인상
인상 30秒で
- 인상 (印象) refers to the mental 'stamp' or impression left by a person, place, or experience on your mind and feelings.
- It is most commonly used in the phrase '첫인상' (first impression), which is highly valued in Korean social and professional life.
- The word can describe a person's general 'vibe' or 'look' (인상이 좋다) or a specific memorable experience (인상적이다).
- Be careful to distinguish it from its homonym meaning 'price hike' and the similar-sounding word '인성' (personality/character).
The Korean word 인상 (印象) is a profound noun that captures the essence of how we perceive the world and the people within it. At its core, it refers to the 'mark' or 'stamp' left on one's mind after an encounter or experience. Derived from the Hanja characters In (印 - stamp/seal) and Sang (象 - image/appearance), it literally translates to an 'imprinted image.' This suggests that an impression is not merely a passing thought, but a lasting mental image that shapes our subsequent judgments and feelings.
- Core Concept
- The immediate mental and emotional response triggered by an external stimulus, such as a person's behavior, a piece of art, or a specific environment.
- Psychological Weight
- In Korean culture, '인상' carries significant weight in social dynamics, particularly the '첫인상' (first impression), which is often believed to dictate the future of a relationship.
그의 첫 인상은 매우 차가웠지만, 실제로는 따뜻한 사람이었다. (His first impression was very cold, but in reality, he was a warm person.)
Beyond just people, '인상' applies to abstract experiences. When you watch a movie that moves you, or visit a city that feels vibrant, those feelings are categorized as your '인상' of that subject. It is subjective, personal, and often difficult to change once it has been 'stamped' into the subconscious. This is why the verb 남기다 (to leave) is so frequently paired with it; an impression is something left behind by an actor and received by an observer.
이 도시는 나에게 강렬한 인상을 남겼다. (This city left a strong impression on me.)
- Visual vs. Emotional
- While it can refer to physical appearance (인상이 좋다 - to look kind), it more often refers to the 'vibe' or 'feeling' one exudes.
그녀는 면접관들에게 좋은 인상을 심어주기 위해 노력했다. (She tried hard to instill a good impression in the interviewers.)
In summary, '인상' is the mental footprint of an experience. It encompasses the visual, emotional, and cognitive data we process during an interaction, forming a holistic 'image' that we carry forward. Understanding this word is key to navigating Korean social etiquette, where the 'image' one presents is often considered a reflection of their character and respect for others.
Using 인상 correctly involves understanding its common verb pairings and the nuances of social context. In Korean, you don't just 'have' an impression; you 'receive' it, 'give' it, or 'leave' it. The choice of verb changes the focus of the sentence from the observer to the subject.
- Common Verb Pairings
- 1. 인상을 주다 (To give an impression): Used when you are the one influencing others.
2. 인상을 받다 (To receive an impression): Used when you are the observer.
3. 인상을 남기다 (To leave an impression): Used for lasting impacts, like a performance or a speech.
첫 만남에서 나쁜 인상을 주지 않도록 조심하세요. (Be careful not to give a bad impression during the first meeting.)
When describing a person's general 'look' or 'vibe', Koreans often say '인상이 좋다' (to have a good impression/look). This doesn't necessarily mean they are handsome or beautiful, but rather that they look kind, approachable, or trustworthy. Conversely, '인상이 세다' suggests someone looks tough, intimidating, or has a strong personality reflected in their face.
그 영화의 마지막 장면은 정말 인상적이었어요. (The last scene of that movie was truly impressive.)
- Contextual Usage
- In professional settings, '인상' is used to discuss brand image or candidate evaluations. In personal settings, it's used to discuss gut feelings about new acquaintances or travel experiences.
그의 말투는 신뢰감을 주는 인상을 풍긴다. (His way of speaking gives off an impression of trustworthiness.)
One must also be aware of the homonym '인상' (引上), which means 'increase' or 'raise' (e.g., price hike). Context usually makes the distinction clear: if you are talking about money or percentages, it's 'increase'; if you are talking about feelings or people, it's 'impression'. Mastering the collocations like 깊은 인상 (deep impression) or 강렬한 인상 (strong impression) will make your Korean sound much more natural and sophisticated.
You will encounter the word 인상 in a wide variety of settings, from casual conversations to formal business environments and academic critiques. Its versatility makes it a staple of the Korean vocabulary.
- 1. Social Gatherings & Dating
- After a blind date (소개팅) or meeting a friend's new partner, the most common question is: '첫인상이 어땠어?' (How was the first impression?). It's the standard way to ask for an initial evaluation.
