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Vocab: Fragrance & Scents

Agent Progress
Built
Keywords
ν–₯수 / μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€ / μ·¨ν–₯ / λ…ν•˜λ‹€ / μž”ν–₯
Lesson #
S
Done
Section
Intermediate Vocabulary
🎯
TL;DR πŸ¦„
  • 🌸 ν–₯수 is the product; ν–₯ is the scent itself β€” knowing the difference already puts you ahead
  • 🌫️ μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€ = soft and subtly present (good); λ…ν•˜λ‹€ = harsh and overpowering (usually bad)
  • πŸ•°οΈ μž”ν–₯ is the lingering scent that stays after the first wave fades β€” and it's often the best part
πŸ”Š
🎧 Iru Helper Note β€” Head to the Korean Helper Widgets and type any word or sentence from this lesson to hear it at natural speed. Scent vocabulary is especially fun to say aloud β€” μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€ has a beautifully gentle sound that matches its meaning. 🌸

🌈 The Big Picture

Korean scent vocabulary does more than name a smell β€” it describes strength, impression, personal fit, and how the scent changes over time. A Korean speaker doesn't just say "this perfume smells good." They say whether it's subtle or overpowering, whether it matches their taste, and how the lingering scent behaves.
This five-word toolkit covers the full arc of describing fragrance: the product (ν–₯수), the strength (μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€ vs λ…ν•˜λ‹€), the preference (μ·¨ν–₯), and the after-note (μž”ν–₯). Master these and you can give a full Korean perfume review. 🌸

🎨 The Core Fragrance Family

1. ν–₯수 β€” perfume 🌺
The product you spray or dab on. ν–₯수λ₯Ό λΏŒλ¦¬λ‹€ = to spray perfume. Note: ν–₯ alone means scent/fragrance in general, while ν–₯수 specifically means the bottled product.
2. μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€ β€” subtle, softly lingering, gently present 🌫️
Something that isn't strong but is clearly, pleasantly there. Almost always positive. The adverb form μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ means "subtly" or "gently." Very common in food, scent, and mood descriptions.
3. μ·¨ν–₯ β€” personal taste, preference 🎯
What suits you specifically β€” not an objective judgment. 제 μ·¨ν–₯μ΄μ—μš” = it's my taste. 제 μ·¨ν–₯은 μ•„λ‹ˆμ—μš” = it's not my taste (but it might be fine objectively). ⚠️ Don't confuse with μ·¨λ―Έ (hobby).
4. λ…ν•˜λ‹€ β€” strong, harsh, overpowering πŸ’’
For scents: too sharp, heavy, or intense to be comfortable. Usually negative when describing fragrance. Also used for strong alcohol, sharp medicine, or harsh words.
5. μž”ν–₯ β€” lingering scent, after-note πŸ•°οΈ
The scent that remains after the opening notes fade. μž”ν–₯이 남닀 = the after-scent remains. μž”ν–₯이 μ˜€λž˜κ°€λ‹€ = the lingering scent lasts long. Core vocabulary in any perfume review.

πŸ› οΈ How They Work in a Sentence

이 ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” μ²˜μŒμ—λŠ” 쑰금 λ…ν•˜μ§€λ§Œ μž”ν–₯이 μ€μ€ν•΄μ„œ μ’‹μ•„μš”.
This perfume is a bit harsh at first, but the lingering scent is subtle so I like it. 🌫️
β€” μ²˜μŒμ—λŠ” = at first; -μ§€λ§Œ = but; -μ•„/μ–΄μ„œ μ’‹λ‹€ = like it because it's...
λ‹¬μ½€ν•œ ν–₯보닀 μ‹œμ›ν•œ ν–₯이 제 μ·¨ν–₯에 더 λ§žμ•„μš”.
Fresh scents suit my taste better than sweet ones. 🎯
β€” 보닀 = more than (comparison); μ·¨ν–₯에 λ§žλ‹€ = to suit one's taste; 더 = more
μ‚¬λ¬΄μ‹€μ—μ„œλŠ” ν–₯이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ λ…ν•œ ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” ν”Όν•˜λŠ” 게 μ’‹μ•„μš”.
In an office it's better to avoid perfumes with too harsh a scent. πŸ’’
β€” ν”Όν•˜λ‹€ = to avoid; -λŠ” 게 μ’‹λ‹€ = it's better to do; λ„ˆλ¬΄ = too (much)

🧩 General Formation Rule

These words follow standard patterns:
  • μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€ β†’ adjective: μ€μ€ν•΄μš” / μ€μ€ν–ˆμ–΄μš” / μ€μ€ν•œ ν–₯ (modifier form)
  • λ…ν•˜λ‹€ β†’ adjective: λ…ν•΄μš” / λ…ν–ˆμ–΄μš” / λ…ν•œ λƒ„μƒˆ (modifier form)
  • μ·¨ν–₯에 λ§žλ‹€ β†’ μ·¨ν–₯에 λ§žμ•„μš” / μ·¨ν–₯에 μ•ˆ λ§žμ•„μš” / μ·¨ν–₯에 λ§žλŠ” ν–₯수
  • μž”ν–₯이 남닀 β†’ μž”ν–₯이 λ‚¨μ•„μš” / μž”ν–₯이 λ‚¨μ•˜μ–΄μš” / μž”ν–₯이 였래 λ‚¨μ•„μš”
  • ν–₯수λ₯Ό λΏŒλ¦¬λ‹€ β†’ ν–₯수λ₯Ό λΏŒλ €μš” / ν–₯수λ₯Ό λΏŒλ Έμ–΄μš”

