Esta página no seu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #4,500 mais comum 11 min de leitura

실마리

silmari Top 4,500

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas 실마리 em 30 segundos

Explicação 실마리 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '실마리' (sil-ma-ri) is quite an advanced word. You don't need to use it yet, but it's good to know it means 'clue.' Think of it as a special word for 'hint.' In very simple terms, it's like finding the first piece of a puzzle. If you lose something and find a small part of it, that's a 'sil-ma-ri.' However, for now, you can just use '힌트' (hint), which is easier and sounds like the English word. Focus on words like '찾다' (find) and '문제' (problem) first. If you see this word in a story, just remember it means the 'start of a solution.' It's like the beginning of a piece of string! If you find the start, you can follow the string to the end.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

For A2 learners, '실마리' is a word you might see in simple detective stories or news headlines. It's a noun that means 'a clue' or 'a lead.' You can use it when you are talking about solving a problem. For example, '문제의 실마리를 찾았어요' (I found the clue to the problem). It's more formal than '힌트.' A good way to remember it is to think of a tangled mess of thread. 'Sil' means thread. 'Mari' means head. So, it's the 'head of the thread.' When you find the head of the thread, you can untie the knot. You can use this word in your diary when you finally understand a difficult grammar rule! It shows you are moving toward a higher level of Korean.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the B1 level, you should start using '실마리' to describe breakthroughs in your life or studies. It's the perfect word for when you've been stuck on something and finally find a way forward. Unlike '힌트,' which is often given to you, '실마리' is often something you discover yourself. It's commonly used with the verb '찾다' (to find) or '잡다' (to catch). You will hear this word often in K-dramas, especially crime or mystery ones. It's also used in business meetings to talk about solving professional issues. Try to use it instead of '힌트' when you want to sound more professional and precise. It suggests that the problem was complex and you've found the essential starting point to fix it.

B2 learners should understand the metaphorical depth of '실마리.' It's not just a 'clue'; it's the 'beginning of the end' of a problem. You should be able to use it in various contexts: scientific discoveries, historical research, and complex social issues. It often appears in the form '...의 실마리를 제공하다' (to provide a clue for...) or '...의 실마리가 풀리다' (the clue to... is unraveled). You should also distinguish it from '단서' (evidence) and '계기' (turning point). '실마리' emphasizes the process of unraveling a 'tangled' situation. In your writing, use this word to describe the initial insight that led to a larger conclusion. It is a very natural word for discussing plots in literature or movies.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the C1 level, '실마리' should be a regular part of your academic and professional vocabulary. You should appreciate its etymological connection to weaving and thread, and use it to add literary flair to your descriptions. It's often used in abstract discussions about psychology, philosophy, or high-level politics. For instance, '대화의 실마리를 찾다' refers to finding a subtle opening for a difficult negotiation. You should also be familiar with related idioms or advanced collocations like '실마리를 더듬다' (to grope for/trace a clue). At this level, you can use the word to describe the very first, often faint, indication of a complex truth. It's a word that conveys both the difficulty of the search and the hope of the discovery.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

For C2 speakers, '실마리' is a tool for nuanced expression. You understand that it carries a specific imagery of 'unwinding' (풀다) that other synonyms like '단서' do not. You can use it in highly formal speeches or sophisticated literary analysis. It can describe the subtle thread of a narrative or the first inkling of a revolutionary scientific paradigm shift. You might use it to discuss the '실마리' of a national conflict or the '실마리' of an existential crisis. It's a word that suggests a deep understanding of the structure of problems—that they are not just 'broken' but 'tangled.' Your usage should reflect an awareness of how this single word can set a tone of intellectual curiosity and methodical resolution.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

실마리 em 30 segundos

실마리 (Noun): A clue, lead, or breakthrough point for a problem.
Literal meaning: The 'head' or 'end' of a thread (실 + 마리).
Usage: Commonly used in detective stories, science, and social conflict.
Key Verbs: Pair it with 찾다 (find), 잡다 (catch), or 제공하다 (provide).

The Korean word 실마리 is a beautiful and evocative noun that translates most directly to 'clue,' 'lead,' or 'hint.' However, its literal roots offer a much deeper insight into its usage. Etymologically, it is a compound of '실' (sil), meaning thread, and '마리' (mari), an ancient word for 'head' or 'end.' Therefore, 실마리 literally means the 'beginning of a thread' or the 'end of a spool.' Imagine trying to find the start of a tangled ball of yarn; once you find that tiny loose end, the entire mess can be unraveled. This is exactly how the word is used metaphorically in Korean: it refers to the first step or the crucial piece of information that allows someone to solve a complex problem, resolve a conflict, or understand a mysterious situation.

