Meaning
To try to understand someone's mood or situation by observing them.
Cultural Background
Nunchi is often called the 'Korean secret to success'. It is taught to children as early as age 3. A child with 'good nunchi' is praised for being well-behaved and considerate. In many Korean companies, employees will not leave the office until their boss does. This is a classic example of '눈치를 보다'. Even if their work is done, they 'look at the nunchi' of the superior. Fans often 'look at the nunchi' of their favorite idols during live streams to see if they are tired or happy, often commenting on their 'nunchi' in real-time.
The compliment
If someone tells you '눈치가 빠르시네요', say thank you! It means you are socially smart.
Don't overdo it
Looking at nunchi too much can make you look unconfident or '소심하다' (timid).
Meaning
To try to understand someone's mood or situation by observing them.
The compliment
If someone tells you '눈치가 빠르시네요', say thank you! It means you are socially smart.
Don't overdo it
Looking at nunchi too much can make you look unconfident or '소심하다' (timid).
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: '상사가 화가 나서 모두가 상사의 ____ 보고 있어요.'
상사가 화가 나서 모두가 상사의 ____ 보고 있어요.
When someone is angry and you are gauging their mood, you use '눈치를 보다'.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 왜 밥을 안 먹어요? B: 부장님이 아직 안 드셔서 _________.
The speaker is waiting for the boss to eat first, which involves reading the social hierarchy/mood.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a person who is very good at sensing others' feelings?
'눈치가 빠르다' means to be quick at reading the room.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises상사가 화가 나서 모두가 상사의 ____ 보고 있어요.
When someone is angry and you are gauging their mood, you use '눈치를 보다'.
A: 왜 밥을 안 먹어요? B: 부장님이 아직 안 드셔서 _________.
The speaker is waiting for the boss to eat first, which involves reading the social hierarchy/mood.
Which phrase fits a person who is very good at sensing others' feelings?
'눈치가 빠르다' means to be quick at reading the room.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo! It's actually a vital social skill. It shows you are considerate of others' feelings.
Yes, but if you do it too much, it might mean you are afraid of them.
Related Phrases
눈치가 빠르다
similarTo be quick-witted
눈치가 없다
contrastTo be clueless
눈치를 채다
builds onTo notice/catch on
분위기를 파악하다
synonymTo grasp the atmosphere
