A Complete Guide to Korean Mimetic Words for Foreigners (with 60+ Examples)

 

1. What are mimetic words?

They are magical expressions that vividly bring out the senses of the Korean language.

Have you ever watched a Korean drama or movie, or talked with a Korean friend, and thought, “It’s hard to put this feeling into words”?

For example, when someone carefully opens a door and comes in, saying “entered” is much less vivid than saying “crept in.” The quiet, tense atmosphere comes alive in your imagination.

Korean has a unique tool to express “feelings” through language. These are mimetic words (의태어).

1-1. What are mimetic words?

Mimetic words describe visible actions, emotions, states, or atmospheres without sound.

📌 For example:

– 살금살금 → moving quietly and secretly

– 우물쭈물 → acting hesitantly

– 반짝반짝 → something reflecting light

By using these expressions, Korean sentences don’t just deliver information—they also convey the mood and feelings of a scene.

1-2. Why is Korean so rich in these words?

Korean is a language particularly developed in both onomatopoeia (words that imitate sounds) and mimetic words (words that express movements or feelings).

Among them, mimetic words play a crucial role in conveying the unique “flavor” and vividness of Korean.

Expressive Korean, natural conversations, understanding emotions in dramas—all these become much richer through mimetic words.

1-3. What you’ll learn in this post:

– The definite difference between mimetic words and onomatopoeia

– Representative Korean mimetic word examples and sample sentences

– Fun and practical study tips

– Useful phrases you can use right away in real life

Let’s discover how fun and useful Korean mimetic words can be, starting now.

2. Onomatopoeia vs. Mimetic Words: Let’s clearly distinguish

Onomatopoeia are words that mimic sounds, like “woof woof” or “meow meow,” while mimetic words are words that imitate shapes or movements, like “twinkle twinkle” or “waddle waddle.” Both are sensory expressions, but they describe different things.

Learners often confuse onomatopoeia (words that evoke a sound) and mimetic words (words that evoke an appearance or feeling).

Check the comparison below for a clear summary.

Category	Onomatopoeia (의성어)	Mimetic Word (의태어)
Definition	Imitates actual sounds	Describes actions, shapes, or emotions without sound
Example	멍멍 (dog barking)	살금살금 (padding)
Usage	Situations focused on sound	Situations concentrate on emotion, movement, or state

In this post, we’ll focus only on mimetic words and help boost your Korean vocabulary even more.

3. Why should you learn mimetic words?

Mimetic words are not just vocabulary; they capture the unique sense and way of thinking of the Korean people. You should learn them for the following reasons:

– Natural speech patterns

– Enhanced expression: conveying emotion, mood, and movement

– Better understanding of webtoons, dramas, and essays

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are Korean mimetic words (의태어)?
A1. Mimetic words describe visible actions, emotions, or states—without imitating sound. Examples: “살금살금” (sneaking), “반짝반짝” (twinkling).

Q2. Why should I learn mimetic words?
A2. They make your Korean sound natural and expressive, helping you understand conversations, webtoons, and K-dramas better.

Q3. How are mimetic words different from onomatopoeia (의성어)?
A3. Mimetic words describe motion or feelings without sound, while onomatopoeia imitates real-life sounds like “멍멍” (bark). Context helps tell them apart.

Q4. Are there words that are both mimetic and onomatopoeia?
A4. Yes, some words can play both roles, depending on the situation. It’s a unique feature of Korean!

4. Useful tips for learning mimetic words

“See them, hear them, and try saying them out loud!”

Korean mimetic words are not just for memorization.

It’s much more effective to watch, listen, and use them.

4-1. Remember the feeling with Korean dramas or webtoons

Mimetic words stick much longer in your memory when you recall them with scenes.

If you see the subtitle “살금살금” appear as an actor walks carefully in a drama, try remembering the word along with the mood of that movement.

💡 Tip: Try repeating the lines out loud while replaying a scene from a drama.

4-2. It’s okay to make mistakes! Try using them in real conversations

The best way to use what you’ve learned is to try it in real conversations.

When talking with Korean friends, consciously use mimetic words.

It’s okay if it feels awkward or if you make mistakes. The more you use them, the more natural they become.

