One reason why Korean is such an expressive language is because of its rich collection of onomatopoeic words. Personally, to be able to use such words comfortably is a good sign that you are close to “mastering” the language. I’m still far from it, but I can recognize more and more of these words.
For those who are still new in learning Korean, take note of them whenever you come across such words but do not be too worried if you cannot remember them or can’t figure how 성큼성큼 has any connection or in any way sounds like walking. It will all come to you 😛
Novels are particularly rich in these words, kinda hard to find them if you are always reading non-fiction (like me).
저벅저벅: with heavy footsteps and taking big strikes ( 발을 크고 묵직하게 내디디며 잇따라 걷는 소리. 또는 그 모양)
성큼성큼: taking big strides (다리를 잇따라 높이 들어 크게 떼어 놓는 모양)
느릿느릿: slowly, sluggishly
어슬렁어슬렁: walk slowly, sluggishly
사뿐사뿐: with soft, muffled steps (lightly)
살금살금: stealthily, walk on tip toes
가만가만: walk with soft steps
타박타박/터벅터벅: plod, walk with difficulty
아장아장: toddling – kids
저벅저벅: sound of walking heavily
뚜벅뚜벅: sound of plodding
This post is partially recycled from a 2009 post. ㅎㅎ I doubt anyone realizes, right?
This list is not exhaustive. If you have something that I’ve missed out, leave a comment! ^^
5 Comments
Clayton Wong
6 May, 2013 at 3:12 PMGreat article- thanks! I’m new to learning so I recognize none lol. One thing I have noticed is the doubling of words – haven’t figured out how this came about but I think it’s pretty cool. Thanks again 🙂
hangukdrama
7 May, 2013 at 11:47 AMthanks for reading! I’ll try to explain it next time!
Minsong
6 May, 2013 at 3:46 PM비틀비틀 🙂
1fiftysix
6 May, 2013 at 10:51 PMinteresting post! thanks! 🙂
Dusky
7 May, 2013 at 6:48 AMThis is a blog post that I’m going to have to remember for the future…Or at least until I find my notebook so I can write these down so I can remember them for future use. XD This was pretty interesting! ^^