Literal Origin: The starting point of a bundle of thread (실의 첫 머리).
Figurative Meaning: A breakthrough or key insight that leads to a solution (문제 해결의 계기).

경찰은 마침내 사건의 중요한 실마리를 찾아냈습니다. (The police finally found an important clue to the case.)

In daily life, you will encounter this word in contexts ranging from criminal investigations to scientific research and even interpersonal relationships. While the English word 'hint' often implies something small given by another person, 실마리 often emphasizes the discovery of a path forward in a difficult situation. It is the 'thread' you pull to make sense of the chaos. For example, if two friends have been fighting for a long time and someone mentions a shared memory that softens their hearts, that memory is the 실마리 for reconciliation.

과학자들은 암 치료의 새로운 실마리를 발견하기 위해 연구에 매진하고 있습니다. (Scientists are dedicated to research to discover a new clue for cancer treatment.)

Furthermore, the word carries a sense of hope. Because it represents the beginning of a solution, finding a 실마리 suggests that a breakthrough is imminent. It is frequently paired with verbs like '찾다' (to find), '잡다' (to catch/grasp), and '제공하다' (to provide). In a business meeting, if a project is stalled, a manager might ask for a 실마리 to move forward. This word is more formal and literary than '힌트' (hint), making it a staple in news reports, literature, and professional discourse. Understanding this word helps you grasp the Korean nuance of 'unraveling' a problem rather than just 'fixing' it.

Usage Context: Used when solving mysteries, puzzles, scientific problems, or social conflicts.

그의 말 한마디가 꼬인 매듭을 풀 실마리가 되었다. (His single word became the clue to untie the twisted knot.)

In summary, 실마리 is not just a random hint; it is the essential starting point of a logical progression toward a conclusion. It is the key that fits the lock of a complex situation. When you use this word, you are acknowledging that the situation is complicated, like a tangled thread, and that finding the 'head' of that thread is the most critical step in resolving it.

Using 실마리 correctly requires understanding its common collocations—words that naturally appear with it. Because it is a noun representing a point of origin for a solution, it functions as the object of verbs related to discovery, possession, or provision. Let's explore how to integrate this word into your Korean speech and writing across different contexts.

Verb Pairing: 찾다 (To Find): This is the most common usage. It describes the act of discovering the first hint of a solution.

드디어 문제 해결의 실마리를 찾았습니다! (I finally found the clue to solve the problem!)

Another frequent pairing is with the verb '잡다' (to catch or grasp). While '찾다' focuses on the discovery, '잡다' emphasizes the moment you finally understand or 'get a hold' of the situation. It suggests a firm grasp on the direction you need to take. This is often used in investigative contexts or when brainstorming.

사건 해결의 실마리를 잡기 위해 현장을 다시 조사했다. (They re-investigated the scene to catch a clue for solving the case.)

In more formal or academic settings, 실마리 is often combined with '제공하다' (to provide). This is common in news reports or research papers where one piece of evidence or data leads to a larger discovery.

Verb Pairing: 제공하다 (To Provide): Used when an event or evidence gives a starting point for further inquiry.

이번 발견은 우주의 기원을 밝히는 중요한 실마리를 제공할 것입니다. (This discovery will provide an important clue to revealing the origin of the universe.)

You can also use it with '풀리다' (to be untied/solved) to describe the process of a situation becoming clearer. When the 실마리 is found, the 'tangled thread' begins to 'unravel' (풀리다).

오랫동안 고민하던 일의 실마리가 조금씩 풀리기 시작했다. (The clue to the matter I had been worrying about for a long time began to unravel bit by bit.)

In a social or emotional context, finding a 실마리 often refers to the beginning of a reconciliation. If two people have a misunderstanding, a shared interest or a kind word can be the 실마리 for a conversation.

Social Context: Used to describe the first step toward resolving emotional tension or social conflict.

대화의 실마리를 찾지 못해 두 사람 사이에는 침묵만 흘렀다. (Because they couldn't find a clue for conversation, only silence flowed between the two.)

Whether you are talking about a scientific breakthrough, a criminal investigation, or a simple misunderstanding, 실마리 provides a sophisticated and precise way to describe that 'Aha!' moment or the first step toward a solution. It is a noun that carries the weight of the process that follows it.