📌 Example: “I was so nervous today that I could barely speak and just mumbled.”

4-3. Remember in pairs! Repetition is the key to memory

Many mimetic words are made by repeating the same syllable.

– 반짝반짝 ✨

– 살금살금 🚶‍♀️

– 포동포동 🐷

Or, the same root is modified in similar patterns.

– 두근두근 → 두근거리다

– 포동포동 → 포동포동하다

💡 If you say these repetitive patterns out loud, you’ll remember them much better!

4-4. Make your own ‘mimetic word cards’ or ‘image association games’

– Draw a picture or scene for each word.

– Or, quiz yourself by looking at images and asking, “Which mimetic word fits this?”

– It’s even more fun and memorable if you play with friends!

🧠 Try to imagine the image of the word in your mind. Practicing this helps you remember longer.

5. Can a word be both onomatopoeia and mimetic at the same time?

Surprisingly, in Korean, some words serve as both onomatopoeia and mimetic words.

These words convey both “sound” and “shape or feeling” simultaneously, making sentences more vivid and colorful.

Because such words can be interpreted as onomatopoeias or mimetics depending on the context, it’s essential to consider the surrounding context to determine their meaning.

In the next post, we’ll take a deeper look at these “dual-purpose words.”

👉 Let’s explore the incredible expressive power of Korean that combines both sound and imagery!

6. Mimetic Words – 60 Representative Examples

Mimetic words can overlap in categories depending on context or the writer’s intention. Each example is focused on everyday, practical situations.

6-1. Mimetic words related to actions or movement

가만가만: Moving very quietly and gently.

Example: 아기는 엄마 품에서 가만가만 잠들었어요.

English: The baby fell asleep quietly in his mother’s arms.

깡충깡충: Jumping with feet together like a rabbit.

Example: 토끼가 풀밭에서 깡충깡충 뛰놀아요.

English: The rabbit is hopping around in the grass.

넘실넘실: Moving in large, rolling waves or flames.

Example: 파도가 넘실넘실 해변으로 밀려왔어요.

English: The waves rolled gently to the shore.

데굴데굴: Rolling repeatedly, usually something round.

Example: 공이 데굴데굴 굴러갑니다.

English: The ball rolled away.

두둥실: Floating lightly or hovering, especially something big.

Example: 연이 하늘에 두둥실 떠올랐어요.

English: The kite floated up in the sky.

뒤뚱뒤뚱: Waddling, like a duck or penguin.

Example: 아빠가 술에 취해서 뒤뚱뒤뚱 걸었어요.

English: Dad walked home wobbling after drinking.

빙글빙글: Spinning round and round in one place.

Example: 아이는 엄마 주위를 빙글빙글 돌았어요.

English: The child spun around his mother.

사뿐사뿐: Walking lightly and carefully.

Example: 그녀는 사뿐사뿐 계단을 내려왔어요.

English: She came down the stairs lightly.

살금살금: Moving quietly and sneakily.

Example: 아이가 살금살금 방을 빠져나갔어요.

English: The child slipped out of the room quietly.

살랑살랑: Swaying gently, moving softly.

Example: 봄바람이 살랑살랑 불어와 마음이 편안해졌어요.

English: The spring breeze blew softly, making me feel calm.

성큼성큼: Walking with significant, fast steps.

Example: 아버지가 성큼성큼 들어오셨어요.

English: Father came in with big strides.

아장아장: Toddling like a small child.

Example: 아기가 아장아장 걸어서 엄마에게 다가갔어요.

English: The baby toddled over to his mother.

어슬렁어슬렁: Strolling without a particular purpose.

Example: 동물원에서 사자가 어슬렁어슬렁 걸었어요.

English: The lion strolled around the zoo.

엉금엉금: Crawling slowly and with effort.

Example: 거북이가 엉금엉금 앞으로 나아갔어요.

English: The turtle crawled forward slowly.

터벅터벅: Walking heavily and wearily.

Example: 그는 피곤한 얼굴로 터벅터벅 걸었어요.

English: He walked with a tired face.

팔랑팔랑: Fluttering or lightly flying.