소개팅 남자의 첫 인상이 너무 좋아서 다시 만나기로 했어요. (The first impression of the guy from the blind date was so good that I decided to meet him again.)
- 2. Business & Interviews
- In job interviews, '인상' is a critical metric. Recruiters discuss the '인상' a candidate left behind. Phrases like '좋은 인상을 남기다' (to leave a good impression) are frequently used in career advice.
면접에서 깔끔한 복장은 긍정적인 인상을 주는 데 도움이 됩니다. (Neat attire in an interview helps in giving a positive impression.)
- 3. Art, Media & Literature
- When discussing books, movies, or paintings, '인상' is used to describe the most memorable parts. '인상 깊은 장면' (a memorable/impressive scene) is a set phrase in reviews.
이 소설에서 가장 인상 깊었던 구절은 무엇인가요? (What was the most impressive passage in this novel?)
You will also hear it in news reports concerning public figures. If a politician changes their hairstyle or way of speaking to appear more 'friendly', the media might comment on their '인상 변화' (change in impression/image). In daily life, if someone looks angry, a friend might ask, '왜 인상을 쓰고 있어?' (Why are you frowning/making a face?), where '인상을 쓰다' specifically refers to facial expressions.
While 인상 is a common word, learners often trip over its homonyms or confuse it with similar-sounding words that have distinct meanings. Precision is key to avoiding awkward misunderstandings.
- 1. The 'Price Hike' Homonym
- The most common confusion is with 인상 (引上), which means to raise or increase (usually prices, taxes, or wages). Context is vital. If you hear '물가 인상' (price hike), it has nothing to do with 'impressions'.
[Mistake] 버스 요금 인상이 너무 예뻐요. (The bus fare impression is so pretty - INCORRECT)
[Correct] 버스 요금 인상이 너무 심해요. (The bus fare increase is too much.)
- 2. 인상 vs. 인성 (Impression vs. Personality)
- Learners often confuse '인상' (how someone looks/feels to others) with '인성' (someone's actual character/personality). You can have a good '인상' but a bad '인성'.
그는 인상은 좋지만 인성은 별로예요. (He has a good impression/look, but his personality isn't great.)
- 3. Confusing '인상을 쓰다'
- The phrase '인상을 쓰다' doesn't mean 'to use an impression'. It is an idiom meaning 'to frown' or 'to scowl'. Beginners often try to use '인상을 만들다' (to make an impression), but '인상을 남기다' or '인상을 주다' are the correct collocations.
화가 났는지 계속 인상을 쓰고 있네요. (He keeps frowning, maybe he's angry.)
Finally, avoid overusing '인상' when you simply mean 'feeling' (느낌). '인상' implies a more structured, visual, or lasting evaluation. If you just feel cold, use '추운 느낌'; don't use '추운 인상' unless you are describing the 'vibe' of a cold, sterile room.
To truly master 인상, it's helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. While they may overlap, each has a specific 'flavor' and usage context.
- 인상 (Impression) vs. 느낌 (Feeling)
- 인상 is more formal and often refers to a mental image formed after observation. 느낌 is more general, emotional, and sensory. You can have a '느낌' of hunger, but not an '인상' of hunger.
- 인상 (Impression) vs. 이미지 (Image)
- 이미지 (the loanword) is often used in marketing or branding (e.g., 기업 이미지). 인상 is more personal and psychological. '이미지' is often what is projected, while '인상' is what is received.
- 인상 (Impression) vs. 소감 (Thoughts/Impressions)
- 소감 is used when someone asks for your 'thoughts' or 'reflections' after an event (e.g., 우승 소감 - winner's speech). 인상 is the raw feeling; 소감 is the articulated expression of that feeling.
공연을 본 인상이 깊어서 짧게 소감을 남겼어요. (The impression of the performance was deep, so I left a short reflection.)
그의 첫 인상은 느낌이 좋았다. (His first impression gave a good feeling.)
Another related word is 분위기 (atmosphere/vibe). While '인상' is focused on the subject, '분위기' is focused on the surrounding environment. A person can have a '좋은 인상', and a room can have a '좋은 분위기'. If a person's '인상' creates a certain '분위기', we say '그는 밝은 분위기를 풍기는 인상을 가졌다' (He has an impression that gives off a bright atmosphere).
How Formal Is It?
難易度
知っておくべき文法
~적 (Suffix to make nouns into adjectives)
~게 (Adverbial suffix, e.g., 인상 깊게)
~어/아 보이다 (To look like... used with 인상)
~을/를 통해 (Through... used with impression formation)
~ㄴ/은/는 것 같다 (Seems like... used for subjective impressions)
レベル別の例文
첫인상이 좋아요.
The first impression is good.
