시선

siseon

One's line of vision

TOPIK 4

Meaning and Usage

The Korean word '시선' primarily means 'line of vision' or 'gaze.' It refers to where someone's eyes are directed or the attention they give visually. It is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe eye contact, attention, or where someone is looking.

Common Contexts

'시선' is often used when talking about social interactions, such as making eye contact during conversations or noticing where people are looking. It can also describe the focus of attention in a broader sense, like attracting public interest.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 시선을 받다: to receive someone's gaze or attention, often implying being noticed or attracting attention.
  • 시선을 피하다: to avoid eye contact, often used when someone feels shy or uncomfortable.
  • 시선을 돌리다: to turn one's gaze away, indicating distraction or changing focus.

Register and Nuance

'시선' is a neutral noun suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is often used in media, literature, and daily speech. When used in expressions like '시선을 끌다' (to attract attention), it conveys a strong visual or social impact.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse '시선' with '눈' (eye) or '눈빛' (look, expression in the eyes). Remember, '시선' focuses on the direction or focus of the gaze, not the eye itself or the emotional expression behind it.

Example Sentences

그녀는 사람들의 시선을 한 몸에 받았다.

Geunyeoneun saramdeului siseoneul han mome badasseotda.

She attracted everyone's gaze.

시선을 피하지 말고 당당하게 말하세요.

Siseoneul pihaji malgo dangdanghage malhaseyo.

Don't avoid eye contact; speak confidently.

그는 시선을 돌려 창밖을 바라보았다.

Geuneun siseoneul dollyeo changbak-eul baraboatda.

He turned his gaze and looked out the window.