Meaning
Used to indicate that something is not yet complete or near.
Cultural Background
Modesty is a core value. Accepting praise directly is often seen as arrogant. In professional settings, it is used to show that you are still working hard and not complacent. Teachers often use it to encourage students to keep striving for excellence.
Use it for compliments
Whenever a Korean person compliments you, use this phrase. It will immediately make you sound more culturally aware.
Don't be too modest
If you use this phrase too much, people might think you are fishing for more compliments. Use it once and then say 'Thank you'.
Meaning
Used to indicate that something is not yet complete or near.
Use it for compliments
Whenever a Korean person compliments you, use this phrase. It will immediately make you sound more culturally aware.
Don't be too modest
If you use this phrase too much, people might think you are fishing for more compliments. Use it once and then say 'Thank you'.
Test Yourself
Choose the most polite response to a compliment.
Someone says: 'You are so good at Korean!'
This is the standard, polite, and humble way to respond.
Complete the sentence.
프로젝트가 끝나려면 ____ 멀었어요.
'아직' (still) is the required adverb for this phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 요리 실력이 대단해요! B: ____.
This is the most natural humble response.
Match the register.
Match the form to the register.
Correct usage depends on the social hierarchy.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSomeone says: 'You are so good at Korean!'
This is the standard, polite, and humble way to respond.
프로젝트가 끝나려면 ____ 멀었어요.
'아직' (still) is the required adverb for this phrase.
A: 요리 실력이 대단해요! B: ____.
This is the most natural humble response.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Correct usage depends on the social hierarchy.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, use '멀리 있어요' for physical distance.
No, it is polite as long as you use the '습니다' ending.
It is a cultural habit of humility.
Yes, it means you have a long way to go to the finish line.
'안 됐어요' means it hasn't happened yet, '멀었어요' means it is far from completion.
Use '아직 멀었습니다'.
Yes, use '아직 멀었어'.
Not necessarily, it just means you are not finished.
Related Phrases
갈 길이 멀다
synonymThe road to go is long.
더 노력해야 해요
builds onI must try harder.
아직 부족해요
synonymI am still lacking.