Noun + 이/가 + Adjective
인상이 참 선하시네요.
You look very kind (your impression is kind).
Honorific ending -시네요
그 사람은 인상이 나빠요.
That person has a bad impression.
Subject + Noun + Adjective
첫인상이 중요해요.
First impressions are important.
General truth statement
인상이 밝아요.
The impression is bright/cheerful.
Descriptive adjective
제 인상이 어때요?
How is my impression (how do I look to you)?
Question form
인상이 무서워요.
The impression is scary.
Expressing a feeling
좋은 인상을 주세요.
Give a good impression.
Imperative form -주세요
이 영화는 인상적이에요.
This movie is impressive.
인상 + 적 (suffix for '-ive')
그 도시는 나쁜 인상을 남겼어요.
That city left a bad impression.
Past tense -남겼어요
그녀의 웃음이 인상에 남아요.
Her smile remains in my impression.
Verb -남다 (to remain)
선생님의 첫인상은 엄격했어요.
The teacher's first impression was strict.
Past tense adjective
인상을 바꾸고 싶어요.
I want to change my impression/look.
-고 싶다 (want to)
그 책은 별로 인상적이지 않았어요.
That book wasn't very impressive.
Negative form -지 않다
면접에서 좋은 인상을 남겼나요?
Did you leave a good impression at the interview?
Question past tense
그의 목소리가 참 인상적이네요.
His voice is quite impressive.
Exclamatory ending -네요
왜 그렇게 인상을 쓰고 있어요?
Why are you frowning like that?
Idiom: 인상을 쓰다 (to frown)
가장 인상 깊었던 여행지는 어디예요?
Where was the most impressive travel destination?
인상 깊다 (deeply impressive)
그의 행동은 나에게 강한 인상을 주었다.
His actions gave me a strong impression.
Written style -었다
첫인상만으로 사람을 판단하지 마세요.
Don't judge a person only by their first impression.
-지 마세요 (prohibition)
그 배우의 연기는 매우 인상적이었다.
That actor's acting was very impressive.
Formal written style
이 광고는 소비자에게 어떤 인상을 줄까요?
What kind of impression will this ad give to consumers?
Future conjecture -을까요
그의 첫인상은 차가웠지만 실제로는 친절했다.
His first impression was cold, but he was actually kind.
Contrast -지만
인상적인 장면이 너무 많아서 고르기 힘들어요.
There are so many impressive scenes, it's hard to choose.
Reason -아서/어서
그의 말은 나에게 깊은 인상을 심어주었다.
His words instilled a deep impression in me.
심어주다 (to plant/instill)
그 회사는 혁신적인 인상을 주려고 노력한다.
The company tries to give an innovative impression.
-려고 노력하다 (try to)
첫인상을 결정짓는 요소는 다양하다.
The factors that determine the first impression are diverse.
결정짓다 (to determine)
그녀는 면접관들에게 인상적인 답변을 했다.
She gave an impressive answer to the interviewers.
Adjective modifying noun
그의 외모에서 풍기는 인상이 매우 강렬하다.
The impression emanating from his appearance is very intense.
풍기다 (to give off/emanate)
작가는 독자에게 강한 인상을 남기기 위해 비유를 사용했다.
The author used metaphors to leave a strong impression on the reader.
-기 위해 (in order to)
인상주의 화가들은 빛의 변화를 포착하려 했다.
Impressionist painters tried to capture the changes in light.
Historical term: 인상주의
그 사건은 국민들에게 좋지 않은 인상을 심어주었다.
The incident instilled a bad impression in the public.
Public context
인상 형성과정에서 초두 효과는 매우 중요하다.
The primacy effect is very important in the process of impression formation.
Psychological term: 초두 효과
그의 시는 감각적이고 인상적인 언어로 가득 차 있다.
His poetry is full of sensory and impressive language.
Literary description
정치인들은 인상 관리를 위해 전문가의 도움을 받는다.
Politicians receive expert help for impression management.
인상 관리 (Impression management)
이 건축물은 도시의 전체적인 인상을 좌우한다.
This building determines the overall impression of the city.
좌우하다 (to dominate/influence)
그의 침묵은 웅변보다 더 깊은 인상을 남겼다.
His silence left a deeper impression than eloquence.
Comparison -보다
인상적인 연출 덕분에 연극의 메시지가 잘 전달되었다.
Thanks to the impressive directing, the play's message was well conveyed.
-덕분에 (thanks to)
사람들은 흔히 외모만으로 타인의 인상을 규정짓곤 한다.
People often tend to define others' impressions based solely on appearance.