While 실마리 might sound slightly sophisticated, it is actually quite common in specific areas of Korean life. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize it when you're watching K-dramas, reading the news, or listening to podcasts. It is a word that bridges the gap between everyday speech and formal discourse.

Crime and Investigation Dramas: This is perhaps the most frequent place to hear the word. In shows like 'Signal' or 'Stranger (Secret Forest),' detectives are constantly searching for a '사건의 실마리' (clue to the case).

CCTV 영상에서 범인을 잡을 수 있는 결정적인 실마리가 발견되었습니다. (A decisive clue to catch the culprit was discovered in the CCTV footage.)

News reports also utilize 실마리 heavily. Whether it's a political scandal, an economic crisis, or a scientific discovery, journalists use this word to describe the first signs of a breakthrough or the beginning of a developing story. It adds a sense of narrative progression to the news.

Professional and Business Meetings: In the workplace, when a project is stuck or a problem seems unsolvable, colleagues might discuss finding a '해결의 실마리' (clue to a solution).

이번 회의를 통해 프로젝트 진행의 실마리를 찾을 수 있기를 바랍니다. (I hope through this meeting we can find a clue to the project's progress.)

You will also hear it in academic lectures or documentaries. When a professor explains how a certain theory was developed, they might point to a specific historical event as the 실마리 that led to the discovery. This highlights the word's role in the intellectual process of connecting dots.

작은 호기심이 인류 역사를 바꾼 위대한 발견의 실마리가 되었습니다. (Small curiosity became the clue to a great discovery that changed human history.)

Finally, in interpersonal relationships, 실마리 appears in advice columns or psychology podcasts. It's used when discussing how to start a difficult conversation or how to understand a partner's hidden feelings. It implies that there is a 'thread' of emotion that needs to be found and followed.

Literature and Essays: Korean writers love the imagery of '실마리' to describe the beginning of a story or a philosophical realization.

그의 일기장에서 우리는 그의 고뇌를 이해할 실마리를 엿볼 수 있다. (In his diary, we can catch a glimpse of the clue to understanding his agony.)

Whether in the high-stakes world of crime dramas or the quiet introspection of a personal essay, 실마리 is the word that signals the transition from confusion to clarity. It's a versatile term that adds depth and imagery to your Korean vocabulary.

While 실마리 is a powerful word, learners often confuse it with similar words or use it in contexts where another term would be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances is key to sounding natural in Korean.

Mistake 1: Confusing '실마리' with '힌트' (Hint): While they both mean 'clue,' '힌트' is usually something given intentionally by a person to help someone else. '실마리' is more often something discovered through effort or observation in a complex situation.

Wrong: 선생님, 정답에 대한 실마리를 주세요. (Teacher, give me a clue to the answer.)
Right: 선생님, 정답에 대한 힌트를 주세요.

In the example above, '힌트' is better because you are asking for help on a test or puzzle. Use 실마리 when you are talking about the breakthrough in a real-world problem or mystery.

Mistake 2: Confusing '실마리' with '단서' (Clue/Evidence): '단서' (dan-seo) is very similar but leans more toward objective evidence in a legal or criminal sense. '실마리' is broader and more metaphorical, often referring to the 'start' of a solution rather than just a piece of evidence.

범죄 현장에서 결정적인 단서가 발견되었다. (Decisive evidence/clue was found at the crime scene.)

While you can use '실마리' in crime contexts, '단서' is more technical. Think of '단서' as a physical fingerprint and '실마리' as the insight that explains why the fingerprint was there.

Mistake 3: Overusing it for simple things: Don't use '실마리' for trivial things like finding your lost keys. It's a word with some weight and complexity.

Awkward: 내 열쇠를 찾을 실마리를 찾았어. (I found a clue to find my keys.)

This sounds overly dramatic unless your keys were stolen by a mastermind criminal! For simple things, use '단서' or just '힌트.' Save 실마리 for problems that require 'unraveling.'

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will use 실마리 with the precision of a native speaker. It's a word that shows you understand the complexity of a situation and are looking for a sophisticated way to describe the path forward.

To truly master 실마리, you should compare it with its close synonyms. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning, and choosing the right one will make your Korean more expressive and accurate.

단서 (Dan-seo) - Clue / Evidence: Focuses on objective, often physical, pieces of information that help solve a mystery or crime.

경찰은 결정적인 단서를 확보했다. (The police secured decisive evidence/clues.)

