What mistake do English speakers make with 모습?

모습 ≠ 외모. 외모 = physical appearance (how someone looks physically). 모습 = a look or aspect (can be emotional/situational).

📖 Words B1 ✓ Native Reviewed

모습

moseup

appearance / look / figure / side of someone

What it means

모습 refers to someone's appearance, look, or a specific side/aspect of them you're observing. More personal and emotional than 외모 (physical appearance).

Nuance & when to use

모습 can mean physical appearance but also a "side" of someone: 그 모습이 좋아요 = I like that side of you. 예쁜 모습 = a pretty appearance/side. 힘든 모습 = the side of you that's struggling. K-pop fan culture: idols on stage = 무대 위의 모습 (stage side); offstage = 무대 밖의 모습.

Example sentences

그런 모습 처음 봤어요. Geureon moseup cheoeum bwasseoyo. I've never seen that side of you.

멋진 모습이에요. Meotjin moseupieyo. That's a cool look.

References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗

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모습

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