What does 순간 mean?
순간 (sun-gan) means: Moment.
Speakers use this noun to refer to a brief fraction of time or the precise moment when something happens. It frequently appears in phrases involving crises, decisions, or turning points, such as 위기의 순간, 결정적인 순간, and 극적인 순간. It also combines with temporal markers like the moment an action starts, often paired with verbs indicating sudden occurrences or realizations.
Can convey a sense of suddenness or heightened focus on a specific point in time, sometimes heightening the drama of a transition or realization.
Can convey a sense of suddenness or heightened focus on a specific point in time, sometimes heightening the drama of a transition or realization.
Other sides of 순간
◆ cinematic realization — Speakers use this to mark the precise point in time when an emotional realization hits or news is received. It appears in contexts where an external trigger, such as hearing bad news or a realization, coincides with an immediate internal reaction like shedding tears or feeling panic. It combines with verbs and expressions describing sudden mental or emotional shifts.
This can carry a cinematic weight in storytelling, where time subjectively slows down around a sudden emotional breakthrough or realization.
This can carry a cinematic weight in storytelling, where time subjectively slows down around a sudden emotional breakthrough or realization.
How it's actually used
- 교통사고는 순간에 일어나는 거니까 운전할 때에는 항상 조심해야 한다.
gyo-tong-sa-go-neun sun-gan-e il-eo-na-neun geo-ni-kka un-jeon-hal ttae-neun hang-sang jo-sim-hae-ya han-da.
Traffic accidents happen in an instant, so you must always be careful when driving.
💡 Shows the word used to describe how quickly an unexpected event happens. - 승규가 집에서 나오려는 순간 전화벨이 울렸다.
seung-gyu-ga jib-e-seo na-o-ryeo-neun sun-gan jeon-hwa-bel-i ul-ryeot-da.
The moment Seunggyu was about to leave the house, the phone rang.
💡 Shows the word marking the exact time an action coincides with another event. - 응, 결정적인 순간에 골이 들어가서 정말 다행이었어.
eung, gyeol-jeong-jeok-in sun-gan-e gol-i deᅳreo-ga-seo jeong-mal da-haeng-i-eot-seo.
Yeah, I'm so glad the goal went in at the decisive moment.
💡 Shows the word used in casual dialogue regarding a critical time in a sports match.