Learn Korean with Idioms and Proverbs ⑤

In the heart of Korean wisdom lies a series of proverbs that tantalizingly revolve around the act of eating. Each saying encapsulates not just the literal act of consumption but paints a broader picture of life’s intricacies. Let’s savor the meaning behind these proverbs and find English expressions that mirror their essence.

Learn Korean with Idioms and Proverbs ⑤

Delving Into the Flavorful World of Korean Proverbs

1. 누워서 떡 먹기 (Lying down and eating rice cake):

   • Meaning: Refers to a situation where something is achieved with little effort or difficulty.
   • Similar English Expression: “A piece of cake” – denotes something very easy to do.

2. 그림의 떡 (The rice cake in the picture):

   • Meaning: Describes something that seems desirable but is not easily attainable or may be just an illusion.
   • Similar English Expression: “Pie in the sky” – referring to something wonderful but unlikely to happen.

3. 떡 줄 사람은 생각도 않는데 김칫국부터 마신다 (He doesn’t even think about sharing rice cakes but starts with dongchimi):

   • Meaning: (Dongchimi is water-based radish kimchi.) Describes someone who is selfish or doesn’t consider others but expects something in return.
   • Similar English Expression: “Having your cake and eating it too” – implies wanting everything without any sacrifice.

4. 남의 떡이 더 커 보인다 (Other people’s rice cakes look bigger):

   • Meaning: The grass is always greener on the other side; people tend to envy what others have.
   • Similar English Expression: “The grass is always greener on the other side” – expressing the tendency to think others have it better.

5. 싼 게 비지떡 (Cheap ones are humble rice cake):

   • Meaning: Cheap things may not be of good quality; you get what you pay for.
   • Similar English Expression: “You get what you pay for” – suggesting that the value of something is related to its cost.

6. 식은 죽 먹기 (Eating cold porridge):

   • Meaning: Eating cold, not hot porridge is very easy and not difficult.
   • Similar English Expression: “A piece of cake” – denotes something very easy to do.

1. 울며 겨자 먹기 (Crying while eating mustard):

   • Meaning: Doing something unpleasant while pretending to enjoy it.
   • Similar English Expression: “Grin and bear it” – enduring something difficult with a smile.

2. 우물에서 숭늉 찾는다 (Looking for a sungnyung in a well):

   • Meaning: (Sungnyung is Scorched-rice water.) Searching for something in the wrong place; pursuing an impossible or irrelevant goal.
   • Similar English Expression: “Barking up the wrong tree” – pursuing a mistaken or misguided course of action.