🎵 K-Culture B1

깜짝

kkamjjak

Suddenly/startled (often '깜놀' = startled)

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What it means

깜짝 is an adverb meaning suddenly or with a start, specifically for being startled. Almost always used with 놀라다 (to be surprised) as 깜짝 놀라다. 깜짝 파티 = surprise party.

Nuance & when to use

깜짝 is an ideophone that captures the sudden, startling quality of a surprise. 깜놀 (a shortening of 깜짝 놀라다) is popular in text speech to mean I was so startled!

⚠ Common mistake

Confusing 깜짝 (startled surprise) with 갑자기 (suddenly in general). 갑자기 = a general sudden event; 깜짝 specifically implies a fright or startle response.

Example sentences

문이 갑자기 열려서 깜짝 놀랐어요. Muni gapjagi yeollyeoseo kkamjjak nollarosseoyo. The door suddenly opened and I got a fright.
생일 깜짝 파티를 준비했어요. Saengil kkamjjak pateoreul junbiaesseoyo. I prepared a surprise birthday party.
뒤에서 불러서 깜짝이야! Dwieseo bulleoseo kkamjjagiya! You called from behind and startled me!
그 소식을 듣고 깜짝 놀랐어요. Geu sosig-eul deutgo kkamjjak nollarosseoyo. I was startled when I heard that news.

See also

놀라다 갑자기 헐 깜놀
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗ Wikipedia ↗
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More B1 lessons

괜히 gwaenhi for no reason / pointlessly / in vain 모습 moseup appearance / look / figure / side of someone 덕분에 deokbune Thanks to / Because of (positive)
← 기억 남사친 →

FAQ

When is this used?

깜짝 is an ideophone that captures the sudden, startling quality of a surprise. 깜놀 (a shortening of 깜짝 놀라다) is popular in text speech to mean I was so startled!

What's a common mistake?

Confusing 깜짝 (startled surprise) with 갑자기 (suddenly in general). 갑자기 = a general sudden event; 깜짝 specifically implies a fright or startle response.

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