Korean Dictionary
How to say "Beat Around the Bush" in Korean
“Beat Around the Bush” in Korean is 빙빙 돌려서 말하다 (pronounced "Bingbing Dollyeoseo Malhada").
빙빙 돌려서 말하다
Bingbing Dollyeoseo Malhada
Usage & Context
Beating around the bush means avoiding the main topic or speaking indirectly. In Korean communication, both direct and indirect styles exist depending on the social context.
Example Sentence
빙빙 돌려서 말하지 말고 직접적으로 이야기해 주세요.
Please speak directly without beating around the bush.
How to use 빙빙 돌려서 말하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Beat Around the Bush” is 빙빙 돌려서 말하다, romanized as Bingbing Dollyeoseo Malhada.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 빙빙 돌려서 말하다.
Pronunciation Guide
"Bing-bing Dol-lyeo-seo Mal-ha-da" is pronounced 'bing-bing dol-lyuh-suh mal-hah-dah'. "Bing-bing" is straightforward. "Dol-lyeo-seo" has a double 'l' sound, like 'dolly-uh-suh'. "Mal-ha-da" has an aspirated 'h' sound.
More Example Sentences
Complaining about someone's indirect communication style.
그는 항상 빙빙 돌려서 말해서 무슨 말을 하고 싶은 건지 모르겠어.
He always beats around the bush, so I don't know what he's trying to say.
Urging someone to be direct in a hurry.
시간 없으니까 빙빙 돌려서 말하지 말고 본론만 말해줘.
I don't have time, so don't beat around the bush and just get to the point.
Reflecting on an attempt at indirect communication that backfired.
상대방 기분 나쁠까 봐 빙빙 돌려서 말했는데, 오히려 더 오해를 산 것 같아.
I beat around the bush because I was worried about upsetting the other person, but I think it caused more misunderstanding.
Cultural Context
While direct communication is often valued in professional settings, indirect communication (빙빙 돌려서 말하다) can be common in Korean social interactions, especially when dealing with sensitive topics or when speaking to elders or superiors. This is often done to maintain harmony (눈치, nunchi) and avoid causing discomfort or offense. However, in situations requiring clarity, people might express frustration with someone who 'beats around the bush.'
Editorial note
We review entries like 빙빙 돌려서 말하다 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
빙빙 돌리지 말고 말해.
Don't beat around the bush, just say it.
왜 자꾸 빙빙 돌려서 말해?
Why do you keep beating around the bush?
빙빙 돌려서 말하는 건 내 스타일이 아니야.
Beating around the bush isn't my style.
Related Expressions
에둘러 말하다
Eduelleo malhada
To speak indirectly / To hint.
돌려 말하다
Dollyeo malhada
To speak indirectly (similar to 빙빙 돌려서 말하다).
핵심을 피하다
Haeksimeul pihada
To avoid the main point.
직설적으로 말하다
Jikseoljeogeuro malhada
To speak directly.
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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