Mimetic words can be divided into two types: onomatopoeic words, which imitate sounds, and mimic words, which describe shapes, movements, or states. Onomatopoeic words are expressions that imitate actual sounds, like "woof woof" or "meow." Mimic words are type of expression that doesn’t really exist in English. But you could say some English words like "twinkle" or "wiggle" are somewhat similar.
In Korean, mimetic words are used far more frequently and naturally than in English. Translating these words into English can be challenging whenever they appear. Remember that these expressions are unique to Korean, and when studying them, it's best to focus on understanding the feeling they convey rather than finding exact translations.
Mimetic Words | meaning | example |
멍멍, 왈왈 | dog barking | 개가 멍멍 짖어요. The dog goes "woof woof." |
야옹, 냐옹, 미야옹 | cat meowing | 고양이가 야옹 울어요. The cat says "meow." |
쨍그랑 | glass breaking sound | 컵이 쨍그랑 깨졌어요. The cup broke with a "crash." |
딸랑딸랑 | bell ringing | 종이 딸랑딸랑 울려요. The bell rings "jingle jingle." |
풍덩 | splash into water | 공이 풍덩 빠졌어요. The ball fell into the water with a "splash." |
꼬르륵 | hungry belly | 배고파서 배에서 꼬르륵 소리가 나요. My stomach is growling because I'm hungry. |
따르릉 | phone ringing | 전화가 따르릉 울려요. The phone rings "rring rring." |
살금살금 | tiptoeing quietly | 고양이가 살금살금 걸어요. The cat walks quietly on tiptoes. |
반짝반짝 | twinkling, sparkling | 별이 반짝반짝 빛나요. The stars are twinkling. |
똑똑 | knocking on door | 누가 문을 똑똑 두드려요. Someone is knocking on the door. |
흔들흔들 | swaying, wobbling | 의자가 흔들흔들 움직여요. The chair is wobbling. |
빙글빙글 | spinning around | 아이가 빙글빙글 돌아요. The child is spinning around. |
꾸벅꾸벅 | nodding off | 학생이 꾸벅꾸벅 졸아요. The student is nodding off. |
엉금엉금 | crawling slowly | 거북이가 엉금엉금 기어요. The turtle is crawling slowly. |
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