Level 5

얌전

No base JSON record found for this token.

Meaning and Usage

The adjective '얌전' describes someone or something that is quiet, gentle, well-behaved, or modest. It often refers to a person's personality or behavior, implying calmness and restraint.

Common Contexts

You will frequently hear '얌전' used to describe children, pets, or people who behave politely and quietly. It can also describe clothing or style that is simple and not flashy.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 얌전하다: to be gentle or well-behaved (basic adjective form)
  • 얌전하게 행동하다: to behave quietly or modestly
  • 얌전한 아이: a well-behaved child

Register and Nuance

'얌전' is generally neutral and polite, suitable for everyday conversation. It conveys a positive impression of calmness and good manners.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '얌전' with '조용하다' (quiet) which focuses more on noise level, while '얌전' emphasizes behavior and demeanor. Use '얌전' when you want to highlight gentle or modest behavior rather than just silence.

Example Sentences

그 아이는 성격이 얌전해서 친구들이 많아요.

Geu aineun seonggyeogi yamjeonhaeseo chingudeuri manhayo.

That child has a gentle personality, so he has many friends.

얌전하게 앉아서 수업을 듣는 것이 중요해요.

Yamjeonhage anjaseo sueobeul deudneun geosi jungyohayo.

It is important to sit quietly and listen to the class.

그녀는 평소에 얌전한 옷차림을 선호해요.

Geunyeoneun pyeongsoue yamjeonhan otcharimeul seonhohaeyo.

She usually prefers modest and neat clothing.