πŸ“š Cross-check note

All vocabulary and usage cross-checked against korean.go.kr βœ…

πŸͺž Synonym Alert

  • μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€ β‰ˆ μ€κ·Όν•˜λ‹€ β€” μ€κ·Όν•˜λ‹€ is slightly more formal/literary; μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€ is more common in everyday speech for scents
  • λ…ν•˜λ‹€ β‰ˆ κ°•ν•˜λ‹€ / μ§„ν•˜λ‹€ β€” κ°•ν•˜λ‹€ = strong (neutral), μ§„ν•˜λ‹€ = rich/deep (often positive for coffee, scent), λ…ν•˜λ‹€ = overpowering (negative nuance)
  • μ·¨ν–₯ β‰ˆ 기호 β€” 기호 is more formal/written; μ·¨ν–₯ is everyday

⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge

❌ μ·¨ν–₯이 μ—†μ–΄μš” (meaning "I have no hobbies") β†’ βœ… μ·¨λ―Έκ°€ μ—†μ–΄μš” β€” μ·¨ν–₯ = taste/preference, μ·¨λ―Έ = hobby. Completely different words.
❌ μ€μ€ν•΄μš” (meaning "weak/faint") β†’ βœ… μ€μ€ν•΄μš” means subtly and pleasantly present β€” not "weak." Use μ•½ν•΄μš” for "weak."
❌ ν–₯수 λƒ„μƒˆκ°€ λ…ν•΄μš” (overly blunt to someone's face) β†’ βœ… ν–₯이 쑰금 κ°•ν•œ 것 κ°™μ•„μš” β€” softer way to say a scent is too much without directly saying their perfume is harsh.
❌ μž”ν–₯이 μžˆμ–΄μš” β†’ βœ… μž”ν–₯이 λ‚¨μ•„μš” β€” μž”ν–₯ naturally pairs with 남닀 (to remain), not μžˆλ‹€.
❌ ν–₯수 μ·¨ν–₯μ΄μ—μš” (doesn't make sense) β†’ βœ… 이 ν–₯μˆ˜κ°€ 제 μ·¨ν–₯μ΄μ—μš” β€” μ·¨ν–₯ needs a subject to refer to: "this perfume is my taste."
이제 ν–₯수 κ°€κ²Œμ—μ„œ μ™„λ²½ν•˜κ²Œ μ„€λͺ…ν•  수 μžˆμ–΄μš”! μ–΄λ–€ ν–₯이 μ€μ€ν•˜κ³ , μ–΄λ–€ 게 λ…ν•œμ§€ β€” λ‹€ ν‘œν˜„ν•  수 μžˆμ–΄μš”. 🌸✨
Try this exercise
Instructions: Fill in each blank with the correct word from today's lesson. Say the sentence aloud, then check the Answer toggle. Some blanks ask for a conjugated form.
1. 이 ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” ν–₯이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏμ„œ 였래 맑기 νž˜λ“€μ–΄μš”.
This perfume's scent is too harsh to smell for long. πŸ’’
Answer
독해 β†’ λ…ν•΄μ„œ. λ…ν•˜λ‹€ + -μ•„/μ–΄μ„œ (causal). λ…ν•œ ν–₯ = overpowering scent.
2. μ €λŠ” λ‹¬μ½€ν•œ ν–₯보닀 μ‹œμ›ν•œ ν–₯이 ＿＿＿＿에 λ§žμ•„μš”.
Fresh scents suit my taste better than sweet ones. 🎯
Answer
μ·¨ν–₯ β†’ μ·¨ν–₯에 λ§žμ•„μš”. μ·¨ν–₯에 λ§žλ‹€ = to suit one's taste.
3. μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ§€λ‚˜λ„ ＿＿＿＿이 μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ λ‚¨μ•„μš”.
Even after time passes, the lingering scent remains subtly. πŸ•°οΈ
Answer
μž”ν–₯ β†’ μž”ν–₯이 λ‚¨μ•„μš”. μž”ν–₯ = lingering scent; 남닀 = to remain.
4. 꽃ν–₯κΈ°κ°€ οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏν•˜κ²Œ νΌμ Έμ„œ 기뢄이 μ’‹μ•„μ‘Œμ–΄μš”.
The flower scent spread subtly and I felt better. 🌸
Answer
은은 β†’ μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ. μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€ β†’ adverb form μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ = subtly, gently.
5. 친ꡬ μ„ λ¬Όλ‘œ οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏλ₯Ό μƒ€μ–΄μš”.
I bought perfume as a gift for a friend. 🌺
Answer
ν–₯수 β†’ ν–₯수λ₯Ό μƒ€μ–΄μš”. ν–₯수 = perfume (the product).
