Korean grammar - Common Korean idioms |
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Here are 30 common Korean idioms to finish off. Using the grammar you have mastered above and the vocabulary in the notes, you should be able to decipher the literal meanings. |
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여행하고 싶지만 그것은 그림의 떡이다.
Something you desire, but can’t have or afford
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한 번에 두 마리 토끼를 잡으려다 둘 다 놓친다.
If you try to do many things at once, you can't succeed in anything.
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남의 떡이 커 보인다.
Others' looks more or better than mine.
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윗물이 맑아야 아랫물도 맑다.
Only when the older is nice and honest can the younger be nice and honest.
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서당 개 삼 년이면 풍월을 읊는다.
If you see and hear anything for a long time, you will know how to do it.
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선무당이 사람 잡는다.
An inexperienced person makes a mess of things by needless interrupting.
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공자 앞에서 문자 쓴다.
A person who lacks knowledge pretends to know in front of a more knowledgeable person than himself.
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김칫국부터 마신다.
One person makes a hasty generalization and acts foolishly.
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옷이 날개다.
If someone wears nice clothes, it looks better.
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달도 차면 기운다.
Once everything in the world has flourished, it is bound to decline again. Luck never lasts.
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빛 좋은 개살구.
Never judge from appearance.
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손바닥도 마주쳐야 소리가 난다.
It's hard to do alone without an opponent. Both are to blame.
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세 살 적 버릇 여든 간다.
You cannot break childhood habits even when you're old; 버릇 means 'habit'
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엎어진 물이다.
Once done, there is no turning back.
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낮말은 새가 듣고 밤말은 쥐가 듣는다.
Watch your language even where no one hears.
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우는 아이 젖 준다.
You can get anything quickly if you ask for it.
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쥐구멍에도 볕 들 날이 있다.
Even in the most challenging and difficult situations, good days will come.
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식은 죽 먹기.
It is an effortless thing to do.
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아닌 땐 굴뚝에 연기 나랴.
Every rumor has a cause for such a rumor.
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우물 안의 개구리.
Someone is conceited without knowing the wide world.
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빈 수레가 요란하다.
A person, who doesn't know much about something, pretends to understand and talks more.
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호랑이도 제 말하면 온다.
Speak of someone and he is sure to appear
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잘되면 제 탓, 못되면 조상 탓.
People don't think about their poor skills but only try to find excuses.
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팔은 안으로 굽는다.
Judgment in any way favors one's family or relative.
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실패는 성공의 어머니다.
Don't be afraid of failure, and challenge yourself.
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눈코 뜰 새 없다
I don’t have time to open my eyes and nose.
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가재는 게 편이라
Those that are similar, stay together
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꼬리를 흔들다
Flattering or enticing another
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눈이 높다
Having high standards or unrealistic expectations
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눈이 뒤집히다
To be mad, insane
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