Nuance Dictionary / Sounds & Sensations
울컥 ul-keok
The physical sensation of a sudden, uncontrollable surge of emotion—usually sadness or nostalgia—rising into the throat or chest.
What does 울컥 mean?
울컥 (ul-keok) means: The physical sensation of a sudden, uncontrollable surge of emotion—usually sadness or nostalgia—rising into the throat or chest.
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How it's actually used
- 오랜만에 부모님 편지를 읽으니까 갑자기 울컥하네.
o-raen-ma-ne bu-mo-nim pyeon-ji-reul il-geu-ni-kka gap-ja-gi ul-keok-ha-ne.
Reading my parents' letter after so long, I suddenly felt a wave of emotion.
💡 Highlights the use of the word to describe a nostalgic, bittersweet reaction. - 슬픈 영화 볼 때마다 꼭 울컥해서 참느라 힘들어요.
seul-peun yeong-hwa bol ttae-ma-da kkok ul-keok-hae-seo cham-neu-ra him-deu-reo-yo.
Every time I watch a sad movie, I get that lump in my throat and it's hard to hold back.
💡 Demonstrates the common 'throat-tightening' sensation associated with holding back tears. - 그 말 듣는데 순간적으로 울컥하더라고.
geu mal deut-neun-de sun-gan-jeok-eu-ro ul-keok-ha-deo-ra-go.
When I heard that, I just suddenly felt hit by a wave of emotion.
💡 Shows how the word describes a sudden, involuntary reaction to someone's words.
Related words in Sounds & Sensations
울퉁불퉁 ultung-bultung와글와글 wa-geul-wa-geul아기자기 a-gi-ja-gi아웅다웅 a-ung-da-ung바글바글 ba-geul-ba-geul