6. 이 ν–₯은 제 ＿＿＿＿은 μ•„λ‹ˆμ§€λ§Œ λ§Žμ€ μ‚¬λžŒλ“€μ΄ μ’‹μ•„ν•΄μš”.
This scent isn't my taste but many people like it. 🎯
Answer
μ·¨ν–₯ β†’ μ·¨ν–₯은 μ•„λ‹ˆμ—μš” = it's not my taste. A personal preference statement, not a quality judgment.
7. μ‚¬λ¬΄μ‹€μ—μ„œλŠ” λ„ˆλ¬΄ οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏ ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” ν”Όν•˜λŠ” 게 μ’‹μ•„μš”.
In an office it's better to avoid perfumes that are too harsh. πŸ’’
Answer
λ…ν•œ β†’ λ…ν•œ ν–₯수. λ…ν•˜λ‹€ modifier form = λ…ν•œ + noun.
8. 이 ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” ＿＿＿＿이 μ˜€λž˜κ°€μ„œ μΈμƒμ μ΄μ—μš”.
This perfume is impressive because the lingering scent lasts long. πŸ•°οΈ
Answer
μž”ν–₯ β†’ μž”ν–₯이 μ˜€λž˜κ°€λ‹€ = the after-scent lasts long.
9. λΉ„λˆ„ ν–₯이 οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏν•˜κ²Œ 남아 μžˆμ–΄μš”.
The soap scent remains subtly. 🌫️
Answer
은은 β†’ μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ 남아 μžˆμ–΄μš”. μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ = subtly/gently (adverb).
10. ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” μ‚¬λžŒλ§ˆλ‹€ ＿＿＿＿이 λ‹¬λΌμ„œ 직접 맑아 λ³΄λŠ” 게 μ’‹μ•„μš”.
Since people's tastes in perfume differ, it's good to smell it yourself. 🎯
Answer
μ·¨ν–₯ β†’ μ·¨ν–₯이 λ‹€λ₯΄λ‹€ = tastes differ. 직접 맑아 보닀 = to smell it yourself.
πŸ“š
Vocabulary Box
  • ν–₯수 β†’ perfume (product)
  • ν–₯ β†’ scent, fragrance (general)
  • μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€ β†’ subtly present, gently lingering
  • μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ β†’ subtly (adverb)
  • μ·¨ν–₯ β†’ personal taste/preference
  • λ…ν•˜λ‹€ β†’ harsh, overpowering
  • μž”ν–₯ β†’ lingering after-scent
  • 남닀 β†’ to remain
  • 퍼지닀 β†’ to spread
  • λΏŒλ¦¬λ‹€ β†’ to spray
  • 맑닀 β†’ to smell (to sniff)
  • μ·¨ν–₯에 λ§žλ‹€ β†’ to suit one's taste
Memory tips πŸ’‘
  • 은은 = the sound is soft and gentle, just like the meaning
  • μž”ν–₯ = μž” (remaining/leftover) + ν–₯ (scent) = leftover scent
  • λ…ν•˜λ‹€ = toxic-sounding for a reason β€” it's too much
πŸš€
Want more reps? Visit the Practice Hub when you're ready! πŸš€
πŸ“¦
🎯 Practice Hub β€” Vocab: Fragrance & Scents
Welcome to the fragrance counter! 🌸 This Practice Hub puts all five words through their paces β€” ν–₯수, μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€, μ·¨ν–₯, λ…ν•˜λ‹€, and μž”ν–₯ β€” across five themed exercises covering real situations where scent vocabulary naturally comes up. By the end you'll be able to describe any fragrance in natural, nuanced Korean. ✨
πŸ”Š Audio reminder: Use the Korean Helper Widgets to hear any sentence β€” especially μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ and μž”ν–₯이 λ‚¨μ•„μš”, which have beautiful rhythms at natural speed.
πŸ“ Instructions: Fill in each blank with the correct word or conjugated form. Say the sentence aloud before checking the Answer toggle. Pay attention to whether you need the noun, adjective, or adverb form.

