Meaning and Usage
The adverb '가만히' describes staying still or quietly without movement or noise. It often implies calmness or patience in a situation where action or noise might be expected.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear '가만히' when describing someone or something that remains motionless, such as a sleeping baby or a person waiting silently. It can also be used to suggest not interfering or not reacting.
Collocations and Patterns
- 가만히 있다: to stay still or quiet
- 가만히 누워 있다: to lie down quietly
- 가만히 듣다: to listen quietly
These phrases emphasize calmness, silence, or non-interference.
Register and Politeness
'가만히' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts without changing form.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '가만히' with '조용히' (quietly) which focuses more on sound rather than movement. '가만히' stresses the lack of movement or disturbance, not just silence.