-곤 하다 (habitual action)
그의 글은 독창적이어서 인상에 깊이 박혔다.
His writing was so original that it was deeply etched in my impression.
박히다 (to be etched/stuck)
인상은 본질을 가리는 장막이 될 수도 있다.
Impression can also be a curtain that hides the essence.
Philosophical metaphor
작가는 인상주의적 기법을 통해 찰나의 미학을 구현했다.
The author embodied the aesthetics of the moment through impressionistic techniques.
Academic critique
인상 형성의 인지적 편향을 극복하는 것은 쉽지 않다.
It is not easy to overcome cognitive biases in impression formation.
Cognitive science context
그의 연설은 청중의 뇌리에 지워지지 않는 인상을 각인시켰다.
His speech engraved an indelible impression on the minds of the audience.
각인시키다 (to engrave/imprint)
미디어는 대중의 인상을 조작하는 강력한 도구로 활용된다.
Media is utilized as a powerful tool to manipulate public impressions.
Sociological analysis
인상의 주관성은 객관적 진실에 도달하는 것을 방해하곤 한다.
The subjectivity of impression often hinders reaching the objective truth.
Abstract noun usage
그의 삶 자체가 하나의 거대한 인상적인 서사였다.
His life itself was one giant, impressive narrative.
Metaphorical usage
인상과 실재 사이의 괴리를 탐구하는 것이 이 논문의 목적이다.
The purpose of this paper is to explore the gap between impression and reality.
Formal academic objective
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
よく混同される語
Character/Personality vs. Impression/Look.
Price/Wage increase vs. Mental impression.
Greeting vs. Impression.
慣用句と表現
間違えやすい
文型パターン
使い方
'인상' is subjective. What is 'impressive' to one may not be to another.
Always check if the context involves money/numbers (increase) or people/feelings (impression).
ヒント
First Meetings
In Korea, people often say '첫인상이 좋으시네요' to break the ice. It's a safe and positive way to start a conversation.
Adjective Form
Remember that '인상적' needs '이다' to function as a predicate (인상적이다) or '인' to modify a noun (인상적인).
Homonym Check
When you see '인상' in a headline, look for a percentage sign (%) nearby. If it's there, it means 'increase'.
Frowning
If someone tells you '인상 좀 펴세요', they are telling you to stop frowning and cheer up.
Reviews
Use '깊은 인상을 남겼다' in your essays to describe a book or movie that changed your perspective.
Face Reading
Koreans sometimes say '인상이 과학이다' (Impression is science), jokingly implying that you can tell a person's character from their face.
Emphasis
Add '매우' or '정말' before '인상적' to emphasize how much you liked something.
Context Clues
Listen for '첫' (first). If you hear '첫인상', it's 100% about the impression meaning.
Advanced Use
Try using '인상을 심어주다' (to instill an impression) instead of '인상을 주다' to sound more like a native speaker.
Soft 'S'
The 's' in 'sang' is soft, not a double 'ss'. Practice saying it smoothly.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Think of an 'In-Stamp'. When you meet someone, they put an 'In-Sang' (In-Stamp) on your brain.
語源
Sino-Korean (Hanja)
文化的な背景
Korean dramas often use '인상' to describe the 'vibe' of a mysterious character.
Corporate training often includes sessions on how to give a professional '인상'.
A 'good impression' often involves smiling slightly and having 'bright' eyes.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
会話のきっかけ
"그 영화에서 가장 인상 깊었던 장면이 뭐예요?"
"사람을 처음 만날 때 첫인상을 중요하게 생각하세요?"
"제 첫인상은 어땠나요?"
"인상이 좋은 사람이 되려면 어떻게 해야 할까요?"
"최근에 가장 인상적이었던 경험은 무엇인가요?"
日記のテーマ
오늘 만난 사람의 인상에 대해 써 보세요.
가장 인상 깊게 읽은 책의 줄거리를 요약해 보세요.
첫인상 때문에 오해를 받았던 경험이 있나요?
내가 다른 사람들에게 주고 싶은 인상은 무엇인가요?
인상주의 그림을 보고 느낀 점을 적어 보세요.
よくある質問
10 問Yes, it can be used for anything that leaves a mental mark, like a movie, a building, or a landscape. For example, '건물의 인상이 독특하다' (The building's impression is unique).
'이미지' is often a projected or public persona, while '인상' is the subjective feeling received by an individual. They are often interchangeable in casual speech.
Yes, it is a very common and polite compliment in Korea. It means the person looks kind, reliable, and pleasant.
You can say '인상 깊었어요' (It was deeply impressive) or '인상적이었어요' (It was impressive).
