Nuance Dictionary / People & Relationships
손발이 맞다 sonbari majda
The state of two or more people operating with such intuitive, synchronized efficiency that they function as a single unit.
What does 손발이 맞다 mean?
손발이 맞다 (sonbari majda) means: The state of two or more people operating with such intuitive, synchronized efficiency that they function as a single unit.
Natives don't use this just for general teamwork; they reserve it for moments of 'flow' where you don't even need to speak to know what your partner is doing next. It signals a deep, almost subconscious professional intimacy. Learners often mistake this for simple 'cooperation' (협력), but it’s actually about the elimination of friction—it’s the difference between two people pulling a rope and two people dancing a routine.
Other sides of 손발이 맞다
◆ Interpersonal Compatibility — When natives use this for relationships, they aren't talking about teamwork; they’re talking about a spooky, almost telepathic alignment where you finish each other’s thoughts or instinctively know what the other needs. Learners often treat this as a synonym for 'good cooperation,' but in social settings, it carries a warm, intimate vibe—it’s the feeling of meeting someone who shares your specific, weird sense of humor or lifestyle pace. If you say this to a friend, you're signaling that they feel like a natural extension of yourself.
◆ Strategic Coordination — Natives use this when the 'ping' is unnecessary because everyone already knows the play. It’s not about getting along; it’s about the eerie, silent efficiency that happens when you've practiced together long enough to predict the next millisecond. Learners often misuse this to mean 'we agree on an idea,' but in this context, it is strictly about the kinetic, physical execution of a move.
◆ Strategic Coordination — Natives use this when the 'ping' is unnecessary because everyone already knows the play. It’s not about getting along; it’s about the eerie, silent efficiency that happens when you've practiced together long enough to predict the next millisecond. Learners often misuse this to mean 'we agree on an idea,' but in this context, it is strictly about the kinetic, physical execution of a move.
🎙️ 손발이 맞다는 표기 그대로 읽지 않아요 — 실제로는 [손바리 맏따]로 소리나요 (경음화, 받침규칙, 연음법칙). 발음 연습하기 →
How it's actually used
- 김 대리랑은 워낙 손발이 잘 맞아서 따로 말 안 해도 알아서 척척이야.
Gim daerirang-eun wonak sonbari jal majaseo ttaro mal an haedo araseo cheokcheogiya.
Kim and I are so in sync that we handle everything perfectly without even needing to talk.
💡 Shows how the term implies a 'telepathic' level of coordination. - 이번 프로젝트는 팀원들끼리 손발이 안 맞아서 고생 좀 했어요.
Ibeon peurojekteu-neun timeondeul-kkiri sonbari an majaseo gosaeng jom haesseoyo.
We struggled with this project because the team just couldn't get into a rhythm together.
💡 Demonstrates the negative usage: when the 'rhythm' is broken, the work becomes a chore. - 사장님, 저랑 손발 한번 제대로 맞춰보시죠!
Sajangnim, jeorang sonbal hanbeon jedaero matchwobosijyo!
Boss, let’s show them how well we can work in sync!
💡 Highlights the ambitious, proactive tone used to suggest a powerful new partnership.
Related words in People & Relationships
썸남 sseom-nam썸녀 sseom-nyeo여사친 yeo-sa-chin손길 son-gil뒷모습 dwit-mo-seup