Exercise 1 β€” At the Perfume Counter 🌺

A. 이 οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏλŠ” 꽃ν–₯κΈ°κ°€ λ‚˜μ„œ μ’‹μ•„μš”.
This perfume smells like flowers β€” I like it. 🌸
Answer
ν–₯수 β†’ ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ”. ν–₯수 = the perfume product.
B. ν–₯이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏμ„œ 고개λ₯Ό λŒλ Έμ–΄μš”.
The scent was too overpowering so I turned my head away. πŸ’’
Answer
독해 β†’ λ…ν•΄μ„œ. λ…ν•˜λ‹€ + -μ•„/μ–΄μ„œ. 고개λ₯Ό λŒλ¦¬λ‹€ = to turn one's head away.
C. 처음 ν–₯은 κ°•ν•œλ° ＿＿＿＿은 μ€μ€ν•΄μš”.
The opening scent is strong but the lingering note is subtle. πŸ•°οΈ
Answer
μž”ν–₯ β†’ μž”ν–₯은. μž”ν–₯ = the after-note that remains.
D. 이 ν–₯은 제 ＿＿＿＿에 λ”± λ§žμ•„μš”.
This scent suits my taste perfectly. 🎯
Answer
μ·¨ν–₯ β†’ μ·¨ν–₯에 λ§žμ•„μš”. λ”± = perfectly/exactly.
E. 꽃ν–₯κΈ°κ°€ λ°© μ•ˆμ— οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏν•˜κ²Œ 퍼져 μžˆμ–΄μš”.
The flower scent is spread subtly throughout the room. 🌸
Answer
은은 β†’ μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ. Adverb form of μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€.
F. μ•„, 이 οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏ μ’‹λ‹€! λ­μ˜ˆμš”?
Oh, this perfume is great! What is it? 🌺
Answer
ν–₯수 β†’ ν–₯수 μ’‹λ‹€ = this perfume is great. Casual exclamatory sentence.
G. ＿＿＿＿이 μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ λ‚¨μ•„μ„œ 쒋은 ν–₯μˆ˜μ˜ˆμš”.
It's a good perfume because the lingering scent stays subtly. πŸ•°οΈ
Answer
μž”ν–₯ β†’ μž”ν–₯이 남닀. μž”ν–₯이 μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ 남닀 = the after-scent lingers gently.
H. μ„Έμ œ λƒ„μƒˆκ°€ λ„ˆλ¬΄ οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏμ„œ 창문을 μ—΄μ—ˆμ–΄μš”.
The detergent smell was too harsh so I opened the window. πŸ’’
Answer
독해 β†’ λ…ν•΄μ„œ. λ…ν•˜λ‹€ applies to harsh chemical smells too, not just perfume.
I. 이 ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” λ‹¬μ½€ν•œ ν–₯이 οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏν•˜κ²Œ λ‚˜μš”.
This perfume gives off a subtly sweet scent. 🍯
Answer
은은 β†’ μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ. μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ λ‚˜λ‹€ = to come out subtly.
J. ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” 뿌리기 전에 직접 맑아 보고 ＿＿＿＿에 λ§žλŠ” κ±Έ 골라야 ν•΄μš”.
Before buying perfume, you should smell it yourself and choose one that suits your taste. 🎯
Answer
μ·¨ν–₯ β†’ μ·¨ν–₯에 λ§žλŠ” 것 = something that suits one's taste. κ³ λ₯΄λ‹€ = to choose/select.
πŸ“š
Vocabulary Box
  • ν–₯수 β†’ perfume
  • μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€/μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ β†’ subtle/subtly
  • μ·¨ν–₯에 λ§žλ‹€ β†’ suits one's taste
  • λ…ν•˜λ‹€ β†’ harsh, overpowering
  • μž”ν–₯ β†’ lingering after-scent
  • 퍼지닀 β†’ to spread
  • 고개λ₯Ό λŒλ¦¬λ‹€ β†’ to turn one's head
  • μ„Έμ œ β†’ detergent
  • λ‹¬μ½€ν•˜λ‹€ β†’ sweet
  • λ”± β†’ perfectly/exactly
  • 뿌리기 전에 β†’ before spraying
Tip πŸ’‘ ν–₯수 = product, ν–₯ = scent. You can have a ν–₯ without a ν–₯수, but ν–₯수 always produces a ν–₯.