It means to frown or scowl, usually because of anger, pain, or concentration. It literally means 'to use/wear an expression (of displeasure)'.
It's less common. Usually, we use '느낌' or '맛' for those. However, you could say '인상적인 맛' if the taste was truly unique and memorable.
Not necessarily. It includes the face, clothing, voice, and the overall 'vibe' or behavior during the first meeting.
If you hear '금리' (interest rate), '물가' (prices), or '세금' (taxes), it means 'increase'. If you hear '후보자' (candidate) or '배우' (actor), it means 'impression'.
No, it is a noun. To use it as a verb, you add '주다', '받다', or '남기다'.
It is the Korean word for 'Impressionism', the 19th-century art movement.
自分をテスト 200 問
Write a sentence using '첫인상'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a movie you liked using '인상적'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain why '인상' is important in an interview.
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Use '인상을 남기다' in a sentence about a trip.
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Write a sentence using the idiom '인상을 쓰다'.
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Describe someone with a 'good impression'.
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Compare '인상' and '인성'.
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Write about an 'impressive' book you read.
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Use '인상에 남다' in a sentence.
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Explain 'Impressionism' briefly in Korean.
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Write a sentence about 'impression management'.
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Use '강렬한 인상' in a sentence.
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Write a sentence using '인상을 심어주다'.
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Describe a city's 'impression'.
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Write a sentence about 'changing one's impression'.
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Use '인상 깊게' as an adverb.
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Explain the primacy effect in impression formation.
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Write a sentence about a 'scary impression'.
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Use '인상을 찌푸리다' in a sentence.
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Describe a 'bright impression'.
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Say 'The first impression is good' in Korean.
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Ask 'How was the movie?' using 'impressive'.
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Tell someone 'Don't frown'.
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Say 'It left a deep impression on me'.
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Compliment someone's 'good impression'.
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Say 'The last scene was impressive'.
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Ask 'What was the most impressive part?'
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Say 'I want to give a good impression'.
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Say 'His voice is impressive'.
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Say 'Don't judge by first impressions'.
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Say 'He has a bright impression'.
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Say 'I received a strong impression'.
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Say 'The city's impression was unique'.
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Say 'I remember the impression of that day'.
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Say 'She gave an impressive speech'.
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Say 'Why are you making that face?' (using 인상).
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Say 'It's an impressive building'.
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Say 'First impressions are important'.
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Say 'He left a good impression on the boss'.
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Say 'I like people with good impressions'.
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Listen and identify the word: '첫인상이 중요합니다.'
Listen and identify the word: '정말 인상적인 공연이었어요.'
Listen and identify the word: '인상 좀 펴세요.'
Listen and identify the word: '물가 인상이 심각합니다.' (Careful!)
Listen and identify the word: '인상주의 화가들의 작품입니다.'
Listen and identify the word: '깊은 인상을 남겼습니다.'
Listen and identify the word: '인상이 참 선하시네요.'
Listen and identify the word: '나쁜 인상을 주지 마세요.'
Listen and identify the word: '인상에 남는 여행지.'
Listen and identify the word: '인상 관리의 중요성.'
Listen and identify the word: '강렬한 인상을 받았다.'
Listen and identify the word: '인상을 찌푸리다.'
Listen and identify the word: '인상적인 장면.'
Listen and identify the word: '첫인상이 어떠셨나요?'
Listen and identify the word: '인상이 훤하다.'
/ 200 correct
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Summary
The word '인상' is essential for describing how you perceive others and how they perceive you. Whether you're talking about a '좋은 인상' (good impression) in an interview or an '인상적인 영화' (impressive movie), it focuses on the lasting mental image formed after an encounter.
- 인상 (印象) refers to the mental 'stamp' or impression left by a person, place, or experience on your mind and feelings.
- It is most commonly used in the phrase '첫인상' (first impression), which is highly valued in Korean social and professional life.
- The word can describe a person's general 'vibe' or 'look' (인상이 좋다) or a specific memorable experience (인상적이다).
- Be careful to distinguish it from its homonym meaning 'price hike' and the similar-sounding word '인성' (personality/character).
First Meetings
In Korea, people often say '첫인상이 좋으시네요' to break the ice. It's a safe and positive way to start a conversation.
Adjective Form
Remember that '인상적' needs '이다' to function as a predicate (인상적이다) or '인' to modify a noun (인상적인).
Homonym Check
When you see '인상' in a headline, look for a percentage sign (%) nearby. If it's there, it means 'increase'.
Frowning
If someone tells you '인상 좀 펴세요', they are telling you to stop frowning and cheer up.
例文
그는 첫인상이 매우 좋아서 면접관들에게 인기가 많았다.