[Korean Culture & Language] High Tension


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In English, ‘tension’ usually refers to ‘a feeling of anxiety before an important and/or challenging event’. It’s the burden on the mind or emotions. 


However, in Korea, the word ‘텐션(tension)’ has more of a neutral or positive meaning.


“너는 정말 텐션이 좋은 것 같아!” is directly translated to “You have a great tension,” and it means “You’re so cheerful.”


“너가 텐션이 높으니까 그 옆에 있는 나까지 기분이 좋아지는 것 같아” is directly translated to “You have such a high tension. Being around you always cheers me up.” 


“One has a high tension” means “One is cheerful and energetic.”


“이 반은 텐션이 왜 이렇게 낮아?” is directly translated to “Why does everyone in this class have such a low tension?” and it means “Why is everyone in this class so gloomy/quiet?”


While the word ‘텐션(tension)’ has a positive connotation in Korean, ‘억텐’ has a negative connotation. 


‘억텐’ is an abbreviation for ‘억지 텐션.’ ‘억지’ means ‘forced’. 

So, ‘억텐’ is translated to ‘forced tension.’ When one exaggerates their emotions or tries too hard to cheer everyone, it’s called ‘억지텐션을 올리다 (Raising the tension forcibly)’ or ‘억텐 올리다.’


Ex)
A: 너무웃기지않아? 쿠쿠루삥뽕 블라블라
A: Isn’t this funny? Blah Blah Blah
B: 안웃기니까 억텐 그만 올리고 밥이나 먹어
B: Hey, it’s not funny. Stop trying so hard to cheer up everyone, and just eat.

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