How do you pronounce 꿈틀꿈틀?

꿈틀꿈틀 is pronounced “kkum-teul-kkum-teul” (revised romanization). You can hear it pronounced with Korean audio on this page.

When do Koreans use 꿈틀꿈틀?

Stronger than 꼬물꼬물. For example: “지렁이가 땅바닥에서 꿈틀꿈틀 기어 다니고 있어.” — “The earthworm is squirming around on the ground.”

꿈틀꿈틀 (kkum-teul-kkum-teul) means: Squirming or writhing with a bit more force, like a snake or a waking desire.

Stronger than 꼬물꼬물. It shows an active effort to move or break free.

지렁이가 땅바닥에서 꿈틀꿈틀 기어 다니고 있어.
jireongiga ttangbadageseo kkumteulkkumteul gieo danigo isseo.
The earthworm is squirming around on the ground.
💡 Used for animals or bugs making active, strong writhing movements.
내 안에서 일탈하고 싶은 욕구가 꿈틀꿈틀 올라온다.
nae aneseo iltalhago sipeun yokguga kkumteulkkumteul ollaonda.
The urge to break the rules is stirring up strong inside me.
💡 Used metaphorically for hidden desires or impulses beginning to surface.
화단에 물을 주려고 흙을 파헤치자 지렁이 한 마리가 꿈틀꿈틀 기어 나왔다.
hwadane mureul juryeogo heulgeul pahechija jireong-i han mariga kkumteulkkumteul gieo nawatda.
When I dug up the soil to water the flower bed, an earthworm came crawling out, writhing actively.
💡 Stronger than 꼬물꼬물, used for stronger movements like snakes or worms.