Dictionary — Entry No. 1143
이미 눈치
imi-neungchi · expression/noun phrase
이미 눈치
imi-neungchi
[ee-MEE noon-chee]
expression/noun phraseintermediate
Meaning
Already noticed or caught on; literally ‘already + sense/notice.’ The word 눈치 (social awareness/reading the room) combined with 이미 (already). Means you’ve already picked up on something someone tried to hide or conceal.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
Central to K-drama storytelling where characters catch secrets. IVE members reference this in variety shows when catching others’ attempted deceptions or surprise plans. Represents social perceptiveness valued in Korean culture.
Example Sentences
나는 이미 눈치 챘어.
naneun imi neungchi chasse-sseo.
I already noticed — direct realization and acknowledgment of awareness.
너의 비밀 이미 눈치 챘어.
neoui bimil imi neungchi chasse-sseo.
I already caught onto your secret — confrontational revelation.
다들 이미 눈치 다 챈 듯해.
dadeul imi neungchi da chae-n deus-hae.
It seems everyone already caught on — group realization of deception.
⚠️ Don’t use imi-neungchi when…
Can be confrontational or accusatory depending on tone and context. Implies catching someone in a deception or hiding something, so delivery matters enormously. Not suitable for casual light conversation.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Itaewon Class — characters realizing secrets and deceptions being hidden from them
- K-Pop: IVE — variety show detective moments catching members’ hidden schemes or surprises
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.