While '실마리' is the *start* of the unraveling process, '단서' is the *proof* itself. They are often used interchangeably in detective stories, but '단서' feels more legalistic.

힌트 (Hin-teu) - Hint: A loanword from English. It is casual and usually implies a small tip given by someone else.

친구에게 퀴즈의 힌트를 주었다. (I gave my friend a hint for the quiz.)

'힌트' is used for games, tests, and casual conversation. '실마리' is too heavy for a simple quiz.

계기 (Gye-gi) - Motive / Opportunity / Turning Point: Refers to a specific event that triggers a change or starts a process.

그 사고가 내 인생을 바꾼 계기가 되었다. (That accident became the opportunity/turning point that changed my life.)

While '실마리' is a clue to a *solution*, '계기' is the *reason* something started. If a conversation was the '실마리' to resolving a fight, it was also the '계기' for their reconciliation.

Understanding these differences allows you to choose the word that fits the 'vibe' of your sentence. If you're talking about a grand mystery, '실마리' or '단서' is perfect. If you're helping a friend with a crossword, stick to '힌트.'

조짐 (Jo-jim) - Sign / Omen: Refers to a sign that something is *about to* happen, usually something negative.

경제 위기의 조짐이 보이기 시작했다. (Signs of an economic crisis began to appear.)

Use '조짐' when you're predicting the future, and '실마리' when you're solving a problem from the past or present. Both involve 'signs,' but their direction in time is different.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

In old Korean, '마리' (mari) was a common word for 'head.' Today, we use '머리' (meori), but '마리' survives in certain compound words and as a counter for animals.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ɕil.ma.ɾi/

US /ɕil.ma.ɾi/

In Korean, syllables generally have equal weight, but a slight emphasis may fall on the first syllable '실'.

Rima com

마리 (mari - counter for animals) 다리 (dari - leg/bridge) 머리 (meori - head) 소리 (sori - sound) 오리 (ori - duck) 우리 (uri - we/cage) 꼬리 (kkori - tail) 허리 (heori - waist)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing '실' like 'seal' with a heavy English 'L'. It should be a light flap.
Pronouncing '마리' like 'Mary'. It should be 'ma' (as in father) and 'ri' (as in reed).
Confusing the 'ㄹ' sound with a hard 'R'.
Making the 'i' too short.
Over-aspirating the 's' sound.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Common in news and literature, but requires understanding the 'thread' metaphor.

Escrita 4/5

Requires correct collocation with verbs like 찾다 or 제공하다.

Expressão oral 3/5

Natural in professional or serious discussions, but can sound too formal for very casual chat.

Audição 3/5

Easily recognizable in mystery dramas and news reports.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

실 (thread) 문제 (problem) 찾다 (find) 해결 (solve) 힌트 (hint)

Aprenda a seguir

단서 (evidence) 계기 (turning point) 조짐 (sign) 규명하다 (to clarify) 포착하다 (to capture)

Avançado

실타래 (ball of thread) 매듭 (knot) 풀다 (untie/solve) 엉키다 (to be tangled)

Gramática essencial

Noun + 의 (Possessive)

문제의 실마리 (The clue of the problem)

Verb + -기 위해 (In order to)

실마리를 찾기 위해 노력했다.

Verb + -ㄹ/을 수 있다 (Can)

실마리가 될 수 있다.

Noun + -를/을 통해 (Through)

대화를 통해 실마리를 얻었다.

Verb + -아/어 가다 (Keep doing)

실마리를 풀어 나갔다.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Exemplos por nível

이것은 문제의 실마리예요.

This is a clue to the problem.

Simple noun + 이다 (to be).

실마리를 찾고 싶어요.

I want to find a clue.

Noun + object marker + -고 싶다 (want to).

그녀가 실마리를 주었어요.

She gave me a clue.

Past tense verb 주었다 (gave).

작은 실마리가 있어요.

There is a small clue.

Adjective 작은 (small) + noun.

실마리가 어디에 있어요?

Where is the clue?

Question word 어디 (where).

이 책은 실마리를 찾아요.

This book finds the clue.

Subject marker 은/는.

우리는 실마리가 필요해요.

We need a clue.

Adjective 필요하다 (to be needed).

실마리를 보세요.

Look at the clue.

Imperative form -세요.

경찰이 사건의 실마리를 찾았습니다.

The police found a clue to the case.

Possessive particle 의.

친구와 싸웠는데 화해의 실마리가 없어요.

I fought with my friend, but there's no clue for reconciliation.

Conjunction -는데 (but).

