Nuance Dictionary / Social Dynamics
무뚝뚝하다 mu-ttuk-ttuk-ha-da
Having a blunt, curt, and unfriendly exterior
What does 무뚝뚝하다 mean?
무뚝뚝하다 (mu-ttuk-ttuk-ha-da) means: Having a blunt, curt, and unfriendly exterior.
The classic stereotype of a traditional Korean father. They rarely smile, speak in short, blunt sentences, and never say 'I love you'. However, a '무뚝뚝한' person often hides a very warm heart (jeong) beneath that stony exterior.
🎙️ 무뚝뚝하다는 표기 그대로 읽지 않아요 — 실제로는 [무뚝뚜카다]로 소리나요 (격음화). 발음 연습하기 →
How it's actually used
- 우리 아버지는 겉모습은 무뚝뚝해도 속은 엄청 다정하시다.
uri abeojineun geotmoseubeun muttukdukaedo sogeun eomcheong dajeonghasida.
My dad might look blunt on the outside, but he's actually super sweet on the inside.
💡 Often used to contrast a cold exterior with a warm heart. - 그 남자는 서비스는 확실한데 말투가 너무 무뚝뚝해.
geu namjaneun seobiseuneun hwaksirhande maltuga neomu muttukdukae.
That guy's service is solid, but his tone of voice is way too curt.
💡 Can describe someone's manner of speaking in a customer service context. - 우리 아버지는 표현은 무뚝뚝해도 은근히 자식들 걱정을 많이 하신다.
uri abeojineun pyohyeoneun muttukttukhaedo eungeunhi jasikdeul geokjeongeul mani hasinda.
My father may have a blunt exterior, but he secretly worries a lot about his children.
💡 Used to describe someone whose exterior is cold, but who may have a warm heart underneath.
Related words in Social Dynamics
깐깐하다 kkan-kkan-ha-da까다롭다 kka-da-rop-da만만하다 man-man-ha-da알아서 al-a-seo골고루 gol-go-ru