Nuance Dictionary / Magic Modifiers
-찔이 -jjil-i
A wimp/weakling; e.g., 맵찔이 = someone who can't handle spicy food
What does -찔이 mean?
-찔이 (-jjil-i) means: A wimp/weakling; e.g., 맵찔이 = someone who can't handle spicy food.
A teasing, somewhat endearing term for someone who is exceptionally weak at something.
How it's actually used
- 나 완전 알찔이라 술 한 잔만 마셔도 얼굴이 빨개져.
Na wanjeon aljjirira sul han janman masyeodo eolguri ppalgaejyeo.
I'm a total lightweight when it comes to alcohol, my face turns red after just one glass.
💡 Combines alcohol (alcohol) with jjiri to mean a lightweight. - 너 그렇게 맵찔이면서 왜 매운 거 도전했어?
Neo geureoke maepjjirimyeonseo wae maeun geo dojeonhaesseo?
You're so bad with spicy food, why'd you try eating spicy stuff?
💡 Combines spicy (maeun) with jjiri for someone who can't handle spice. - 나 완전 맵찔이라서 이 라면도 너무 매워.
na wanjeon maepjjiriraseo i ramyeondo neomu maewo.
I'm a total spice wimp, so even this ramen is way too spicy for me.
💡 Combined with '맵' to describe someone bad with spice.