Example: 나뭇잎이 팔랑팔랑 떨어졌어요.

English: The leaves fluttered down.

펄럭펄럭: Flapping or waving in the wind, especially something wide.

Example: 태극기가 바람에 펄럭펄럭 나부꼈어요.

English: The Korean flag fluttered in the wind.

허둥지둥: Acting in a flustered, hurried way.

Example: 알람을 꺼놓고 허둥지둥 회사로 달려갔어요.

English: I turned off my alarm and rushed to work in a hurry.

허우적허우적: Flailing arms and legs awkwardly or desperately.

Example: 물에 빠진 아이가 허우적허우적 거렸어요.

English: The child who fell into the water flailed around.

훨훨: Flying away lightly.

Example: 제비가 하늘로 훨훨 날아갔어요.

English: The swallow flew high into the sky.

흔들흔들: Swaying or shaking rhythmically or unstably.

Example: 아기가 흔들흔들 걸음마를 시작했다.

English: The baby started to walk, swaying back and forth.

6-2. Mimetic words related to appearance or state

고즈넉이: Quiet, peaceful, and cozy.

Example: 해질녘 시골 마을은 고즈넉이 정겹습니다.

English: The countryside village feels peaceful and warm at sunset.

깜빡깜빡: Flickering on and off, like a light.

Example: 전등이 깜빡깜빡했어요.

English: The light kept flickering.

꾸벅꾸벅: Nodding off from sleepiness.

Example: 수업시간에 꾸벅꾸벅 졸았어요.

English: I dozed off during class.

나긋나긋: Soft, gentle, and flexible.

Example: 그녀는 언제나 나긋나긋한 모습으로 이야기한다.

English: She always speaks in a soft, gentle way.

너울너울: Swaying or dancing gracefully.

Example: 봄바람에 꽃이 너울너울 춤춰요.

English: The flowers sway gracefully in the spring breeze.

뒤죽박죽: In a messy, jumbled state.

Example: 방이 뒤죽박죽 어지러워요.

English: The room is a mess.

들쑥날쑥: Uneven, irregular, or bumpy.

Example: 길이 들쑥날쑥 패여 있어요.

English: The road is uneven and full of holes.

말똥말똥: Eyes wide open, bright and alert.

Example: 아이가 말똥말똥 눈을 뜨고 엄마를 바라보아요.

English: The child looked at his mother with bright, wide eyes.

말랑말랑: Soft and pliable.

Example: 떡이 말랑말랑해요.

English: The rice cake is soft and chewy.

반들반들: Shiny and smooth.

Example: 새 신발이 반들반들 빛나요.

English: The new shoes are shiny.

반짝반짝: Twinkling or shining brightly.

Example: 밤하늘에 별이 반짝반짝 빛나요.

English: The stars are twinkling in the night sky.

방긋방긋: Smiling brightly, especially a child or a flower.

Example: 아기가 엄마를 보며 방긋방긋 웃었어요.

English: The baby smiled brightly at his mom.

보들보들: Soft to the touch.

Example: 이 이불은 보들보들해서 좋아요.

English: I love this blanket because it’s so soft.

싱글벙글: Smiling quietly and happily.

Example: 좋은 소식을 듣고 엄마가 싱글벙글 웃으셨어요.

English: Mom smiled gently after hearing the good news.

아롱아롱: Blurry, shimmering, or wavering.

Example: 아지랑이가 아롱아롱 피어오릅니다.

English: Heat haze is shimmering.

알록달록: Colorful and mottled.

Example: 아이가 알록달록한 옷을 입었어요.

English: The child wore colorful clothes.

오락가락: Going back and forth, hesitating.

Example: 비가 하루 종일 오락가락 내린다.

English: It rained on and off all day.

오목조목: Delicate, with clear, small features.

Example: 아이 얼굴이 오목조목 귀여워요.

English: The child’s face is delicate and cute.

오순도순: Getting along in harmony.

Example: 할머니 댁에 가면 온 가족이 오순도순 모여 이야기를 나누어요.

English: The whole family sits together and chats warmly at Grandma’s house.

울퉁불퉁: Bumpy or uneven.

Example: 이 도로는 돌멩이가 많아서 울퉁불퉁해요.

