Nuance Dictionary / Personality Traits

소심하다 so-sim-ha-da

Timid, faint-hearted, and holding grudges over tiny things

What does 소심하다 mean?

소심하다 (so-sim-ha-da) means: Timid, faint-hearted, and holding grudges over tiny things.

Literally 'small-hearted'. A '소심한' person might spend three days worrying about a minor joke they made, or secretly hold a grudge for a year because you forgot their birthday. They lack boldness.

How it's actually used

  • 내가 농담으로 한 말 때문에 그 애가 하루 종일 소심하게 삐져 있었다.
    naega nongdam-uro han mal ttaemune geu aega haru jongil sosimhage ppijyeo isseotda.
    Because of a joke I made, that kid sulked timidly all day long.
    💡 Describes someone easily hurt or holding a grudge over a small remark.
  • 나는 원래 좀 소심해서 사람들 앞에만 서면 목소리가 떨려.
    naneun wonrae jom sosimhaeseo saramdeul apeman seomyeon moksoriga tteollyeo.
    I'm naturally a bit timid, so my voice trembles whenever I stand in front of people.
    💡 Used when admitting one's shyness or cautious nature.
  • 너 그렇게 소심해서 어디 사회생활 제대로 하겠어?
    Neo geureoke sosimhaeseo eodi sahoe-saenghwal tdaedero hagesseo?
    If you're that timid, how on earth are you going to manage in society?
    💡 Often used teasingly or critically toward someone overly worried about small details.

Related words in Personality Traits

야무지다 ya-mu-ji-da허술하다 heo-sul-ha-da덤벙대다 deom-beong-dae-da꼼꼼하다 kkom-kkom-ha-da털털하다 teol-teol-ha-da

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