1. What does it mean?

멍때리다 describes a blank, unfocused moment when your attention drifts and you are not following a particular thought or task. You might do it while resting, waiting, or recovering from a tiring day.

Also written or said as 멍 때리다, meongttaerida

2. The nuance

It does not necessarily mean sleeping or deliberately ignoring someone. The casual question 왜 멍때려? can sound impatient, so consider the other person's situation.

3. Examples

“창밖으로 지나가는 구름을 보며 잠깐 멍때렸어.”

I zoned out for a moment watching the clouds go by outside.

“음악도 끄고 십 분만 멍때리고 싶다.”

I want to turn off the music and just space out for ten minutes.

Related words

Sources

koreanwikiproject.com

References support the meaning and usage. Example sentences are written for NoCapWiki.