English: This road is bumpy because of all the stones.

조곤조곤: Talking softly and gently.

Example: 선생님은 아이들에게 조곤조곤 설명을 해주셨어요.

English: The teacher explained things to the children in a soft voice.

주섬주섬: Packing or gathering things slowly and carefully.

Example: 헤어지기 싫어 주섬주섬 짐을 쌌어요.

English: I slowly packed my things, not wanting to leave.

초롱초롱: Eyes shining brightly and clearly.

Example: 아이의 눈이 초롱초롱 빛나며 호기심을 드러냈어요.

English: The child’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

푹신푹신: Soft and cushiony.

Example: 새 이불이 정말 푹신푹신하다.

English: The new blanket is really soft and fluffy.

6-3. Mimetic words related to emotions or feelings

간질간질: Feeling ticklish or fluttery inside.

Example: 좋아하는 사람을 생각하니 마음이 간질간질 설레었어요.

English: My heart fluttered when I thought of someone I liked.

두근두근: Heart pounding with excitement or nerves.

Example: 좋아하는 사람을 만나기 전 두근두근 심장이 뛰었어요.

English: My heart was pounding before meeting the person I liked.

따끈따끈: Nice and warm, especially food or objects.

Example: 빵이 오븐에서 따끈따끈하게 나왔어요.

English: The bread came out warm from the oven.

몽글몽글: Feeling warm and fuzzy, or describing something small and soft gathered together.

Example: 엄마의 따뜻한 말에 가슴속이 몽글몽글 따뜻해졌어요.

English: My heart felt warm and fuzzy from my mom’s kind words.

새록새록: Old memories or feelings coming back freshly.

Example: 옛 친구와의 추억이 새록새록 떠올랐어요.

English: Memories of an old friend came flooding back.

싱숭생숭: Restless, distracted, or uneasy.

Example: 여행을 앞두고 마음이 싱숭생숭했어요.

English: I felt restless before the trip.

아슬아슬: Barely managing, feeling tense or nervous.

Example: 중요한 발표를 아슬아슬하게 마쳤어요.

English: I barely managed to finish the critical presentation.

우물쭈물: Hesitating or being indecisive.

Example: 그는 고백할지 말지 우물쭈물했어요.

English: He hesitated about whether to confess or not.

오싹오싹: Feeling a shiver or chill from fear.

Example: 귀신 이야기를 들으니 오싹오싹했어요.

English: I felt chills listening to the ghost story.

울렁울렁: Feeling queasy.

Example: 긴장해서 속이 울렁울렁거렸어요.

English: I felt queasy from nerves.

조마조마: Feeling anxious, on edge, or nervous.

Example: 결과를 기다리는 동안 가슴이 조마조마했어요.

English: My heart was pounding with anxiety while waiting for the results.

쫄깃쫄깃: Chewy or feeling tense with excitement.

Example: 중요한 경기를 앞두고 쫄깃쫄깃한 기분입니다.

English: I felt tense and excited before the vital match.

쭈뼛쭈뼛: Hesitant, shy, or unsure.

Example: 발표를 하려니 자꾸 쭈뼛쭈뼛하게 돼요.

English: I keep hesitating whenever I try to present.

철렁철렁: Repeatedly feeling startled or anxious.

Example: 시험 성적 발표가 날 때마다 마음이 철렁철렁합니다.

English: My heart drops every time test results are announced.

포근포근: Soft, warm, and comforting.

Example: 엄마의 품은 언제나 포근포근해요.

English: Mom’s arms are always warm and comforting.

흠칫흠칫: Startling or flinching repeatedly.

Example: 갑작스러운 소리에 그는 흠칫흠칫 놀랐다.

English: He flinched at the sudden noise.

Appendix: Audio Files for Example and English Sentences

1) Mimetic words related to actions or movement Vol01

2) Mimetic words related to actions or movement Vol02

3) Mimetic words related to appearance or state Vol03

4) Mimetic words related to appearance or state Vol04

5) Mimetic words related to emotions or feelings Vol05

6) Mimetic words related to emotions or feelings Vol06

📢 Originally posted on my previous blog, koreacompass.com.