Level 3

마음속

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Meaning and Usage

"마음속" literally means "inside the heart" or "deep in one's heart." It is used to describe feelings, thoughts, or secrets that are held deeply and privately within a person. This word often appears in emotional or introspective contexts.

Common Collocations

  • 마음속 깊은 곳: deep inside one's heart, emphasizing depth and intimacy
  • 마음속으로: in one's heart/mind, often used to express internal thoughts or wishes
  • 마음속에 간직하다: to keep something in one's heart, usually a memory or secret

Register and Nuance

"마음속" is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Korean. It conveys a sense of sincerity and depth. When using it, speakers imply a personal or emotional connection to what is being described.

Learner Tips

Do not confuse "마음속" with "마음" alone. "마음" can mean heart or mind more generally, while "마음속" specifically refers to the inner, often hidden, part of the heart or mind. Use "마음속" when emphasizing something deeply felt or kept inside.

Example Sentences

그는 마음속으로 항상 가족을 생각한다.

Geuneun maeumsogeuro hangsang gajogeul saenggakanda.

He always thinks of his family deep in his heart.

마음속에 있는 감정을 솔직하게 표현하는 것이 중요하다.

Maeumsoge inneun gamjeongeul soljikage pyohyeonhaneun geosi jungyohada.

It is important to honestly express the feelings deep in your heart.

마음속 깊은 곳에 간직한 비밀이 있다.

Maeumsok gipeun gose ganjikhan bimil-i itda.

There is a secret kept deep inside one's heart.