5 In Korean learning journey (:/ Korean Lessons

10 ways of walking in Korean

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! ^^

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5 Comments

  • Reply
    Clayton Wong
    6 May, 2013 at 3:12 PM

    Great 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 🙂

    • Reply
      hangukdrama
      7 May, 2013 at 11:47 AM

      thanks for reading! I’ll try to explain it next time!

  • Reply
    Minsong
    6 May, 2013 at 3:46 PM

    비틀비틀 🙂

  • Reply
    1fiftysix
    6 May, 2013 at 10:51 PM

    interesting post! thanks! 🙂

  • Reply
    Dusky
    7 May, 2013 at 6:48 AM

    This 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! ^^

  • Leave a Reply to Minsong Cancel Reply