The Fox and the Leopard

으쓱한 마음이 들다

To feel a sense of smug pride.

Real Pattern

This phrase describes that feeling of puffing your chest out with pride, especially when you feel superior to someone else. It's not just simple happiness; it has a nuance of self-satisfaction and looking down on others a little.

Pattern Application

새 차를 사니까 으쓱한 마음이 들었어요. — I felt so smug after buying a new car.

팀이 이기자 주장은 으쓱한 마음이 들었다. — When the team won, the captain felt a surge of pride.

상사가 제 아이디어만 칭찬해서 으쓱한 마음이 들었어요. — I felt pretty smug because the boss only praised my idea.

Tip

으쓱하다 on its own can describe the physical motion of shrugging your shoulders. The full phrase 으쓱한 마음이 들다 is what specifies the emotional feeling of pride.

으쓱한 마음이 들다

이보다 아름다운 것이 또 있을까?

Could there be anything more beautiful than this?

Real Pattern

This is a rhetorical question used to strongly state that something is the absolute best. You're not actually asking for an answer; you're declaring, "Nothing is more beautiful/delicious/wonderful than this!" It's a dramatic way to express admiration or to boast.

Pattern Application

이보다 더 완벽한 날씨가 또 있을까? — Could there be more perfect weather than this?

엄마가 해준 밥보다 맛있는 게 또 있을까? — Is there anything more delicious than mom's home cooking?

Tip

You can swap out 아름다운 것 for other descriptions, like 좋은 것 (a better thing), 맛있는 것 (a more delicious thing), or 행복한 순간 (a happier moment).

이보다 아름다운 것이 또 있을까?

뽐내는 마음이 더 잘 보였어요

I could see their boastful heart more clearly.

Real Pattern