Nuance Dictionary / Social Situations
숨이 턱 막히다 sumi teok makhida
The sharp, sudden physical inability to draw a full breath caused by intense heat, exhaustion, or a physiological shock.
What does 숨이 턱 막히다 mean?
숨이 턱 막히다 (sumi teok makhida) means: The sharp, sudden physical inability to draw a full breath caused by intense heat, exhaustion, or a physiological shock.
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How it's actually used
- 습도가 너무 높아서 문 열자마자 숨이 턱 막히네.
seup-do-ga neo-mu nop-a-seo mun yeol-ja-ma-ja sum-i teok makh-i-ne.
The humidity is so high that as soon as I opened the door, I couldn't catch my breath.
💡 Highlights the common use of this phrase to describe the 'wall of heat' effect in summer. - 언덕을 너무 빨리 뛰었더니 숨이 턱 막혀서 한참을 서 있었어.
eon-deok-eul neo-mu ppal-li ttwieoss-deo-ni sum-i teok makh-yeo-seo han-cham-eul seo iss-eoss-eo.
I ran up the hill too fast and my breath got stuck, so I had to stand there for a while.
💡 Shows how the phrase denotes a physical, involuntary pause after extreme exertion. - 매연 때문에 숨이 턱 막혀서 마스크 좀 써야겠다.
mae-yeon ttae-mun-e sum-i teok makh-yeo-seo ma-seu-keu jom sseo-ya-get-da.
The exhaust fumes are so thick I can't breathe; I need to put on a mask.
💡 Demonstrates the use of the term regarding poor air quality or suffocating environments.
Related words in Social Situations
티끌모아 ti-kkeul-mo-a퇴사 toe-sa애를 먹다 aereul meokda알다 alda아무래도 amuraedo