TOPIK Korean Expressions and Idioms Flashcards

What does the Korean expression '발이 넓다' literally mean, and what does it actually convey?

Answer: 'Wide feet' — to have a wide social network

'발이 넓다' literally means 'to have wide feet' but idiomatically means someone has a broad social network or knows many people.

What does '눈이 높다' mean in Korean?

Answer: To have high standards or be picky

'눈이 높다' means 'to have high eyes' and idiomatically means having high standards, often regarding romantic partners.

Which Korean expression means 'to turn a blind eye' or 'to pretend not to see'?

Answer: 눈을 감다

'눈을 감다' literally means 'to close one's eyes' and is used to mean ignoring or overlooking something intentionally.

What does the idiom '손이 크다' convey in Korean?

Answer: To be generous or cook/buy in large quantities

'손이 크다' (big hands) idiomatically means being generous, especially cooking large amounts of food.

What does '귀가 얇다' (thin ears) mean as a Korean idiom?

Answer: To be easily influenced by others' opinions

'귀가 얇다' describes someone who is easily swayed or influenced by what they hear from others.

The Korean expression '배보다 배꼽이 더 크다' is used when:

Answer: The side cost or effort exceeds the main purpose

'배보다 배꼽이 더 크다' (the belly button is bigger than the belly) means the incidental cost or effort is greater than the main thing.