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.
Speakers reach for this expression when describing a sudden, severe physical inability to breathe properly. It turns up when someone experiences intense physical strain, sudden heat, or a sharp physical jolt that restricts airflow. The phrase combines the noun 숨 (breath), the subject particle 이, the adverb 턱 (suddenly or abruptly), and the verb 막히다 (to be blocked or clogged).
Among speakers describing sudden physical distress, this can sound acutely visceral, conveying an immediate, involuntary bodily reaction to heat or exhaustion.
Among speakers describing sudden physical distress, this can sound acutely visceral, conveying an immediate, involuntary bodily reaction to heat or exhaustion.
Other sides of 숨이 턱 막히다
◆ Psychological Oppression — Speakers use this expression when describing situations where an intense atmosphere, restrictive environment, or heavy social pressure makes it difficult to think or breathe comfortably. It typically appears in personal accounts or narratives about stressful workplaces, demanding family expectations, or rigid organizational structures. It functions as a figurative description of psychological containment rather than physical illness.
Among speakers describing modern social environments, this can convey a sharp sense of entrapment, as if the surrounding social expectations leave no room to move or breathe freely.
◆ Aesthetic Overload — Speakers use this phrase in online comments, social media, and fan communities. It appears when describing a sudden, overwhelming reaction to striking visual content, such as a promotional photo or a stage performance.
Among fandom communities, this expression often reads as exaggerated hyperbole for dramatic effect, capturing a momentary loss of composure upon seeing a favored public figure.
Among speakers describing modern social environments, this can convey a sharp sense of entrapment, as if the surrounding social expectations leave no room to move or breathe freely.
◆ Aesthetic Overload — Speakers use this phrase in online comments, social media, and fan communities. It appears when describing a sudden, overwhelming reaction to striking visual content, such as a promotional photo or a stage performance.
Among fandom communities, this expression often reads as exaggerated hyperbole for dramatic effect, capturing a momentary loss of composure upon seeing a favored public figure.
🎙️ 숨이 턱 막히다는 표기 그대로 읽지 않아요 — 실제로는 [수미 텅 마키다]로 소리나요 (격음화, 비음화, 연음법칙). 발음 연습하기 →
How it's actually used
- 숨이 턱 막히는 더위에 가만히 서 있어도 땀이 났다.
sum-i teok makhineun deowie gamanhi seo isseodo ttam-i nassda.
In the breath-constricting heat, sweat poured out even just standing still.
💡 Describing intense heat that makes breathing difficult. - 너무 무리한 운동을 했더니 숨이 턱 막혔다.
neomu murihan undong-eul haessdeoni sum-i teok makhyeossda.
After exercising too strenuously, my breath was completely cut off.
💡 Describing physical exhaustion from heavy exertion. - 매운 음식을 한 입 먹자마자 숨이 턱 막히는 느낌이었다.
maeun eumsig-eul han ip meogjamaja sum-i teok makhineun neukkim-ieossda.
As soon as I took a bite of the spicy food, it felt like my breath was blocked.
💡 Describing a sudden physical reaction to food.
Related words in Social Situations
티끌 ti-kkeul티끌모아 ti-kkeul-mo-a티를 내다 Tireul naeda퇴사 toe-sa우물 안 개구리 Umul an gaeguri