Exercise 2 β€” Personal Preferences 🎯

A. μ €λŠ” μ‹œμ›ν•œ ν–₯이 제 ＿＿＿＿에 더 잘 λ§žμ•„μš”.
Fresh scents suit my taste better. 🎯
Answer
μ·¨ν–₯ β†’ μ·¨ν–₯에 λ§žμ•„μš”. μ‹œμ›ν•œ ν–₯ = fresh/cool scent.
B. 이 ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” 제 ＿＿＿＿은 μ•„λ‹ˆμ§€λ§Œ μ„ λ¬Όλ‘œ 쒋을 것 κ°™μ•„μš”.
This perfume isn't my taste but it seems good as a gift. 🎁
Answer
μ·¨ν–₯ β†’ μ·¨ν–₯은 μ•„λ‹ˆμ—μš”. A polite, personal preference statement.
C. ν–₯이 οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏν•΄μ„œ 였래 맑으면 머리가 μ•„νŒŒμš”.
The scent is harsh so smelling it for long gives me a headache. πŸ’’
Answer
독 β†’ λ…ν•΄μ„œ. λ…ν•˜λ‹€ + -μ•„/μ–΄μ„œ causal connector.
D. 이 οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏλŠ” μž”ν–₯이 μ˜€λž˜κ°€μ„œ λ§ˆμŒμ— λ“€μ–΄μš”.
I like this perfume because the lingering scent lasts long. 🌺
Answer
ν–₯수 β†’ ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ”. λ§ˆμŒμ— λ“€λ‹€ = to be pleasing / to like.
E. ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” μ‚¬λžŒλ§ˆλ‹€ ＿＿＿＿이 λ‹¬λΌμš”.
People's tastes in perfume differ. 🎯
Answer
μ·¨ν–₯ β†’ μ·¨ν–₯이 λ‹€λ₯΄λ‹€ = tastes are different. μ‚¬λžŒλ§ˆλ‹€ = per person / each person.
F. μ €λŠ” οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏν•œ ν–₯보닀 μ§„ν•˜κ³  κΉŠμ€ ν–₯을 μ’‹μ•„ν•΄μš”.
I prefer rich and deep scents over subtle ones. πŸ•°οΈ
Answer
은은 β†’ μ€μ€ν•œ ν–₯. μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€ modifier form = μ€μ€ν•œ + noun.
G. μ²˜μŒμ— οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏλ‹€κ³  λŠκΌˆλŠ”λ° μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ§€λ‚˜λ‹ˆκΉŒ μ’‹μ•„μ‘Œμ–΄μš”.
I thought it was harsh at first but as time passed I came to like it. πŸ•°οΈ
Answer
λ…ν•˜ β†’ λ…ν•˜λ‹€κ³  λŠκΌˆμ–΄μš”. -λ‹€κ³  λŠλΌλ‹€ = to feel/think that. λ…ν•˜λ‹€κ³  = that it's harsh.
H. 이 ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” ＿＿＿＿이 μ€μ€ν•΄μ„œ 자기 전에 뿌리기 μ’‹μ•„μš”.
This perfume has a subtle lingering scent so it's good to spray before bed. πŸ›Œ
Answer
μž”ν–₯ β†’ μž”ν–₯이 μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€. 자기 전에 = before sleeping.
I. μ—¬λ¦„μ—λŠ” οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏν•˜κ³  κ°€λ²Όμš΄ ν–₯이 더 잘 μ–΄μšΈλ €μš”.
In summer, subtle and light scents suit better. β˜€οΈ
Answer
은은 β†’ μ€μ€ν•˜κ³ . -κ³  connects adjectives: μ€μ€ν•˜κ³  가볍닀 = subtle and light.
J. κ·Έ ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” 제 ＿＿＿＿에 μ•ˆ λ§žμ§€λ§Œ λ‚¨μžμΉœκ΅¬κ°€ μ’‹μ•„ν•΄μš”.
That perfume doesn't suit my taste but my boyfriend likes it. 🎯
Answer
μ·¨ν–₯ β†’ μ·¨ν–₯에 μ•ˆ λ§žμ•„μš”. -μ§€λ§Œ = but/however (contrast).
πŸ“š
Vocabulary Box
  • μ‹œμ›ν•˜λ‹€ β†’ fresh, cool
  • μ§„ν•˜λ‹€ β†’ rich, deep (scent)
  • λ§ˆμŒμ— λ“€λ‹€ β†’ to like, to be pleasing
  • μ‚¬λžŒλ§ˆλ‹€ β†’ each person / per person
  • 자기 전에 β†’ before sleeping
  • μ–΄μšΈλ¦¬λ‹€ β†’ to suit, to go well with
  • -λ‹€κ³  λŠλΌλ‹€ β†’ to feel/think that
  • -κ³  β†’ and (connects adjectives)
Tip πŸ’‘ μ·¨ν–₯은 μ•„λ‹ˆμ—μš” = personal rejection without being rude. It says "not for me" without saying "it's bad."

