Korean Dictionary
How to say "Miss the Boat" in Korean
“Miss the Boat” in Korean is 기회를 놓치다 (pronounced "Gihoereul Notchida").
기회를 놓치다
Gihoereul Notchida
Usage & Context
Missing the boat means failing to take advantage of an opportunity. In Korean society, where competition is fierce, not missing opportunities is considered very important.
Example Sentence
기회를 놓치지 않도록 항상 준비하세요.
Always be prepared so you do not miss the boat.
How to use 기회를 놓치다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Miss the Boat” is 기회를 놓치다, romanized as Gihoereul Notchida.
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 기회를 놓치다.
Pronunciation Guide
For '기회 (gi-hoe)', 'gi' sounds like 'gee' in 'geese', and 'hoe' like 'hway' in 'away'. '를 (reul)' is like 'roo' in 'kangaroo' but shorter, with an 'l' sound. For '놓치다 (not-chi-da)', 'not' is like 'knot', 'chi' like 'chee' in 'cheese', and 'da' like 'dah'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
기회를 놓칩니다
Gihoereul Notchimnida
This is the formal polite form, used in formal warnings or advice.
Casual (반말)
기회를 놓쳐
Gihoereul Notchyeo
This is the casual form, used with friends or younger people.
More Example Sentences
A friend warning about a limited-time shopping deal.
이번 세일 기간을 놓치면 후회할 거예요.
If you miss this sale period, you'll regret it.
Discussing someone's past financial decisions.
그는 좋은 투자 기회를 놓쳐서 아쉬워했어요.
He regretted missing a good investment opportunity.
A traveler recounting a close call.
늦잠 자서 비행기를 놓칠 뻔했어요.
I almost missed my flight because I overslept.
Cultural Context
In competitive Korean society, '기회를 놓치다' carries significant weight. Opportunities, whether for education, career, or even finding a partner, are often seen as limited and highly sought after. The fear of missing out (FOMO) is strong, and people are frequently encouraged to seize every chance. This phrase is commonly used in motivational speeches, parental advice, and warnings about being unprepared.
Editorial note
We review entries like 기회를 놓치다 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
좋은 기회를 놓치다
To miss a good opportunity.
다시는 이런 기회를 놓치지 마세요.
Don't miss this kind of opportunity again.
버스/기차를 놓치다
To miss the bus/train (literal meaning).
Related Expressions
기회를 잃다
Gihoereul Ilda
To lose an opportunity
기회를 잡다
Gihoereul Japda
To seize an opportunity
후회하다
Huhoehada
To regret
아쉽다
Asipda
To be regrettable, to feel a pity
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Miss the Boat and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