이 사진이 실마리가 될 수 있어요.

This photo can be a clue.

-ㄹ 수 있다 (can be).

어려운 수학 문제의 실마리를 잡았어요.

I caught the clue to a difficult math problem.

Verb 잡다 (to catch/grasp).

실마리를 찾으려고 노력하고 있어요.

I am trying to find a clue.

-으려고 노력하다 (try to).

중요한 실마리를 놓치지 마세요.

Don't miss the important clue.

-지 마세요 (don't).

어디서 실마리를 찾을 수 있을까요?

Where can we find a clue?

Future/Guessing ending -을까요.

실마리를 발견해서 기뻐요.

I'm happy because I discovered a clue.

Reason ending -어서.

대화의 실마리를 찾기 위해 먼저 말을 걸었다.

I spoke first to find a clue for conversation.

Noun + -기 위해 (in order to).

범인의 가방에서 사건 해결의 실마리가 나왔습니다.

A clue to solving the case came out of the culprit's bag.

Particle 에서 (from).

그의 말 한마디가 오해를 풀 실마리가 되었다.

His single word became the clue to clearing up the misunderstanding.

Future modifier -ㄹ.

과학자들은 새로운 에너지원의 실마리를 연구 중이다.

Scientists are researching clues for a new energy source.

Noun + 중이다 (in the middle of).

이 일기는 역사를 이해하는 중요한 실마리를 제공한다.

This diary provides an important clue to understanding history.

Present tense 제공한다 (provides).

아무리 생각해도 문제의 실마리가 안 보여요.

No matter how much I think, I can't see the clue to the problem.

Adverb 아무리 (no matter how).

우리는 협상을 계속할 실마리를 찾아야 합니다.

We must find a clue to continue the negotiations.

-아/어야 하다 (must).

작은 단서가 큰 사건의 실마리가 되기도 합니다.

A small clue sometimes becomes the lead for a big case.

-기도 하다 (sometimes also...).

복잡하게 얽힌 문제의 실마리를 하나씩 풀어나갔다.

He unraveled the clues of the complexly entangled problem one by one.

Auxiliary verb -어 나가다 (to keep doing).

이번 실험 결과는 질병 치료의 결정적인 실마리가 될 것이다.

This experiment's result will be a decisive clue for treating the disease.

Future tense -ㄹ 것이다.

그녀의 행동에서 수상한 점을 발견하고 실마리를 잡았다.

After finding something suspicious in her behavior, I caught a lead.

Sequential ending -고.

경찰은 제보자의 증언을 토대로 수사의 실마리를 넓혔다.

The police expanded the lead of the investigation based on the informant's testimony.

Expression -를 토대로 (based on).

정부는 경제 위기 극복의 실마리를 찾기 위해 고심하고 있다.

The government is agonizing to find a clue to overcoming the economic crisis.

Progressive tense -고 있다.

이 책은 인간 심리의 비밀을 푸는 실마리를 제시하고 있다.

This book presents clues to unlocking the secrets of human psychology.

Verb 제시하다 (to present/suggest).

과거의 기록에서 현재 문제의 실마리를 찾는 것이 중요하다.

It is important to find the clue to current problems in past records.

Gerund form -는 것.

어색한 분위기를 깰 대화의 실마리가 전혀 보이지 않았다.

There was no clue for a conversation to break the awkward atmosphere at all.

Adverb 전혀 (at all).

작가는 소설의 전개 과정에서 독자에게 끊임없이 실마리를 던진다.

The author constantly throws clues to the reader during the novel's progression.

Adverb 끊임없이 (constantly).

그의 침묵은 오히려 진실을 밝힐 중요한 실마리가 되었다.

His silence, on the contrary, became an important clue to revealing the truth.

Adverb 오히려 (on the contrary).

환경 오염의 실마리를 추적하다 보니 거대 기업의 비리가 드러났다.

While tracing the clues of environmental pollution, the corruption of a giant corporation was revealed.

-다 보니 (while doing something, I realized...).

유물에 새겨진 문양은 고대 문명을 연구하는 데 핵심적인 실마리다.

The patterns engraved on the artifact are a key clue in studying ancient civilizations.

Dependent noun -는 데 (in the process of).

서로의 입장 차이를 줄일 실마리를 찾는 것이 협상의 관건이다.

Finding a clue to reduce the difference in each other's positions is the key to negotiation.

Noun 관건 (key/crucial point).

우연히 들은 노래 가사에서 창작의 실마리를 얻기도 한다.