Exercise 3 β€” Describing & Reviewing πŸ“

A. 이 οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏλŠ” 처음 λΏŒλ Έμ„ λ•Œ ν–₯이 κ°•ν•΄μš”.
When you first spray this perfume the scent is strong. 🌺
Answer
ν–₯수 β†’ ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ”. 처음 λΏŒλ Έμ„ λ•Œ = when first sprayed.
B. μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ§€λ‚˜λ©΄μ„œ ＿＿＿＿이 μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ λ³€ν•΄μš”.
As time passes the lingering scent changes subtly. πŸ•°οΈ
Answer
μž”ν–₯ β†’ μž”ν–₯이. -λ©΄μ„œ = as/while. λ³€ν•˜λ‹€ = to change.
C. 꽃ν–₯κΈ°κ°€ οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏν•˜κ²Œ λ°© μ•ˆμ— 퍼져 μžˆμ–΄μš”.
The flower scent is subtly spread throughout the room. 🌸
Answer
은은 β†’ μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ. Adverb modifying 퍼져 μžˆμ–΄μš” (is spread).
D. ν–₯이 λ„ˆλ¬΄ οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏμ„œ μ£Όλ³€ μ‚¬λžŒμ—κ²Œ λΆˆνŽΈν•  수 μžˆμ–΄μš”.
The scent might be too harsh and uncomfortable for people nearby. πŸ’’
Answer
독해 β†’ λ…ν•΄μ„œ. λΆˆνŽΈν•˜λ‹€ = uncomfortable; μ£Όλ³€ μ‚¬λžŒ = people nearby.
E. 이 ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” 제 ＿＿＿＿에 잘 λ§žμ•„μ„œ 자주 μ¨μš”.
This perfume suits my taste well so I use it often. 🎯
Answer
μ·¨ν–₯ β†’ μ·¨ν–₯에 λ§žμ•„μ„œ. -μ•„/μ–΄μ„œ causal: because it suits my taste.
F. 무거운 ν–₯보닀 οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏν•œ ν–₯이 더 νŽΈν•΄μš”.
Subtle scents are more comfortable than heavy ones. 🌫️
Answer
은은 β†’ μ€μ€ν•œ. μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€ modifier = μ€μ€ν•œ + noun. 무거운 ν–₯ = heavy scent.
G. 이 ＿＿＿＿의 μž”ν–₯이 ν•˜λ£¨ 쒅일 남아 μžˆμ–΄μš”.
The lingering scent of this perfume stays all day. 🌺
Answer
ν–₯수 β†’ ν–₯수의 μž”ν–₯. -의 = possessive particle. ν•˜λ£¨ 쒅일 = all day long.
H. μ²˜μŒμ—λŠ” οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏλ‹€κ³  μƒκ°ν–ˆλŠ”λ° μ‹œκ°„μ΄ μ§€λ‚˜λ‹ˆκΉŒ μ€μ€ν•΄μ‘Œμ–΄μš”.
At first I thought it was harsh but as time passed it became subtle. πŸ•°οΈ
Answer
λ…ν•˜ β†’ λ…ν•˜λ‹€κ³  μƒκ°ν–ˆμ–΄μš”. -λ‹€κ³  μƒκ°ν•˜λ‹€ = to think that. -λ‹ˆκΉŒ = because/now that.
I. 이 ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” 뿌리고 λ‚˜μ„œ ＿＿＿＿이 μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ λ‚¨λŠ” 게 νŠΉμ§•μ΄μ—μš”.
The characteristic of this perfume is that after spraying, the lingering scent stays subtly. πŸ•°οΈ
Answer
μž”ν–₯ β†’ μž”ν–₯이 남닀. νŠΉμ§• = characteristic/feature. 뿌리고 λ‚˜μ„œ = after spraying.
J. ν–₯수 ＿＿＿＿이 λ‹€ λ‹€λ₯΄λ‹ˆκΉŒ μ„ λ¬Ό κ³ λ₯΄κΈ° μ–΄λ €μ›Œμš”.
Everyone's perfume preferences differ so it's hard to choose a gift. 🎁
Answer
μ·¨ν–₯ β†’ μ·¨ν–₯이 λ‹€λ₯΄λ‹€. λ‹€ λ‹€λ₯΄λ‹€ = all different. μ„ λ¬Ό κ³ λ₯΄λ‹€ = to choose a gift.
πŸ“š
Vocabulary Box
  • 처음 λΏŒλ Έμ„ λ•Œ β†’ when first sprayed
  • -λ©΄μ„œ β†’ as/while (simultaneous)
  • λ³€ν•˜λ‹€ β†’ to change
  • λΆˆνŽΈν•˜λ‹€ β†’ uncomfortable
  • 무겁닀 β†’ heavy
  • ν•˜λ£¨ 쒅일 β†’ all day long
  • νŠΉμ§• β†’ characteristic/feature
  • 뿌리고 λ‚˜μ„œ β†’ after spraying
  • -λ‹€κ³  μƒκ°ν•˜λ‹€ β†’ to think that
Tip πŸ’‘ Korean perfume reviews almost always mention: 처음 ν–₯ (opening note) vs μž”ν–₯ (after-note) β€” knowing these lets you sound like a native reviewer.

