When you're incredibly thirsty
목이 타들어 가는 것 같다
To feel like one's throat is burning up.
Real Pattern
This is a vivid, common expression for being extremely thirsty. You can also use it metaphorically when you're very nervous or anxious, making your mouth and throat feel dry.
Pattern Application
마라톤을 끝내고 나니 목이 타들어 가는 것 같았어요. — After finishing the marathon, I felt like my throat was on fire.
너무 긴장해서 발표하는 동안 목이 타들어 갔어요. — I was so nervous that my throat felt completely dry during the presentation.
Tip
While the literal meaning is about thirst, its use for nervousness is very common. The key feeling is a dry, burning sensation.
목이 타들어 가는 것 같다
That happiness didn't last long
기쁨도 잠시
The joy was brief.
Real Pattern
Use this phrase to set up a sudden turn of events. It signals that a happy or hopeful moment was immediately followed by a problem or disappointment. It's a classic storytelling and real-life expression.
Pattern Application
합격 문자를 받았지만 기쁨도 잠시, 등록금이 너무 비쌌어요. — I got the acceptance text, but the joy was brief; the tuition was too expensive.
보너스를 받아서 기쁨도 잠시, 바로 다음 날 차가 고장 났어요. — I was happy for a moment after getting a bonus, but my car broke down the very next day.
Tip
This phrase almost always comes at the beginning of a sentence, followed by the bad news. It creates a sense of dramatic irony.
기쁨도 잠시
It won't budge an inch
꿈쩍도 하지 않다
To not budge at all.
Real Pattern
This expression means something is completely immovable, physically or metaphorically. You can use it for a heavy object that won't move, or for a stubborn person who won't change their mind.