Sometimes I get a clue for creation from song lyrics I heard by chance.

Adverb 우연히 (by chance).

철학자들은 존재의 의미를 탐구하기 위해 언어라는 실마리를 이용했다.

Philosophers used the clue of language to explore the meaning of existence.

Apposition -라는 (called).

꼬여버린 실타래 같은 인생의 실마리를 어디서부터 풀어야 할까?

Where should I start unraveling the clues of a life like a tangled ball of thread?

Metaphorical use of 실타래 (ball of thread).

이 논문은 현대 사회의 갈등 구조를 해부하는 새로운 실마리를 제공한다.

This thesis provides a new clue for dissecting the conflict structure of modern society.

Academic verb 해부하다 (to dissect).

우주의 팽창 속도는 물리학의 근간을 뒤흔들 실마리가 될 수도 있다.

The expansion rate of the universe could be a clue that shakes the very foundations of physics.

Idiom 근간을 뒤흔들다 (to shake the foundations).

그의 시에는 인간 소외의 실마리가 곳곳에 매설되어 있다.

In his poems, clues to human alienation are buried everywhere.

Passive verb 매설되어 있다 (is buried/installed).

역사적 사료의 미세한 균열 속에서 우리는 진실의 실마리를 포착한다.

In the minute cracks of historical records, we capture the clues of truth.

Verb 포착하다 (to capture/detect).

언어의 기원을 찾는 여정은 인류 진화의 실마리를 쥐고 있다.

The journey to find the origin of language holds the clue to human evolution.

Verb 쥐고 있다 (to be holding).

난관에 봉착했을 때, 가장 단순한 것이 해결의 실마리가 되곤 한다.

When facing a deadlock, the simplest thing often becomes the clue to the solution.

Habitual ending -곤 한다.

신경과학의 발전은 의식의 본질을 규명할 실마리를 던져주고 있다.

Developments in neuroscience are throwing clues to clarifying the essence of consciousness.

Verb 규명하다 (to clarify/investigate).

정치적 교착 상태를 타개할 실마리는 결국 상호 신뢰에 있다.

The clue to breaking the political deadlock ultimately lies in mutual trust.

Verb 타개하다 (to break through).

Sinônimos

단서 계기 힌트 조짐

Antônimos

미궁 장벽

Colocações comuns

실마리를 찾다

실마리를 잡다

실마리를 제공하다

실마리가 풀리다

실마리를 던지다

해결의 실마리

사건의 실마리

대화의 실마리

결정적인 실마리

유일한 실마리

Frases Comuns

실마리가 보이다

— A clue is starting to appear. Used when progress is finally being made.

이제야 해결의 실마리가 보이네요.

실마리를 놓치다

— To miss a clue. Used when a chance to solve something is lost.

중요한 실마리를 놓치고 말았다.

실마리를 쫓다

— To chase a lead. Used in investigations or research.

그들은 밤낮으로 실마리를 쫓았다.

실마리를 더듬다

— To grope for a clue. Used when searching for something faint or uncertain.

기억의 실마리를 더듬어 보았다.

실마리가 잡히다

— A clue is caught/grasped. Used when a breakthrough occurs.

드디어 실마리가 잡히기 시작했다.

실마리를 얻다

— To gain a clue. Often used when getting info from someone else.

그를 통해 새로운 실마리를 얻었다.

실마리를 감추다

— To hide a clue. Used when someone is obstructing an investigation.

그는 고의로 실마리를 감추었다.

실마리를 열다

— To open a lead. Often used for starting a conversation or a new path.

희망의 실마리를 열어보자.

실마리를 잃다

— To lose a lead. Used when a direction is forgotten or obscured.

갑자기 생각의 실마리를 잃어버렸다.

실마리가 되다

— To become a clue. Used when an event leads to a discovery.

이 발견은 큰 변화의 실마리가 되었다.

Frequentemente confundido com

실마리 vs 힌트 (Hint)

Hint is usually given by someone; 실마리 is found or discovered.

실마리 vs 단서 (Evidence)

단서 is more physical/legal; 실마리 is more metaphorical/start of a solution.

실마리 vs 실타래 (Ball of thread)

실타래 is the tangled mess; 실마리 is the end you pull to untie it.

Expressões idiomáticas

"실마리를 풀다"

— To solve a problem by following clues. Literally 'to untie the thread head.'

어려운 수학 문제의 실마리를 풀었다.

Neutral

"실마리가 꼬이다"

— For clues to get tangled or for a situation to become more confusing.

