느끼다
neu-kki-da
/nɯ.k͈i.da/
Definition
To feel or sense something, such as an emotion, physical sensation, or atmosphere.
Example
봄바람을 맞으며 따뜻함을 느꼈다.
Show translation
I felt warmth as I was met by the spring breeze.
Etymology
느끼다 derives from the Middle Korean root 늣기다, related to the concept of sensing or perceiving. The verb stem 느끼- is closely connected to 느낌 ("feeling, impression"), and both descend from a Proto-Korean root associated with touch and inner perception. The doubled consonant (ㄲ) in the stem reflects a historical tensing process common in Korean verbs of sensory experience.
Cultural note
Korean culture places great emphasis on nuanced emotional perception — the language even has a culturally specific concept, 눈치 (nunchi), meaning the subtle ability to "feel out" a social situation. 느끼다 is the everyday verb at the heart of this sensitivity. Note that 느끼다 can also describe a physical sensation (e.g., feeling cold or pain) and even a taste sensation — 느끼하다 is a related adjective meaning "greasy" or "rich-tasting," so be careful not to confuse the two.