The Oak and the Reeds

끄떡 없다

[To be unshaken; to not be affected at all.]

Real Pattern

This expresses that something or someone is completely unfazed or unmoved by pressure, criticism, or physical force. It implies a strong, steadfast, and sometimes stubborn resilience.

Pattern Application

밤새 공부했는데도 다음 날 아침에 끄떡 없었어요. — I studied all night, but I was totally fine the next morning.

주변에서 뭐라고 하든 그 사람은 끄떡 없을 거예요. — No matter what people around him say, he won't be fazed.

이 건물은 지진에도 끄떡 없도록 설계되었어요. — This building was designed to be unshaken even by an earthquake.

Tip

This is often used to praise someone's mental or physical strength. The original text uses 끄떡 않다, which is a very similar variation.

끄떡 없다

혀를 차다

[To click one's tongue in disapproval or pity.]

Real Pattern

This is the physical action of clicking your tongue (tsk tsk) to show that you find something pathetic, disappointing, or regrettable. It's a non-verbal gesture made into a common phrase.

Pattern Application

저런, 또 늦었네. 엄마가 혀를 차셨다. — Oh dear, you're late again. Mom clicked her tongue.

길에 쓰레기를 버리는 사람을 보며 혀를 찼어요. — I clicked my tongue seeing someone throw trash on the street.

Tip

This is a gesture of mild judgment or pity. You wouldn't do this to a superior, but you might do it when watching a frustrating scene in a drama.

혀를 차다

몸을 맡기다

[To entrust your body; to go with the flow.]

Real Pattern

Literally meaning "to entrust one's body," this phrase is used when you stop resisting and let a force (like wind, water, or even a situation) carry you. It implies yielding and adapting rather than fighting back.