When something is completely empty
텅 비어 있었어요
[It was completely empty.]
Real Pattern
Use 텅 비다 to describe a space that is strikingly, disappointingly empty. It's not just 'not full'—it implies that something should be there but isn't. Think of an empty wallet, a bare refrigerator, or a vacant room.
Pattern Application
냉장고가 텅 비어 있어서 장 보러 가야 해요. — The fridge is totally empty, so I have to go grocery shopping.
퇴근하고 집에 오니 집이 텅 비어 있어서 외로웠어요. — I came home after work and the house was completely empty, so I felt lonely.
월급날 전이라 지갑이 텅 비었어요. — It's right before payday, so my wallet is empty.
Tip
This phrase carries a slightly negative or lonely nuance. It emphasizes the emptiness more strongly than just saying 없어요 (there isn't any).
텅 비어 있었어요
That's nowhere near enough
턱없이 부족해 보였어요
[It looked ridiculously insufficient.]
Real Pattern
This is a strong way to say something is 'woefully inadequate' or 'nowhere near enough.' The word 턱없이 adds emphasis, meaning 'absurdly' or 'ridiculously.' It's used when the amount available falls far short of what's needed or expected.
Pattern Application
시험 준비 시간이 턱없이 부족해서 걱정이에요. — I'm worried because the time I have to prepare for the exam is nowhere near enough.
이 돈으로는 집을 사기에 턱없이 부족해요. — This amount of money is woefully insufficient to buy a house.
Tip
While 부족하다 just means 'to be insufficient,' adding 턱없이 gives it a dramatic, almost complaining tone. It's great for expressing frustration about a lack of resources.
턱없이 부족해 보였어요
Reacting with a startle
깜짝 놀라
[Startled / Surprised]
Real Pattern
This is the classic, go-to phrase for being startled or suddenly surprised. 깜짝 is an adverb that mimics the feeling of a sudden jolt. You can use it for anything from a loud noise to unexpected news.