Nuance Dictionary / Social Dynamics
만만하다 man-man-ha-da
Appearing easy to deal with, approachable, or like a total pushover
What does 만만하다 mean?
만만하다 (man-man-ha-da) means: Appearing easy to deal with, approachable, or like a total pushover.
If a task looks incredibly easy, it's '만만하다'. If a person is too nice and never says no, they become '만만한 사람' (a pushover). It's a dangerous trait in Korean corporate culture, as people will take advantage of you.
How it's actually used
- 보기에는 쉬워 보여도 절대 만만하게 볼 일이 아니야.
bogieneun swiwo boyeodo jeoldae manmanhage bol iri aniya.
Even if it looks easy, it's definitely not something to be taken lightly.
💡 Used when a task looks simple but actually requires effort. - 내가 착하게 대하니까 사람들이 나를 너무 만만하게 봐.
naega chakhage daehanikka saramdeuri nareul neomu manmanhage bwa.
Because I'm nice to people, they take me for a total pushover.
💡 Describes a person who is too easily approachable or taken advantage of. - 겉보기엔 쉬워 보였는데 막상 직접 해보니까 절대 만만한 일이 아니네.
geotbogien swiwo boyeonneunji maksang jikjeop haebonikka jeoldae manmanhan iri ani-ne.
It looked easy on the surface, but now that I'm actually doing it, it's definitely no walk in the park.
💡 Use when underestimating a task or situation.
Related words in Social Dynamics
알아서 al-a-seo골고루 gol-go-ru양보하다 yang-bo-ha-da배려하다 bae-ryeo-ha-da투정부리다 tu-jeong-bu-ri-da