Exercise 4 β€” Collocations & Patterns πŸ”—

A. 컀피 ν–₯이 카페 μ•ˆμ— οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏν•˜κ²Œ 퍼져 μžˆμ–΄μš”.
The coffee scent is subtly spread inside the cafΓ©. β˜•
Answer
은은 β†’ μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ. μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ 퍼지닀 = to spread subtly.
B. μ–΄λ¨Έλ‹ˆκ°€ 늘 λΏŒλ¦¬μ‹œλŠ” οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏ ν–₯이 μ΅μˆ™ν•΄μš”.
The scent of the perfume my mother always wears is familiar. 🌺
Answer
ν–₯수 β†’ ν–₯수 ν–₯. μ΅μˆ™ν•˜λ‹€ = familiar. 늘 = always.
C. 이 ＿＿＿＿은 제 μ·¨ν–₯에 λ§žμ§€ μ•Šμ•„μ„œ λ‹€λ₯Έ κ±Έ κ³¨λžμ–΄μš”.
This lingering scent didn't suit my taste so I chose something else. πŸ•°οΈ
Answer
μž”ν–₯ β†’ μž”ν–₯은. λ‹€λ₯Έ κ±Έ κ³ λ₯΄λ‹€ = to choose something else.
D. μ•½ λƒ„μƒˆκ°€ λ„ˆλ¬΄ οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏμ„œ μ°ΈκΈ° νž˜λ“€μ–΄μš”.
The medicine smell is too harsh and hard to endure. πŸ’’
Answer
독해 β†’ λ…ν•΄μ„œ. λ…ν•˜λ‹€ applies to medicine smells too. μ°Έλ‹€ = to endure.
E. 이 ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” 제 ＿＿＿＿에 λ”± λ§žλŠ” ν–₯μ΄μ—μš”.
This perfume has a scent that perfectly matches my taste. 🎯
Answer
μ·¨ν–₯ β†’ μ·¨ν–₯에 λ”± λ§žμ•„μš”. λ”± = exactly/perfectly.
F. λ΄„μ—λŠ” οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏν•œ 꽃ν–₯κΈ°κ°€ λ‚˜λŠ” ν–₯μˆ˜κ°€ 잘 μ–΄μšΈλ €μš”.
In spring, perfumes with a subtle floral scent suit well. 🌸
Answer
은은 β†’ μ€μ€ν•œ. μ€μ€ν•œ 꽃ν–₯κΈ° = subtle floral scent.
G. 뿌리고 두 μ‹œκ°„ 후에도 ＿＿＿＿이 남아 μžˆμ—ˆμ–΄μš”.
Even two hours after spraying, the lingering scent remained. πŸ•°οΈ
Answer
μž”ν–₯ β†’ μž”ν–₯이 남아 μžˆμ—ˆμ–΄μš”. 두 μ‹œκ°„ 후에도 = even two hours later.
H. 이 ν–₯수의 ν–₯이 쑰금 οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏμ§€λ§Œ μ·¨ν–₯에 따라 λ‹€λ₯Ό 수 μžˆμ–΄μš”.
This perfume's scent is a bit harsh but it can vary depending on preference. πŸ’’
Answer
λ…ν•˜ β†’ λ…ν•˜μ§€λ§Œ. -μ§€λ§Œ = but/however. μ·¨ν–₯에 따라 = depending on one's taste.
I. λ‚˜λ¬΄ ν–₯이 οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏν•˜κ²Œ μ˜¬λΌμ˜€λŠ” ν–₯μˆ˜μ˜ˆμš”.
It's a perfume where the woody scent rises subtly. 🌲
Answer
은은 β†’ μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ μ˜¬λΌμ˜€λ‹€ = to rise subtly. λ‚˜λ¬΄ ν–₯ = woody scent.
J. μ„ λ¬Όν•  οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏλŠ” μƒλŒ€λ°© ＿＿＿＿을 λ¨Όμ € νŒŒμ•…ν•΄μ•Ό ν•΄μš”.
For perfume as a gift you need to first understand the other person's taste. 🎁🎯
Answer
ν–₯수 / μ·¨ν–₯ β†’ ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ”, μ·¨ν–₯을 νŒŒμ•…ν•˜λ‹€ = to grasp/understand one's taste. μƒλŒ€λ°© = the other person.
πŸ“š
Vocabulary Box
  • μ΅μˆ™ν•˜λ‹€ β†’ familiar
  • 늘 β†’ always
  • μ°Έλ‹€ β†’ to endure
  • λ”± β†’ exactly/perfectly
  • 꽃ν–₯κΈ° β†’ floral scent
  • 두 μ‹œκ°„ 후에도 β†’ even two hours later
  • μ·¨ν–₯에 따라 β†’ depending on one's taste
  • λ‚˜λ¬΄ ν–₯ β†’ woody scent
  • νŒŒμ•…ν•˜λ‹€ β†’ to grasp, understand
  • μƒλŒ€λ°© β†’ the other person
Tip πŸ’‘ μ€μ€ν•˜κ²Œ + motion verb (퍼지닀, μ˜¬λΌμ˜€λ‹€, 남닀) = the signature fragrance description pattern in Korean.

