Nuance Dictionary / Social Situations

옥신 ok-sin

Persistent, petty verbal sparring where neither side will yield an inch.

What does 옥신 mean?

옥신 (ok-sin) means: Persistent, petty verbal sparring where neither side will yield an inch.

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How it's actually used

  • 둘이서 뭘 그렇게 옥신각신해? 빨리 나와!
    Dul-i-seo mwol geureoke ok-singak-sinhae? Ppalli nawa!
    What on earth are you two bickering back and forth about? Hurry up and come out!
    💡 Shows how the word is deployed by an impatient onlooker observing a petty stalemate.
  • 메뉴 고르는 것만으로도 한참을 옥신각신했다.
    Menyu goreuneun geotman-eurodo hanchameul ok-singak-sinhaetda.
    We spent ages going back and forth just picking a menu.
    💡 Demonstrates the word's favorite habitat: low-stakes, circular decision-making.
  • 그만 좀 옥신각신하고 내 말 좀 들어봐.
    Geuman jom ok-singak-sinhago nae mal jom deureobwa.
    Stop bickering already and just listen to what I have to say.
    💡 Highlights how the speaker tries to break a stubborn deadlock by demanding control.

Related words in Social Situations

폭풍 pok-pung시시콜콜 si-si-kol-kol싱겁다 sing-geop-da손에 땀을 쥐다 Son-e ttam-eul jwida손이 크다 soni keuda

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