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TOPIK 5expression

김이 새다

gimi saeda [기미 새다]

김이 새요 · 김이 샜어요 · 김새는 소리

to lose steam; to be a letdown; to take the fun out of something

Example

영화 결말을 미리 들어서 김이 샜어요.

I heard the movie's ending ahead of time, so it was a letdown.

Word parts

Literally 'the steam leaks out,' like a pot losing its heat.

Good to know

Here 김 means 'steam,' not seaweed or the family name — a homonym trap.