Korean Dictionary
How to say "On the Tip of My Tongue" in Korean
“On the Tip of My Tongue” in Korean is 입에서 맴돌다 (pronounced "Ibeso Maemdolda").
입에서 맴돌다
Ibeso Maemdolda
Usage & Context
This expression describes the feeling of almost remembering a word or name but not quite being able to recall it. It is used in both everyday Korean conversation and media.
Example Sentence
그 사람 이름이 입에서 맴도는데 생각이 안 나요.
That person's name is on the tip of my tongue but I cannot recall it.
How to use 입에서 맴돌다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “On the Tip of My Tongue” is 입에서 맴돌다, romanized as Ibeso Maemdolda.
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 입에서 맴돌다.
Pronunciation Guide
For '입에서' (ibeseo), 'i' sounds like 'ee' in 'see', 'be' like 'buh' in 'butter', and 'seo' like 'saw' but shorter. '맴돌다' (maemdolda) has 'maem' rhyming with 'gem', 'dol' like 'doll', and 'da' like 'dah' in 'dah-ling'. The stress is fairly even, and the 'm' in '맴' is a clear, sustained 'm' sound.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
맴도시다
Maemdosida
This is the honorific form, though less commonly used with this idiom as the subject is usually an inanimate word/name.
Casual (반말)
맴돌아
Maemdora
This is the informal declarative/imperative form.
More Example Sentences
Trying to recall a celebrity's name during a conversation.
그 배우 이름이 입에서 맴도는데, 도저히 생각이 안 나네.
That actor's name is on the tip of my tongue, but I just can't remember it.
Expressing frustration about not being able to recall a movie title.
어제 본 영화 제목이 입에서 맴돌아서 답답해 죽겠어.
The title of the movie I saw yesterday is on the tip of my tongue, and it's driving me crazy.
Struggling to find the right word during a presentation or discussion.
그 단어가 입에서 맴돌지만, 정확한 표현이 떠오르지 않아요.
That word is on the tip of my tongue, but the exact expression isn't coming to mind.
Cultural Context
'입에서 맴돌다' is a very common and natural expression in Korean, directly translating to 'hovering around the mouth.' It perfectly captures the frustrating feeling of almost remembering something. You'll hear this in everyday conversations, K-dramas, and variety shows when characters are trying to recall a name, a word, or a piece of information. It's a universally relatable experience, and this idiom is the go-to phrase for it in Korean.
Editorial note
We review entries like 입에서 맴돌다 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
이름이 뭐였지?
What was the name?
아, 그거!
Oh, that! (When something is almost remembered)
생각이 날 듯 말 듯 해.
It feels like I'm about to remember it, but not quite.
Related Expressions
기억이 안 나다
Gieogi an nada
Cannot remember
생각이 안 나다
Saenggagi an nada
Cannot recall (lit. "thought doesn't come")
깜빡하다
Kkamppakhada
To forget momentarily
떠오르다
Tteoreuda
To come to mind (opposite concept)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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