Nuance Dictionary / Emotions & Feelings
기가 막히다 giga makhida
To be rendered momentarily paralyzed by the sheer audacity, absurdity, or blatant injustice of a situation.
What does 기가 막히다 mean?
기가 막히다 (giga makhida) means: To be rendered momentarily paralyzed by the sheer audacity, absurdity, or blatant injustice of a situation.
Speakers use this expression when reacting to unfair treatment, illogical behavior, or deeply frustrating circumstances that leave them momentarily speechless. It appears frequently in casual complaints and heated exchanges where someone's actions defy common sense.
Depending on the tone and facial expression, this can feel like a sharp rebuke or a helpless sigh in the face of sheer disbelief.
Depending on the tone and facial expression, this can feel like a sharp rebuke or a helpless sigh in the face of sheer disbelief.
Other sides of 기가 막히다
◆ The 'Awe-Struck' Exclamation — Speakers use this expression when encountering a level of skill, artistry, or performance that temporarily leaves them without words. It appears in casual and polite conversation when reacting to a talent or outcome that exceeds ordinary expectations. It functions as a standalone exclamation or a clausal predicate describing the object of admiration.
Depending on context, this use can feel like a genuine expression of childlike wonder or a slightly exaggerated form of praise among peers.
Depending on context, this use can feel like a genuine expression of childlike wonder or a slightly exaggerated form of praise among peers.
🎙️ 기가 막히다는 표기 그대로 읽지 않아요 — 실제로는 [기가 마키다]로 소리나요 (격음화). 발음 연습하기 →
How it's actually used
- 상식에 어긋나는 그의 태도를 보고 기가 막혔다.
sangsik-e eogeunnanu-neun geu-ui taedo-reul bogo giga makhyeotda.
I was at a loss for words seeing his attitude, which defied all common sense.
💡 Reacting to someone acting unreasonably. - 그런 터무니없는 소리를 듣고 어이가 없어 기가 막혔다.
geureon teomuni-eopneun sori-reul deutgo eoi-ga eopseo giga makhyeotda.
Hearing such utter nonsense left me completely speechless.
💡 Responding to absurd claims. - 약속을 해놓고 연락 한 통 없는 모습에 기가 막힐 뿐이다.
yaksok-eul haenoh-ko yeollak han tong eopneun moseup-e giga makhil ppun-ida.
I am simply lost for words at the sight of someone breaking a promise and not even making a single call.
💡 Expressing indignation at irresponsible behavior.
Related words in Emotions & Feelings
기운을 내다 giuneul naeda한숨 han-sum정겹다 jeong-gyeop-da지긋지긋 jigeut-jigeut마음이 무겁다 Ma-eum-i mu-geop-da