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TOPIK 5noun

절체절명

jeolchejeolmyeong

절체절명이 · 절체절명을

a desperate situation; a do-or-die crisis

Example

팀은 절체절명의 위기에서 극적으로 골을 넣었어요.

The team dramatically scored a goal in a do-or-die moment.

Word parts

절 cut off체 body절 cut off명 life

Literally 'body cut off, life cut off.'

Good to know

Almost always 절체절명의 위기 or 절체절명의 순간 'a desperate crisis/moment.'