Nuance Dictionary / Culture & Language
정나미가 떨어지다 jeong-na-mi-ga tteo-reo-ji-da
For even jeong to drop away — being pushed past the point of any emotional investment
What does 정나미가 떨어지다 mean?
정나미가 떨어지다 (jeong-na-mi-ga tteo-reo-ji-da) means: For even jeong to drop away — being pushed past the point of any emotional investment.
**Jeongnami** is the psychological foundation that allows *jeong* (deep emotional bonding and affection) to grow. If this foundation is lost—most commonly used in the phrase *jeongnami-ga tteoreojida* (to lose all *jeongnami*)—it means the relationship has reached a point where no *jeong* can ever be formed again. It is an incredibly strong expression used to convey complete emotional detachment or feeling utterly repulsed by someone.
🔊 From the story above
고운 정 — Go-un jeong
미운 정 — Mi-un jeong
단골 — dan-gol, "regular customer"
안녕하세요 — an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, "Hello"
정 떼다 — jeong ttae-da, "to sever the jeong bond"
미운 정 고운 정 — listen & repeat
서비스 — listen & repeat
헤어지고 싶은데 정 때문에 — listen & repeat
Other sides of 정나미가 떨어지다
◆ The 'Ick' in Romance — Speakers use this expression when all lingering warmth or fondness for someone suddenly vanishes. It marks the precise moment a person's minor habit, flaw, or unexpected behavior instantly shatters a previously positive feeling. It appears in casual conversation among peers or in personal storytelling when describing a swift change of heart.
Among speakers describing modern dating experiences, this can capture the specific, unromantic jolt of the 'ick,' where a small unattractive trait abruptly kills all romantic interest.
◆ Professional Disillusionment — Speakers use this expression when emotional attachment or loyalty toward a person, organization, or situation completely disappears due to repeated disappointment. It describes a sudden or cumulative shift where affection turns into cold detachment. The expression combines a noun referring to warm affection or fondness with a verb indicating a falling movement or loss.
In professional contexts, this can signal a definitive break in an employee's trust after witnessing persistent ethical failures or incompetence, marking the end of genuine loyalty.
Among speakers describing modern dating experiences, this can capture the specific, unromantic jolt of the 'ick,' where a small unattractive trait abruptly kills all romantic interest.
◆ Professional Disillusionment — Speakers use this expression when emotional attachment or loyalty toward a person, organization, or situation completely disappears due to repeated disappointment. It describes a sudden or cumulative shift where affection turns into cold detachment. The expression combines a noun referring to warm affection or fondness with a verb indicating a falling movement or loss.
In professional contexts, this can signal a definitive break in an employee's trust after witnessing persistent ethical failures or incompetence, marking the end of genuine loyalty.
🎙️ 정나미가 떨어지다는 표기 그대로 읽지 않아요 — 실제로는 [정나미가 떠러지다]로 소리나요 (연음법칙). 발음 연습하기 →
How it's actually used
- 그 사람의 이중적인 모습을 보고 정나미가 떨어졌다.
geu saram-ui ijungjeogin moseup-eul bogo jeong-namiga tteoreojyeotda.
Seeing his dual nature made me completely lose any remaining affection for him.
💡 Describing a sudden loss of goodwill after witnessing hypocritical behavior. - 계속되는 거짓말에 결국 정나미가 떨어져서 연락을 끊었다.
gyesokdoeneun geojinmal-e gyeolguk jeong-namiga tteoreojyeoseo yeonrag-eul kkeun-eotda.
Due to the constant lying, I eventually lost all affection and cut off contact.
💡 Explaining the end of a relationship caused by repeated dishonesty. - 상대방의 무례한 태도에 정나미가 떨어져 더 이상 말을 섞고 싶지 않았다.
sangdaebang-ui muryehan taedo-e jeong-namiga tteoreojyeo deo isang mal-eul seokko sipji anh-atda.
The other person's rude attitude completely turned me off, and I didn't want to speak with them anymore.
💡 Expressing complete emotional detachment following a rude encounter.
Related words in Culture & Language
한 (恨) han억울하다 eok-ul-ha-da서럽다 seo-reop-da풀다 pul-da판소리 pan-so-ri