Nuance Dictionary / Appearance & Demeanor
어리바리 eo-ri-ba-ri
Clumsy, easily confused, and lacking sharp judgment, especially in a new environment like the military or a new job
What does 어리바리 mean?
어리바리 (eo-ri-ba-ri) means: Clumsy, easily confused, and lacking sharp judgment, especially in a new environment like the military or a new job.
The classic 'clueless rookie' vibe. Someone who is totally lost and making silly mistakes.
How it's actually used
- 나 신입사원 때 너무 어리바리해서 매일 혼났어.
Na sinipsawon ttae neomu eoribarihaeseo maeil honnasseo.
Back when I was a rookie employee, I was so clueless and got scolded every day.
💡 The quintessential word for a bewildered beginner. - 쟤는 아직도 일할 때 어리바리 타더라고.
Jaeneun ajikdo ilhal ttae eoribari tadeorago.
He still acts all spacey and clumsy when he works.
💡 Often used with the verb '타다'. - 처음 회사에 들어왔을 때는 선배들 눈에 내가 너무 어리바리해 보였을 것이다.
cheoeum hoesae deowasseul ttaeneun seonbaedeul nune naega neomu eoribarihae boyeosseul geosida.
When I first entered the company, the seniors probably thought I looked totally clueless.
💡 Commonly used to look back at one's clumsy rookie days.
Related words in Appearance & Demeanor
똘똘하다 ttol-ttol-ha-da멀끔하다 meol-kkeum-ha-da번지르르 beon-ji-reu-reu꾀죄죄하다 kkoe-joe-joe-ha-da토실토실 to-sil-to-sil