Nuance Dictionary / Emotions & Feelings
속마음 Sok-ma-eum
The fortified inner sanctum of one's true thoughts, intentionally shielded from the public gaze to maintain social harmony.
What does 속마음 mean?
속마음 (Sok-ma-eum) means: The fortified inner sanctum of one's true thoughts, intentionally shielded from the public gaze to maintain social harmony.
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How it's actually used
- 술 한잔하니까 드디어 속마음을 얘기하네.
Sul-han-jan-ha-ni-kka-deu-di-eo-sok-ma-eum-eul-yae-gi-ha-ne.
Now that we’ve had a drink, you’re finally sharing what’s actually on your mind.
💡 Highlights how social lubrication is often required to breach the barrier of the private self. - 속마음을 다 드러내면 손해 볼 때가 많아.
Sok-ma-eum-eul-da-deu-reo-nae-myeon-son-hae-bol-ttae-ga-man-ha.
If you reveal your true feelings completely, you often end up losing out.
💡 Reveals the pragmatic, defensive nature of keeping one's true intentions hidden in a hierarchy-heavy society. - 내 속마음은 그게 아닌데, 말하기가 참 어렵네.
Nae-sok-ma-eum-eun-geu-ge-a-nin-de-mal-ha-gi-ga-cham-eo-ryeop-ne.
That’s not what I really feel inside, but it’s so hard to say it out loud.
💡 Shows the frustration of the 'unspoken barrier' when one's true self conflicts with the required social persona.