Korean Dictionary
How to say "Closeness" in Korean
“Closeness” in Korean is 친밀함 (pronounced "chinmilham").
친밀함
chinmilham
Usage & Context
A state of being emotionally or physically near to someone. Closeness is desired in Korean romantic relationships.
Example Sentence
나는 너와의 친밀함을 원해.
I want closeness with you.
How to use 친밀함 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Closeness” is 친밀함, romanized as chinmilham.
Usage tip
Relationship words can sound too direct if the social context is wrong. Check the age, closeness, and formality before using it.
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 친밀함.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, "Chin," sounds like "chin" on your face, with the 'i' like in "sit." "Mil" sounds like "mill," with the 'i' like in "sit." "Ham" sounds like "hum" but with an 'a' sound like in "father." The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
More Example Sentences
Reflecting on the development of a friendship.
우리는 오랜 시간 함께하며 친밀함을 쌓았어요.
We built closeness by spending a long time together.
Discussing healthy marital relationships.
부부 사이의 친밀함은 매우 중요해요.
Closeness between a married couple is very important.
Describing the bond between two characters in a story.
그들은 서로에게 깊은 친밀함을 느꼈다.
They felt a deep closeness to each other.
Cultural Context
Closeness, or "친밀함" (chinmilham), is a desired state in Korean relationships, particularly among romantic partners and very close friends. This closeness often manifests in sharing personal stories, spending significant time together, and a strong sense of "우리 (uri)" (we/our) where individual boundaries can sometimes blur. In K-pop, idol groups often emphasize their "친밀함" with fans, creating a strong bond.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 친밀함 against age, closeness, and politeness rules, because a literal English match often misses the social meaning.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
친밀함을 느끼다
To feel closeness.
친밀한 관계
Close relationship.
친밀함을 유지하다
To maintain closeness.
Related Expressions
가까움
gakkaum
Nearness, closeness (more general, can be physical or emotional)
유대감
yudaegam
Sense of bond, solidarity
소원함
sowonham
Estrangement, distance (antonym)
절친
jeolchin
Best friend (short for '절친한 친구', implying great closeness)
More Relationships Words
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