Exercise 5 β€” Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol πŸ›‘οΈ

A. ❌ μ·¨ν–₯이 μ—†μ–΄μš” (I have no hobbies) β†’ βœ… οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏκ°€ μ—†μ–΄μš”
I have no hobbies. 🎯
Answer
μ·¨λ―Έ β†’ μ·¨λ―Έκ°€ μ—†μ–΄μš”. μ·¨ν–₯ = taste/preference; μ·¨λ―Έ = hobby. Completely different words. βœ…
B. ❌ μž”ν–₯이 μžˆμ–΄μš” β†’ βœ… μž”ν–₯이 οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏμ•„μš”
The lingering scent remains. πŸ•°οΈ
Answer
남 β†’ μž”ν–₯이 λ‚¨μ•„μš”. μž”ν–₯ pairs naturally with 남닀 (to remain), not μžˆλ‹€. βœ…
C. 이 ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” μ²˜μŒμ— οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏμ§€λ§Œ ＿＿＿＿이 μ€μ€ν•΄μ„œ μ’‹μ•„μš”.
This perfume is harsh at first but the lingering scent is subtle so I like it. πŸŒΊπŸ•°οΈ
Answer
λ…ν•˜ / μž”ν–₯ β†’ λ…ν•˜μ§€λ§Œ, μž”ν–₯이 μ€μ€ν•΄μš”. The classic contrast structure for perfume descriptions. βœ…
D. ❌ 이 ν–₯이 μ•½ν•΄μš” (meaning subtle/gentle) β†’ βœ… 이 ν–₯이 οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏν•΄μš”
The scent is subtly present. 🌫️
Answer
은은 β†’ μ€μ€ν•΄μš”. μ•½ν•˜λ‹€ = weak (negative). μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€ = subtly and pleasantly present. βœ…
E. ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” 직접 맑아 보고 ＿＿＿＿에 λ§žλŠ” κ±Έ 골라야 ν•΄μš”.
You should smell perfume yourself and choose one that suits your taste. 🎯
Answer
μ·¨ν–₯ β†’ μ·¨ν–₯에 λ§žλŠ” 것. 직접 맑아 보닀 = to smell it yourself. βœ…
F. ❌ ν–₯수 λƒ„μƒˆκ°€ λ…ν•΄μš” (said directly to someone) β†’ βœ… ν–₯이 쑰금 ＿＿＿＿것 κ°™μ•„μš”
The scent seems a little strong. πŸ’’
Answer
κ°•ν•œ β†’ κ°•ν•œ 것 κ°™μ•„μš”. Use κ°•ν•˜λ‹€ (strong) instead of λ…ν•˜λ‹€ (harsh) to soften the message. -것 κ°™μ•„μš” = seems like. βœ…
G. 이 ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” ＿＿＿＿이 μ˜€λž˜κ°€μ„œ μΈμƒμ μ΄μ—μš”.
This perfume is impressive because the lingering scent lasts long. πŸ•°οΈ
Answer
μž”ν–₯ β†’ μž”ν–₯이 μ˜€λž˜κ°€λ‹€ = the after-scent lasts long. 인상적이닀 = impressive.
H. λ‚¨νŽΈμ€ οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏν•œ ν–₯을 μ’‹μ•„ν•˜λŠ”λ° μ €λŠ” οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏν•œ ν–₯이 제 μ·¨ν–₯μ΄μ—μš”.
My husband likes subtle scents but I prefer harsh/strong ones. πŸŽ―πŸ’’
Answer
은은 / 독 β†’ μ€μ€ν•œ ν–₯ / λ…ν•œ ν–₯. Direct contrast between the two core scent-strength adjectives. (λ…ν•œ ν–₯ here used deliberately to show different tastes β€” context makes it clear it's preference, not criticism.)
I. 이 ν–₯μˆ˜λŠ” 제 ＿＿＿＿은 μ•„λ‹ˆμ§€λ§Œ μž”ν–₯이 οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏν•΄μ„œ μ„ λ¬Όλ‘œλŠ” μ’‹μ•„μš”.
This perfume isn't my taste but the lingering scent is subtle so it's good as a gift. πŸŽπŸ•°οΈ
Answer
μ·¨ν–₯ / 은은 β†’ μ·¨ν–₯은 μ•„λ‹ˆμ—μš”; μž”ν–₯이 μ€μ€ν•΄μš”. Two words in one sentence β€” personal preference + scent quality. βœ…
J. οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏλ₯Ό κ³ λ₯Ό λ•ŒλŠ” οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏ, οΌΏοΌΏοΌΏοΌΏ, ＿＿＿＿을 λͺ¨λ‘ 확인해 λ³΄μ„Έμš”.
When choosing perfume, check the subtle quality, strength, and lingering scent all together. 🌺
Answer
ν–₯수 / 은은함 / 독함 / μž”ν–₯ β†’ ν–₯수λ₯Ό κ³ λ₯Ό λ•ŒλŠ” 은은함, 독함, μž”ν–₯을 λͺ¨λ‘ ν™•μΈν•˜μ„Έμš”. This wraps up all five vocabulary words in one sentence. βœ…
πŸ“š
Vocabulary Box β€” Pitfall Recap
  • ❌ μ·¨ν–₯이 μ—†μ–΄μš” β†’ βœ… μ·¨λ―Έκ°€ μ—†μ–΄μš” (μ·¨ν–₯ β‰  μ·¨λ―Έ)
  • ❌ μž”ν–₯이 μžˆμ–΄μš” β†’ βœ… μž”ν–₯이 λ‚¨μ•„μš” (남닀, not μžˆλ‹€)
  • ❌ ν–₯이 μ•½ν•΄μš” β†’ βœ… ν–₯이 μ€μ€ν•΄μš” (subtle β‰  weak)
  • ❌ ν–₯수 λƒ„μƒˆ λ…ν•΄μš” (blunt) β†’ βœ… ν–₯이 κ°•ν•œ 것 κ°™μ•„μš” (softer)
  • βœ… μ€μ€ν•œ vs λ…ν•œ = the two ends of the scent-strength scale
Tip πŸ’‘ Today's full arc: ν–₯수 (product) β†’ ν–₯ (scent) β†’ μ€μ€ν•˜λ‹€ / λ…ν•˜λ‹€ (strength) β†’ μ·¨ν–₯ (personal fit) β†’ μž”ν–₯ (what stays). That's a complete Korean fragrance review right there. 🌸
πŸŽ‰ ν–₯수 λ§ˆμŠ€ν„° μ™„μ„±! 🌸 You can now describe any scent in natural, nuanced Korean β€” from the opening note to the lingering μž”ν–₯. 이제 ν–₯수 κ°€κ²Œμ—μ„œλ„, 리뷰λ₯Ό μ“Έ λ•Œλ„ μžμ‹  있게 ν‘œν˜„ν•  수 μžˆμ–΄μš”! ✨