What does 얌전하다 mean?
얌전하다 (yam-jeon-ha-da) means: Gentle, quiet, and very well-behaved.
Usually used for children, pets, or clothing styles. A '얌전한' dog doesn't bark at guests. A '얌전한' dress is modest and classic, not flashy or revealing. It implies a sense of quiet docility.
Other sides of 얌전하다
◆ pet_behavior — Speakers use this to describe a person whose personality or attitude is quiet, calm, and well-behaved. It appears in contexts discussing how someone conducts themselves, such as sitting quietly, maintaining a calm demeanor, or avoiding trouble. It commonly pairs with nouns like 사람, 성품, and 태도, or descriptions of behavior like 얌전하게 굴다.
When applied to someone typically known for chaos or mischief, this can carry a tone of gentle surprise or gentle teasing.
◆ child_rearing — Adults use this to praise a child who sits quietly without throwing tantrums or making a fuss in public spaces. It pairs with sitting postures and quiet behavior, such as reading books or keeping hands still. The examples show children or students praised for maintaining a calm, well-behaved posture that wins the approval of teachers and elders.
Can carry an adult-centric expectation of compliance, where a child is valued specifically for not being disruptive.
◆ aesthetic_modesty — Speakers use this to describe things that look clean, tidy, and free of flashy elements, such as clothing, handwriting, or general appearance. It appears in contexts where someone chooses a sober or understated outfit, like dressing for a formal interview or visiting elders. It combines with nouns like 옷, 글씨체, and 생김새.
Can convey a sense of polite conventionality and appropriateness, suggesting that an appearance or style blends in well without drawing unnecessary attention.
When applied to someone typically known for chaos or mischief, this can carry a tone of gentle surprise or gentle teasing.
◆ child_rearing — Adults use this to praise a child who sits quietly without throwing tantrums or making a fuss in public spaces. It pairs with sitting postures and quiet behavior, such as reading books or keeping hands still. The examples show children or students praised for maintaining a calm, well-behaved posture that wins the approval of teachers and elders.
Can carry an adult-centric expectation of compliance, where a child is valued specifically for not being disruptive.
◆ aesthetic_modesty — Speakers use this to describe things that look clean, tidy, and free of flashy elements, such as clothing, handwriting, or general appearance. It appears in contexts where someone chooses a sober or understated outfit, like dressing for a formal interview or visiting elders. It combines with nouns like 옷, 글씨체, and 생김새.
Can convey a sense of polite conventionality and appropriateness, suggesting that an appearance or style blends in well without drawing unnecessary attention.
How it's actually used
- 우리 강아지는 손님 와도 짖지도 않고 엄청 얌전해.
Uri gangajineun sonnim wado jjitjido anko eomcheong yamjeonhae.
Our puppy doesn't even bark when guests come over, and is super well-behaved.
💡 Used for pets or children who cause no trouble. - 오늘 소개팅 나가는데 너무 튀지 않게 얌전하게 입고 갈 거야.
Oneul sogaeting naganeunde neomu twiji anke yamjeonhage ipgo gal geoya.
I'm going on a blind date today, so I'll dress modestly and quietly so I don't stand out too much.
💡 Can describe clothing that is subdued and classic. - 우리 막내 동생은 평소에는 말 없이가 얌전한데 게임만 하면 소리쳐요.
uri maknae dongsangeun pyeongsoeneun mal eopsiga yamjeonhande geimman hamyeon sorichyeoyo.
My youngest sibling is normally quiet and well-behaved, but starts screaming as soon as they play video games.
💡 Contrasts a calm persona with a specific behavior.
Related words in Personality Traits
대범하다 dae-beom-ha-da소심하다 so-sim-ha-da야무지다 ya-mu-ji-da허술하다 heo-sul-ha-da덤벙대다 deom-beong-dae-da