일이 점점 더 복잡하게 실마리가 꼬여간다.

Neutral

"실마리를 잡고 늘어지다"

— To persist or hold on tightly to a small lead/clue.

그는 작은 실마리를 잡고 늘어져 결국 성공했다.

Neutral

"실마리조차 없다"

— To not even have a single clue. Emphasizes total confusion.

어디서부터 시작해야 할지 실마리조차 없다.

Neutral

"실마리를 찾아 헤매다"

— To wander around looking for a clue. Suggests a long, difficult search.

그는 진실의 실마리를 찾아 헤맸다.

Neutral

"실마리를 건지다"

— To 'fish out' or salvage a clue from a messy situation.

쓰레기통 속에서 중요한 실마리를 건졌다.

Neutral

"실마리를 쥐어주다"

— To hand someone a clue (often as a hint).

그녀는 나에게 정답의 실마리를 쥐어주었다.

Neutral

"실마리를 엮다"

— To weave clues together to form a conclusion.

흩어진 실마리들을 엮어 범인을 찾아냈다.

Literary

"실마리가 끊기다"

— For a lead or clue to be cut off or lost.

결정적인 순간에 실마리가 끊겨버렸다.

Neutral

"실마리를 틔우다"

— To sprout a clue or a beginning (like a plant).

희망의 실마리를 틔우는 것이 우리의 임무다.

Literary

Fácil de confundir

실마리 vs 단서

Both mean clue.

단서 is objective evidence; 실마리 is the breakthrough point.

경찰은 단서를 찾았고, 그 단서가 사건의 실마리가 되었다.

실마리 vs 계기

Both refer to a beginning.

계기 is a trigger event; 실마리 is a piece of information for a solution.

그 책이 공부할 계기가 되었고, 첫 페이지에서 실마리를 찾았다.

실마리 vs 힌트

Both mean hint.

힌트 is casual and often provided; 실마리 is professional and often discovered.

선생님은 힌트를 주셨지만, 나는 스스로 실마리를 찾고 싶었다.

실마리 vs 징조

Both refer to signs.

징조 is for future predictions; 실마리 is for solving existing problems.

폭풍의 징조가 보였지만, 우리는 탈출할 실마리를 찾지 못했다.

실마리 vs 단초

Both mean the start of something.

단초 is the very first cause; 실마리 is the clue to unraveling it.

작은 다툼이 전쟁의 단초가 되었고, 평화의 실마리는 아직 멀다.

Padrões de frases

이것은 [Noun]의 실마리예요.

이것은 문제의 실마리예요.

[Noun]의 실마리를 찾았어요.

사건의 실마리를 찾았어요.

[Noun]의 실마리를 찾기 위해 [Verb].

대화의 실마리를 찾기 위해 먼저 인사했다.

[Noun]은/는 [Noun]의 실마리를 제공한다.

이 증거는 사건의 실마리를 제공한다.

[Noun]의 실마리가 조금씩 풀리기 시작했다.

오해의 실마리가 조금씩 풀리기 시작했다.

[Noun]에서 [Noun]의 실마리를 포착하다.

그의 눈빛에서 거짓말의 실마리를 포착했다.

[Noun]의 실마리를 쥐고 있는 [Noun].

미래의 실마리를 쥐고 있는 기술.

[Noun]이/가 [Noun]의 결정적인 실마리가 되다.

그의 발견이 물리학의 결정적인 실마리가 되었다.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

실 (thread)

마리 (head/end - archaic)

실타래 (ball of thread)

Verbos

실마리하다 (rarely used, usually '실마리가 되다')

Relacionado

단서 (clue)

힌트 (hint)

계기 (motive)

해결 (solution)

수사 (investigation)

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos

Como usar

frequency

Common in media, professional settings, and literature. Less common in casual daily chores.

Erros comuns

Using 실마리 for a simple game hint. → 힌트 (Hint)
실마리 is too formal and serious for casual games.
Saying '실마리를 주다' to a teacher for a test answer. → 힌트를 주다
실마리 is usually discovered, not given as a tip for a test.
Confusing 실마리 with 실타래. → 실마리 (Clue) vs 실타래 (Tangle)
실마리 is the solution; 실타래 is the problem.
Using 실마리 when you mean a 'motive' for an action. → 계기 (Motive/Trigger)
실마리 is a clue to solve something; 계기 is the reason it started.
Pronouncing '실' with a hard 'L'. → Light flap 'ㄹ'
The Korean 'ㄹ' is between an 'L' and an 'R'.

