The Tortoise and the Hare

그렇게 느려서야

[Being that slow...]

Real Pattern

This is a way to express doubt or criticism about someone's pace or method. The -(어/아)서야 part implies that because of the preceding reason (being slow), a negative or difficult outcome is expected. It often carries a slightly scolding or condescending tone.

Pattern Application

그렇게 공부해서야 시험에 붙겠어? — How do you expect to pass the test studying like that?

그렇게 찔끔찔끔 먹어서야 키가 크겠니? — How will you ever grow tall if you eat so little?

그렇게 게을러서야 아무것도 못 해. — You won't be able to do anything if you're that lazy.

Tip

This phrase can sound quite critical, so be careful using it with people you're not close to. It's often used by parents or elders when nagging.

그렇게 느려서야

나만의 속도로 가고 있을 뿐이야

[I'm just going at my own pace.]

Real Pattern

This is a calm and confident way to respond to pressure or criticism about being "slow." It asserts your right to follow your own process without comparing yourself to others. The -ㄹ/을 뿐이다 ending emphasizes that this is the only thing happening, nothing more or less.

Pattern Application

걱정 마세요. 저는 저만의 속도로 배우고 있을 뿐이에요. — Don't worry. I'm just learning at my own pace.

남들과 비교하지 마. 너만의 속도로 가면 돼. — Don't compare yourself to others. You just need to go at your own pace.

Tip

You can replace 속도 (speed) with other nouns like 방식 (way/method) to say 나만의 방식으로 할 뿐이야 (I'm just doing it my own way).

나만의 속도로 가고 있을 뿐이야

눈 깜짝할 사이

[In the blink of an eye.]

Real Pattern

This is a very common idiom used to describe something happening incredibly fast. It literally means "in the time it takes to blink." It's a fixed expression you can use to add a dramatic or vivid touch when talking about speed.

Pattern Application

눈 깜짝할 사이에 버스가 지나가 버렸어요. — The bus passed by in the blink of an eye.

아이가 눈 깜짝할 사이에 아이스크림을 다 먹었어요. — The child ate all the ice cream in the blink of an eye.

Tip

This phrase is often followed by a verb with -아/어 버리다 to emphasize that the action was completed suddenly and irreversibly.

눈 깜짝할 사이

한숨 자고 일어나도 충분하겠지

[It'll be fine even if I take a nap and wake up.]

Real Pattern

This phrase captures a feeling of overconfidence or having plenty of time to spare. The structure ~해도 충분하다 means "it's enough even if..." or "it's fine even if...". The ~겠지 at the end shows the speaker's assumption or guess.

Pattern Application

지금 출발해도 충분하겠지? — It'll be fine even if we leave now, right?

내일까지니까, 좀 쉬었다 해도 충분해요. — The deadline is tomorrow, so it's fine to rest a bit before doing it.

Tip

The ~겠지 ending makes this sound like you're talking to yourself or thinking out loud. Use ~겠어요 or ~겠죠 for a slightly more formal or polite tone when speaking to others.

한숨 자고 일어나도 충분하겠지

한눈팔지 않다

[To not get distracted / To not look away.]

Real Pattern

한눈팔다 literally means "to sell one eye," but it's an idiom for getting distracted or losing focus on your main task. Saying you 한눈팔지 않다 expresses strong determination and focus. It can also mean being faithful in a relationship.

Pattern Application

운전할 때는 절대 한눈팔면 안 돼요. — You must never get distracted when you're driving.

목표를 위해서 한눈팔지 않고 열심히 할 거예요. — I'm going to work hard toward my goal without getting sidetracked.

Tip

This is a negative-only expression. You don't say you 한눈팔다 as a good thing. It always implies neglecting what you're supposed to be doing.

한눈팔지 않다

서두르지 않아도 돼

[You don't have to rush.]

Real Pattern

This is a gentle and reassuring phrase used to calm someone down or advise them to take their time. The ~지 않아도 되다 pattern means "you don't have to..." or "it's okay not to...". It's a very common and useful way to give permission or relieve pressure.

Pattern Application

천천히 하세요. 서두르지 않아도 돼요. — Take your time. You don't need to rush.

아직 시간 많으니까 서두르지 않아도 돼. — There's still plenty of time, so you don't have to hurry.

Tip

This is a casual form (돼). For more polite situations, you would say 서두르지 않으셔도 돼요 to an elder or 서두르지 않아도 돼요 to someone you're not close with.

서두르지 않아도 돼