في 15 ثانية
- Used to describe a task that is incredibly easy to complete.
- Literal meaning is 'eating cold porridge' because it requires no effort.
- Equivalent to the English idiom 'a piece of cake'.
المعنى
This is the Korean way of saying something is incredibly easy. It implies a task is so simple you could do it effortlessly, like eating soft porridge that has already cooled down.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6A friend asks if you can fix their computer
컴퓨터 고치는 거요? 그건 식은 죽 먹기죠!
Fixing a computer? That's a piece of cake!
Talking about a math test you found very easy
이번 수학 시험은 정말 식은 죽 먹기였어.
This math exam was truly a piece of cake.
A boss asks if you can handle a routine report
네, 이 정도 보고서는 식은 죽 먹기입니다.
Yes, a report of this level is a piece of cake.
خلفية ثقافية
Porridge (Juk) is a traditional comfort food in Korea, often served to the sick or elderly because it is easy to digest. Many East Asian cultures use food-based metaphors to describe daily life, reflecting the central role of food in social interaction. In modern corporate settings, while the phrase is common, younger generations might also use English loanwords like '이지(easy)' or '껌(gum)'. The phrase reflects a cultural appreciation for efficiency and the ability to handle tasks without unnecessary struggle.
Use it to encourage
This phrase is great for boosting someone's confidence.
Avoid in formal settings
Don't use it in a formal speech or a serious report.
في 15 ثانية
- Used to describe a task that is incredibly easy to complete.
- Literal meaning is 'eating cold porridge' because it requires no effort.
- Equivalent to the English idiom 'a piece of cake'.
What It Means
Imagine you are hungry and someone hands you a bowl of hot porridge. You have to wait. You have to blow on it. It takes effort not to burn your tongue. Now, imagine that porridge is already cool. You can just swallow it down without thinking. That is 식은 죽 먹기. It describes a task that requires zero struggle. It is the ultimate expression for 'I could do this in my sleep.'
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase to show confidence. You can say it as a standalone sentence: 식은 죽 먹기예요! Or you can use it to describe a specific action. You will often see it followed by the verb 다 (to be). It is short, punchy, and very satisfying to say. Just remember to sound a bit cool when you use it.
When To Use It
Use this when a friend asks if you can help with something easy. Use it at work when a boss gives you a task you have mastered. It is great for texting when someone asks if you finished your homework. If you just beat a video game level on the first try, this is your go-to line. It makes you sound capable and relaxed.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if someone is asking for help with something genuinely difficult for them. You might come off as a bit of a show-off! Avoid using it in very high-stakes formal presentations where modesty is preferred. If your CEO asks if you can save the company from bankruptcy, maybe don't say it's as easy as eating cold porridge. Also, avoid it if the task actually requires a lot of physical labor.
Cultural Background
In Korea, 죽 (porridge) has always been a staple comfort food. It is what you eat when you are sick or need something easy to digest. Traditionally, eating was a slow process, but cold porridge was the exception. It represents the path of least resistance. It reflects a culture that values efficiency and 'quick-quick' (palli-palli) results. If it's cold porridge, it's already ready for you.
Common Variations
You might hear people say 누워서 떡 먹기. This means 'eating rice cakes while lying down.' It is the same concept but slightly more old-fashioned. Another one is 껌이다, which literally means 'it is gum.' This is very casual slang. If you want to sound more modern with friends, try 껌이지!. But 식은 죽 먹기 remains the classic, most recognized version across all ages.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase is safe for neutral and informal settings. In very formal business settings, it may sound slightly overconfident, so use with caution.
Use it to encourage
This phrase is great for boosting someone's confidence.
Avoid in formal settings
Don't use it in a formal speech or a serious report.
Pair with '보다'
Use '식은 죽 먹기보다 쉽다' to emphasize how very easy something is.
Cultural nuance
It's a very friendly and common expression in Korea.
أمثلة
6컴퓨터 고치는 거요? 그건 식은 죽 먹기죠!
Fixing a computer? That's a piece of cake!
The '죠' ending adds a touch of polite confidence.
이번 수학 시험은 정말 식은 죽 먹기였어.
This math exam was truly a piece of cake.
Past tense '였어' is used for completed tasks.
네, 이 정도 보고서는 식은 죽 먹기입니다.
Yes, a report of this level is a piece of cake.
Using '입니다' makes it professional yet confident.
이 레벨 깨는 건 식은 죽 먹기지!
Clearing this level is a piece of cake, obviously!
The '지' ending emphasizes that the speaker thinks it's obvious.
걱정 마, 나한테는 식은 죽 먹기니까.
Don't worry, because it's a piece of cake for me.
Using '니까' explains why the friend shouldn't worry.
이거 옮기는 거요? 식은 죽 먹기예요.
Moving this? It's a piece of cake.
Standard polite form suitable for most daily interactions.
اختبر نفسك
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
이 수학 문제는 나에게 ________.
The phrase means 'easy', which fits the context of a simple math problem.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the correct sentence.
The idiom is used to describe a task as easy, not to describe the act of eating.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 이 보고서 작성하는 거 힘들지 않아? B: ________.
The response should indicate that the task is easy.
Match the situation to the correct response.
Your friend is worried about a simple test.
This is the most encouraging and appropriate response for a simple task.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارين이 수학 문제는 나에게 ________.
The phrase means 'easy', which fits the context of a simple math problem.
Choose the correct sentence.
The idiom is used to describe a task as easy, not to describe the act of eating.
A: 이 보고서 작성하는 거 힘들지 않아? B: ________.
The response should indicate that the task is easy.
Your friend is worried about a simple test.
This is the most encouraging and appropriate response for a simple task.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةIt is neutral/consultative. Use it with friends or colleagues.
Yes, as long as the task is easy.
No, it is a metaphor for any easy task.
Do not use it. It would be sarcastic.
Yes, '누워서 떡 먹기' is the most common.
Only if the email is informal.
Not if used correctly. It can be rude if used to belittle others.
It is a noun phrase, so use '이다' (to be).
Because hot porridge is hard to eat.
Better to avoid it; use '수월합니다' instead.
عبارات ذات صلة
누워서 떡 먹기
synonymEating rice cake while lying down.
손바닥 뒤집기
similarFlipping a palm.
식은 죽 먹기보다 쉽다
builds onEasier than eating cooled porridge.
껌이다
similarIt's gum.
