What does 시선 mean?
시선 (si-seon) means: Gaze / Stare.
The tension of eye contact. '너의 시선' (Your gaze) can be intensely romantic and piercing, making the singer feel like they are the only person in the room.
Other sides of 시선
◆ public gaze — When natives use '시선' in this facet, they aren't talking about someone simply looking at them—they are talking about the heavy, often suffocating weight of a judgmental society. It’s the invisible panopticon of Korean culture where public opinion, gossip, and social norms dictate how you dress, love, and live. Learners often confuse it with physical eyesight, missing the underlying anxiety of 'what will people say?' that haunts everyday decisions.
◆ media focus — When journalists, producers, and commentators use '시선' in this sense, they aren't talking about physical eyeballs anymore—they are talking about the invisible beam of the national spotlight. It signals collective attention being steered toward a specific scandal, trend, or underdog story. Learners often confuse it with simple news reporting ('보도'), but '시선' specifically captures the *angle* or the *weight* of how society is collectively staring at a situation.
◆ artistic perspective — When critics or creators use 시선 in this way, they aren't talking about physical looking—they are talking about the invisible lens or moral stance behind a piece of work. It signals a sophisticated critical awareness of *how* a story is being told and *why*. Learners often default to words like 관점 (perspective) or 입장 (position), missing how 시선 captures the aesthetic and emotional atmosphere an author casts over their creation.
◆ media focus — When journalists, producers, and commentators use '시선' in this sense, they aren't talking about physical eyeballs anymore—they are talking about the invisible beam of the national spotlight. It signals collective attention being steered toward a specific scandal, trend, or underdog story. Learners often confuse it with simple news reporting ('보도'), but '시선' specifically captures the *angle* or the *weight* of how society is collectively staring at a situation.
◆ artistic perspective — When critics or creators use 시선 in this way, they aren't talking about physical looking—they are talking about the invisible lens or moral stance behind a piece of work. It signals a sophisticated critical awareness of *how* a story is being told and *why*. Learners often default to words like 관점 (perspective) or 입장 (position), missing how 시선 captures the aesthetic and emotional atmosphere an author casts over their creation.
How it's actually used
- 자꾸만 너에게로 가는 시선을 감출 수가 없어.
jakkuman neoegero ganeun siseoneul gamchul suga eopseo.
I can't hide my gaze that keeps drifting toward you.
💡 Used to describe being drawn to someone romantically. - 발표할 때 너무 긴장돼서 사람들의 시선을 마주칠 수가 없었어.
balpyohal ttae neomu ginjangdwaeseo saramdeurui siseoneul majuchil suga eopseosseo.
I was so nervous during the presentation that I couldn't meet people's eyes.
💡 Refers to the physical direction of people looking at you. - 사람들의 시선이 부담스러워서 모자를 깊게 눌러 썼어.
saramdeurui siseoni budamseureowoseo mojareul gipge nulleo sseosseo.
I pulled my hat down deep because I felt uncomfortable with people's gazes.
💡 Use '시선' to refer to public attention or staring.