Learning idioms is a fantastic way to understand the culture and nuance of a language. Korean, like any other language, has a rich collection of idioms that reflect its unique history, customs, and way of thinking. For English speakers learning Korean, mastering these idioms can not only enhance your language skills but also give you deeper insights into Korean culture. Here are some common Korean idioms and their meanings to help you on your journey.
1. 고생 끝에 낙이 온다 (Gosaeng kkeute nagi onda)
This idiom translates to “Pleasure comes after difficulty.” It’s akin to the English saying, “No pain, no gain.” It emphasizes the idea that enduring hardship will eventually lead to happiness or success. Koreans often use this phrase to encourage someone going through a tough time, reminding them that their hard work and perseverance will eventually pay off.
2. 꿩 대신 닭 (Kkwong daesin dak)
Literally, this idiom means “A chicken instead of a pheasant.” It’s similar to the English phrase, “Half a loaf is better than none” or “Making do with what you have.” It signifies settling for a less ideal option when the preferred choice is not available. This idiom is often used to suggest a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
3. 하늘의 별 따기 (Haneurui byeol ddagi)
This idiom translates to “Plucking a star from the sky.” It’s used to describe something that is nearly impossible or extremely difficult to achieve. In English, it’s similar to “Reaching for the stars” or “A snowball’s chance in hell.” This expression is often used to temper someone’s expectations about an overly ambitious goal.
4. 세 살 버릇 여든까지 간다 (Se sal beoreut yeodeun kkaji ganda)
Literally, “A habit formed at three will last until eighty.” This idiom is similar to the English proverb, “Old habits die hard.” It underscores the importance of instilling good habits early on, as bad habits developed in childhood can persist throughout one’s life.
5. 가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다 (Ganeun mari gowaya oneun mari gopda)
This idiom means “The words going out should be beautiful for the words coming in to be beautiful.” It’s equivalent to “You reap what you sow” or “Treat others as you want to be treated.” It emphasizes the importance of speaking kindly to others if you want to receive kind words in return.
6. 작은 고추가 맵다 (Jageun gochuga maepda)
Translated as “Small peppers are spicy,” this idiom means that people who are small or underestimated can be very strong or capable. It’s similar to the English saying, “Good things come in small packages.” This idiom is often used to encourage or praise someone who may not seem impressive at first glance but proves to be remarkable.
7. 입에 침이 마르다 (Ibe chimi mareuda)
This idiom means “The saliva in your mouth dries up,” and it is used to describe someone who talks incessantly, especially when praising someone or something. It’s akin to the English expressions “Singing someone’s praises” or “Talking until you’re blue in the face.” This expression often carries a positive connotation, suggesting genuine admiration or enthusiasm.
8. 금강산도 식후경 (Geumgangsando shikhu gyeong)
Literally translated, this idiom means “Even Geumgang Mountain is seen after eating.” It suggests that one cannot appreciate even the most beautiful scenery on an empty stomach. It’s similar to “First things first” or “You can’t enjoy anything on an empty stomach.” This idiom highlights the importance of taking care of basic needs before anything else.
9. 도토리 키 재기 (Dotori ki jaegi)
This idiom translates to “Measuring the height of acorns.” It’s used to describe a situation where small or insignificant things are being compared to each other. In English, it’s similar to “Splitting hairs” or “Comparing apples to oranges.” This idiom often carries a dismissive or critical tone, suggesting that the comparison is pointless or trivial.
10. 길고 짧은 것은 대봐야 안다 (Gilgo jjalbeun geoseun daebwaya anda)
This idiom means “You can only know if something is long or short by comparing it.” It’s akin to the English saying, “The proof is in the pudding” or “You’ll never know until you try.” It emphasizes the importance of experience and comparison in making judgments or decisions.
11. 눈이 높다 (Nuni nopda)
Literally, “The eyes are high,” this idiom describes someone who has high standards or is very picky, especially in choosing a partner or making decisions. It’s similar to the English phrase, “Having high standards” or “Picky.” This expression can be used both positively and negatively, depending on the context.
12. 벼 이삭은 익을수록 고개를 숙인다 (Byeo isageun igeulsurok gogaereul suginda)
This idiom translates to “The more rice stalks ripen, the more they bow their heads.” It means that the more knowledgeable or mature a person is, the more humble they become. It’s akin to the English saying, “Pride comes before a fall” or “Knowledge is humility.” This expression is often used to praise someone for their humility or to encourage someone to remain modest despite their achievements.
13. 말 한마디에 천냥 빚 갚는다 (Mal hanmadi-e cheonnang bit gapneunda)
Literally, “One word can repay a thousand nyang (a unit of currency) debt,” this idiom means that a kind or well-spoken word can resolve significant issues or conflicts. It’s similar to the English saying, “A kind word goes a long way.” This idiom underscores the power of speech and the impact of positive communication.
14. 사공이 많으면 배가 산으로 간다 (Sagongi maneumyeon baega saneuro ganda)
This idiom means “If there are too many boatmen, the boat will go to the mountains.” It’s akin to the English phrase, “Too many cooks spoil the broth.” It suggests that having too many people involved in a decision or task can lead to confusion and failure. This expression is often used to advocate for clear leadership and decision-making.
15. 떡 줄 사람은 생각도 않는데 김칫국부터 마신다 (Tteok jul sarameun saenggakdo anneunde gimchitgukbuteo masinda)
Translated as “Drinking kimchi soup before the person who will give you rice cakes even thinks about it,” this idiom means getting ahead of oneself or counting one’s chickens before they hatch. It’s similar to “Don’t put the cart before the horse.” This idiom is often used to caution against premature optimism or assumptions.
16. 가재는 게 편이라 (Gajaeneun ge pyeonira)
This idiom means “The crayfish sides with the crab,” suggesting that people with similar characteristics or backgrounds tend to support each other. It’s akin to the English saying, “Birds of a feather flock together.” This expression highlights the natural tendency of individuals to align with those who are like themselves.
17. 남의 떡이 더 커 보인다 (Namui tteogi deo keo boinda)
Literally, “The other person’s rice cake looks bigger,” this idiom means that things belonging to others always seem more appealing or valuable. It’s similar to the English proverb, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” This idiom reflects human nature to envy what others have, even if it’s not necessarily better.
18. 물에 빠지면 지푸라기라도 잡는다 (Mure ppajimyeon jipulagirado jabneunda)
This idiom translates to “When drowning, one will even grab at straws.” It’s akin to the English saying, “A drowning man will clutch at a straw.” It means that in desperate situations, people will try anything, no matter how unlikely it is to succeed. This expression is often used to describe someone’s last-ditch effort to solve a problem.
19. 옷이 날개다 (Osi nalgaeda)
Literally, “Clothes are wings,” this idiom means that good clothing can enhance one’s appearance and make a significant difference in how they are perceived. It’s similar to the English saying, “Clothes make the man.” This idiom underscores the importance of appearance and how it can affect one’s confidence and social standing.
20. 쥐구멍에도 볕 들 날이 있다 (Jwigumeongedo byeot deul nari itda)
This idiom means “Even a mouse hole will have a day of sunlight.” It suggests that even in the most challenging or hopeless situations, there is always a chance for a positive turn of events. It’s akin to the English saying, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” This expression is often used to offer hope and encouragement.
Conclusion
Understanding and using idioms can significantly enrich your Korean language learning experience. These expressions offer a window into Korean culture and thought processes, allowing you to communicate more naturally and effectively. As you continue your journey in learning Korean, keep these idioms in mind and try to incorporate them into your conversations. Not only will it impress native speakers, but it will also deepen your appreciation for the language and its cultural nuances. Happy learning!