Dicas

Use with '찾다'

When in doubt, use '실마리를 찾다'. It's the most natural way to use the word.

Think of Thread

Remember the thread metaphor. If you can 'unravel' it, use '실마리'.

Watch K-Dramas

Listen for this word in thriller or mystery dramas to see how it's used in high-stakes situations.

Formal Writing

Use it in essays to describe the starting point of your argument or research.

Synonym Choice

Choose '실마리' over '힌트' when you want to sound more sophisticated.

Possessive Use

It almost always follows a noun + '의', like '해결의 실마리'.

Professionalism

Use it in work meetings to show you are thinking deeply about a problem.

Mario's Thread

Silk + Mario = 실마리. Mario finds a silk thread clue.

Ancient Roots

Remembering '마리' means 'head' helps you understand other old Korean words too.

Evidence vs. Lead

Contrast it with '단서' (evidence) to sharpen your understanding of both.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'SIL' as 'SILK thread' and 'MARI' as 'MARIO's head.' Mario finds the head of a silk thread to escape a level. SIL-MA-RI = Clue.

Associação visual

Imagine a giant, tangled ball of blue yarn. You are looking for the tiny loose end so you can start knitting. That end is the 실마리.

Word Web

실 (thread) 마리 (head) 해결 (solve) 문제 (problem) 사건 (case) 단서 (evidence) 힌트 (hint) 찾다 (find)

Desafio

Try to use '실마리' in a sentence about a mystery movie you recently watched. Then, try to use it about a difficult task at work or school.

Origem da palavra

A compound of the Korean words '실' (sil) and '마리' (mari).

Significado original: The 'head' (beginning) of a thread or yarn.

Native Korean (Pure Korean).

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral and intellectual word.

English speakers use 'clue' or 'lead,' but '실마리' has a more physical, textile-based imagery that English lacks unless using phrases like 'thread of an argument.'

Often used in the titles or descriptions of Korean mystery novels by authors like Kim Young-ha. A common trope in K-dramas like 'Signal' where a walkie-talkie provides the '실마리' across time. Used in Korean history books to describe how small events led to major revolutions.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Criminal Investigation

사건의 실마리
결정적인 실마리
실마리를 쫓다
증거와 실마리

Scientific Research

연구의 실마리
새로운 실마리
실마리를 제공하다
발견의 실마리

Social Conflict

화해의 실마리
대화의 실마리
실마리가 풀리다
관계 개선의 실마리

Personal Growth

인생의 실마리
고민 해결의 실마리
실마리를 찾다
변화의 실마리

Literature/Movies

복선의 실마리
이야기의 실마리
실마리를 던지다
반전의 실마리

Iniciadores de conversa

"혹시 이 문제를 해결할 실마리가 있을까요?"

"어제 본 드라마에서 범인을 잡을 실마리가 뭐였지?"

"우리 관계를 회복할 실마리를 찾고 싶어."

"이 프로젝트가 막혔는데, 새로운 실마리가 필요해."

"과학자들이 우주의 비밀을 풀 실마리를 찾았대요."

Temas para diário

오늘 내가 해결한 문제 중에 가장 중요한 실마리는 무엇이었나요?

내가 오랫동안 고민해온 일의 실마리를 어디서 찾을 수 있을까요?

누군가와 오해가 생겼을 때, 대화의 실마리를 어떻게 찾나요?

내 인생의 방향을 결정해준 중요한 실마리(사건)는 무엇이었나요?

최근에 본 책이나 영화에서 가장 인상 깊었던 실마리는 무엇인가요?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

It's better to use '힌트'. '실마리' sounds too serious for a casual game.

Yes, it is '순우리말' (pure Korean), derived from '실' (thread) and '마리' (head).

The verb '찾다' (to find) is the most common collocation.

It is neutral to formal. You can use it in daily life, but it shines in professional and literary contexts.

Literally, yes (the end of a thread), but it is almost always used metaphorically today.

Detectives use both. '단서' is the fingerprint; '실마리' is the realization that the fingerprint belongs to the gardener.

Yes, it is a very common idiom meaning 'to solve the mystery/problem by using clues.'

You can say '실마리조차 없어요' (I don't even have a clue).

You can say '실마리들', but usually, '실마리' is used to represent the concept of clues in general.

Yes, like '희망의 실마리' (a clue/glimmer of hope).

Cadastre-se grátis para ver dicas e notas