숨 vs 기식
Korean word comparison
Listen to 숨
Listen to 기식
| 숨 | 기식 |
|---|---|
SOOM noun | gi-sik noun |
| air taken in and out of the lungs; breath | breath; breathing; respiration |
How they differ
기식 is a rare, literary, or technical word for breathing, and it is much less common than 숨. It can sound detached or scientific, so it is not used in normal everyday conversation.
When to use each
When to use 숨: Use 숨 in ordinary conversation or writing when you simply mean breath.
When to use 기식: Use 기식 only in specialized, literary, or medical-style language where a more formal term is wanted.
Side-by-side examples
- 그는 숨을 고르고 다시 말을 이었다.
(He caught his breath and continued speaking.) - 기식이 멈추면 즉시 응급 조치를 해야 한다.
(If breathing stops, emergency measures must be taken immediately.)
Register & nuance: 숨 is common and neutral, while 기식 is rare and highly formal, literary, or technical.