By Heejae
Korean idioms are rich in metaphor and culture.
While their literal meanings might sound strange at first, they reveal a lot about how Koreans express thoughts and emotions.
Here are seven common idiomatic expressions that you might hear in everyday conversations.
1. 눈에 불을 켜다 (nun-e bul-eul kyeo-da)
Literal meaning: To light fire in one’s eyes
People use this expression when someone is extremely focused or determined, often in a competitive or intense situation.
Example: 요즘은 취업 준비하느라 눈에 불을 켜고 공부하고 있어.
(=I’ve been studying like crazy lately, with my eyes practically on fire for job prep.)
2. 귀가 얇다 (gwi-ga yalp-da)
Literal meaning: To have thin ears
This phrase is used when someone is easily influenced by what others say.
Example: 넌 왜 이렇게 귀가 얇아? 누가 말만 하면 그대로 믿고.
(=Why are you so easily swayed? You believe whatever people say.)
3. 입이 무겁다 (ip-i mu-geop-da)
Literal meaning: To have a heavy mouth
This expression is used to describe someone who is good at keeping secrets or doesn’t speak carelessly.
Example: 걱정 마. 그 사람 입 무거우니까 소문 안 나.
(=Don’t worry. He won’t spill it. He knows how to keep a secret.)
4. 누구 코에 붙이냐 (nu-gu ko-e bu-chi-nya)
Literal meaning: Whose nose would you stick it on?
People say this when something is too small or insufficient to be shared or useful.
Example: 이걸 나눠 먹자고? 이걸 누구 코에 붙여.
(=You want to split this? It’s barely enough for one person.)
5. 뒤통수를 맞다 (dwi-tong-su-reul mat-da)
Literal meaning: To be hit on the back of the head
This phrase is used when someone feels betrayed, especially by someone they trusted.
Example: 믿었던 친구한테 뒤통수를 맞았어.
(=I got stabbed in the back by someone I trusted.)
6. 모 아니면 도 (mo a-ni-myeon do)
Literal meaning: All or nothing (either “mo” or “do” from a traditional Korean game)
People use this when talking about situations with only two outcomes — total success or total failure.
Example: 이 시험에 붙으면 대학 가고 떨어지면 재수야. 모 아니면 도지.
(=If I pass this test, I get into college. If not, I start over. It’s all or nothing.)
7. 오지랖을 부리다 (o-ji-rap-eul bu-ri-da)
Literal meaning: To act with an overly wide coat front
This expression is used to describe someone who meddles in other people’s business.
Example: 그건 네가 나설 일이 아니야. 괜히 오지랖 부리지 마.
(=That’s none of your business. Don’t butt in where you don’t belong.)
These idioms give you a glimpse into how Koreans think, feel, and relate to others.
Try using one or two the next time you speak Korean. You might be surprised by how natural it sounds!
myHUBS 
Leave a comment