그늘
geu-neul
/kɯ.nɯɭ/
Definition
A shaded area protected from direct sunlight, such as the shadow cast by a tree or building.
Example
더운 날에 나무 그늘 아래서 쉬었다.
Show translation
On a hot day, I rested under the shade of a tree.
Etymology
Native Korean word of Old Korean origin. Related to 그림자 (shadow/silhouette), both sharing a root sense of "darkness cast by blocking light." 그늘 specifically denotes a sheltered, cool zone, while 그림자 refers to the projected shadow shape.
Cultural note
In Korean poetry and literature, 그늘 carries a dual nuance: it is literally refreshing shelter from the summer heat, but metaphorically it can represent a quiet sadness or melancholy lurking beneath the surface — e.g. 마음의 그늘 ("a shadow on one's heart"). June in Korea brings pre-monsoon heat, making 그늘 a very practical and seasonally fitting word.