음소리는 소름이 끼친다.

Neutral
"닭살이 돋다"

— To feel cringey or embarrassed by something overly romantic or cheesy.

그들의 연애 행각을 보니 닭살이 돋는다.

Informal
"등골이 오싹하다"

— To feel a chill run down one's spine from fear.

밤길을 걷는데 등골이 오싹했다.

Neutral
"머리카락이 쭈뼛 서다"

— One's hair stands on end (from extreme fear or shock).

귀신을 보고 머리카락이 쭈뼛 섰다.

Idiomatic
"피가 거꾸로 솟다"

— Blood rushes to the head (from extreme anger, often accompanying a chill).

그 소식을 듣고 피가 거꾸로 솟는 것 같았다.

Idiomatic
"간담이 서늘하다"

— To be terrified (literally: liver and gallbladder become cool).

사고가 날 뻔해서 간담이 서늘했다.

Formal/Idiomatic
"뼈가 시리다"

— Cold that pierces to the bone (often leads to 소름).

겨울바람이 뼈가 시리게 춥다.

Neutral
"숨이 멎다"

— One's breath stops (from awe or shock, often with 소름).

그녀의 아름다움에 숨이 멎는 것 같았다.

Literary
"전율이 흐르다"

— A thrill/shudder flows through the body.

공연장에 전율이 흘렀다.

Formal
"치 떨리다"

— To tremble with rage or disgust (teeth-chattering intensity).

그의 뻔뻔함에 치가 떨린다.

Informal
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