Level 4

문득

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Meaning and Usage

"문득" is an adverb used to express a sudden or unexpected moment when something comes to mind or happens. It often conveys a spontaneous feeling or thought that appears without warning.

Common Contexts

You will frequently hear "문득" in everyday conversations when someone suddenly remembers something, notices something, or experiences a sudden emotion. It is often used in narrative or descriptive contexts.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 문득 생각나다: to suddenly remember something
  • 문득 떠오르다: to suddenly come to mind
  • 문득 느끼다: to suddenly feel

These collocations emphasize the suddenness and unexpected nature of the experience.

Register and Nuance

"문득" is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Korean. It adds a poetic or reflective tone when describing sudden realizations or feelings.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "문득" with "갑자기" (also meaning suddenly). However, "문득" often implies a sudden thought or feeling, while "갑자기" is more about sudden actions or events. Use "문득" when referring to sudden mental or emotional occurrences.

Example Sentences

문득 지난 일이 생각났다.

Mundeuk jinan iri saenggangnatda.

Suddenly, I remembered something from the past.

문득 하늘을 올려다보니 별이 빛나고 있었다.

Mundeuk haneureul ollyeodaboni byeori bitnago isseotda.

Suddenly, when I looked up at the sky, the stars were shining.

문득 그 사람의 말이 떠올랐다.

Mundeuk geu saramui mari tteoollatda.

Suddenly, that person's words came to mind.