눈치 quiz
How good is your nunchi?
Ten everyday situations. Pick the response many Koreans would expect, then read why. Real people and families vary, so treat this as a way to learn the patterns, not a test of anyone's character. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere.
Situation 1 of 10
Your glass is empty at a dinner with your Korean team. The bottle is right in front of you.
Why: Pouring your own drink is avoided. Pour for a neighbor instead, and they will almost always return the favor. (Waiting works too, but serving others first is the smooth move.) Read more →
Situation 2 of 10
You pitch an idea to a Korean client. The manager smiles and says, "We’ll review it positively."
Why: "We’ll review it" is often a soft way to close a topic. Pressing for a clear answer in front of the group can cause loss of face. Follow up later, one-on-one. Read more →
Situation 3 of 10
A new acquaintance asks what year you were born.
Why: Age decides speech level, titles and who leads. Giving your birth year simply helps them know how to talk to you. Read more →
Situation 4 of 10
Your Korean host offers you more food. You’re a bit full.
Why: Offers are often made more than once, and the first "I’m fine" is expected. Accepting a little on the second or third offer is gracious. Read more →
Situation 5 of 10
You’re attending a coworker’s wedding (not a close friend). What goes in the envelope?
Why: Cash is the norm, and around 100,000 won is the most common amount when you attend and eat. Amounts with a 4 are avoided. Read more →
Situation 6 of 10
Your Korean coworker passes your desk and asks, "Did you have lunch?"
Why: It’s a greeting, a bit like "How are you?". A short answer and the same question back is perfect. Read more →
Situation 7 of 10
It’s 6:00 p.m., official finishing time. Your team leader is still working hard, and the rest of the team is too.
Why: Leaving on time is increasingly normal, but in many offices a polite word ("수고하셨습니다", "good work today") and a quick check before leaving keeps things smooth. Read more →
Situation 8 of 10
Dinner with three Korean friends ends. The oldest one stands up "to go to the bathroom" a bit early.
Why: Slipping away to pay before the group stands up is a classic move, especially by the oldest or the host. A thank-you (and treating them next time) is the right response. Read more →
Situation 9 of 10
On a crowded subway, an elderly woman boards and looks around for a seat.
Why: Respect for elders is strong, and priority seats are often left empty even on packed trains. Offering your seat is expected and appreciated. Read more →
Situation 10 of 10
Your Korean boyfriend or girlfriend says "아무거나" ("anything is fine") when you ask what to eat.
Why: "Anything" often hides a preference. Offering a few choices and reading the response is the nunchi answer, and a classic topic of Korean comedy. Read more →
Your result
0 of 10 answered