What does 어색해 mean?
어색해 means "Unnatural and uncomfortable." in Korean.
How it works here
‘어색하다’ is shortened to ‘어색해’. It means that the atmosphere or relationship is not natural, and the short sentence ending gives the feeling of stating that condition immediately.
Dictionary form
어색하다
To feel that an atmosphere, relationship, way of speaking, or behavior is unnatural and uncomfortable.
As an adjective, it is commonly conjugated as ‘어색해’ or ‘어색했다’. ‘낯설다’ more strongly means unfamiliar because something is being encountered for the first time, whereas ‘어색하다’ is closer to feeling uncomfortable and unnatural in the situation.
When it's used
Use this when the atmosphere between people feels stiff or when speech or behavior feels unnatural.
The line
어색해.
This is awkward.
The speaker briefly describes their feelings in an atmosphere where it is difficult to keep the conversation going.
Scene from “[SPECIAL VIDEO] SEVENTEEN 5th Anniversary '빛나는 5주년(Shining 5th Anniversary)'” · Channel: SEVENTEEN Watch on YouTube
More examples
처음 인사할 때 너무 어색해.
It’s so awkward when I introduce myself for the first time.
오랜만에 만나서 대화가 좀 어색했어요.
The conversation was a little awkward because we hadn’t seen each other in a long time.
Quick check
What does this mean here?
어색해
어색해.
This is awkward.
- It means being able to talk comfortably for a long time even with someone you have just met.
- It means a festive, bustling situation in a crowded classroom.
- It means being calm and prepared after setting an appointment in advance.
- It means that an atmosphere, relationship, way of speaking, or behavior feels unnatural and uncomfortable.
Show the answer
It means that an atmosphere, relationship, way of speaking, or behavior feels unnatural and uncomfortable.
As an adjective, it is commonly conjugated as ‘어색해’ or ‘어색했다’. ‘낯설다’ more strongly means unfamiliar because something is being encountered for the first time, whereas ‘어색하다’ is closer to feeling uncomfortable and unnatural in the situation.
More SEVENTEEN scenes
- No.604저 때— That time; a specific point in time that is far away or has already passed
- No.602역시 멋있어요— As expected; just as anticipated.
- No.605진짜 어렸다— Really; very
- No.601오랜만— The feeling that a long time has passed because you have not seen someone for a long time.
- No.606바로 가겠습니다— Right away; immediately, without delay
- No.600열면 되나— Whether simply opening it is enough.
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