Significado
Secretly or stealthily, without anyone noticing.
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects the traditional Korean 'Chemyon' (face) culture, where doing things discreetly to avoid public scrutiny or conflict is highly valued. In the age of social media, this phrase is often used ironically when someone's 'secret' is actually posted online for everyone to see. The thin paper walls of traditional houses (Hanok) meant that privacy was a luxury, making this idiom a very practical observation of life. This phrase is a staple in K-Dramas, especially in historical (Sageuk) or thriller genres, to signal a covert operation.
Use it for Surprises
This is the #1 phrase to use when talking about planning a surprise party or gift.
Not for Volume
Don't tell someone to '쥐도 새도 모르게' talk if you just want them to be quiet.
Significado
Secretly or stealthily, without anyone noticing.
Use it for Surprises
This is the #1 phrase to use when talking about planning a surprise party or gift.
Not for Volume
Don't tell someone to '쥐도 새도 모르게' talk if you just want them to be quiet.
Drama Vibes
Using this makes you sound like a native speaker who understands Korean storytelling tropes.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct idiom.
어제 밤에 배가 고파서 (______) 부엌에서 라면을 먹었어요.
Since you were eating secretly in the kitchen at night, '쥐도 새도 모르게' is the best fit.
Match the situation to the best use of the phrase.
Which situation best fits '쥐도 새도 모르게'?
The idiom is specifically for actions done with high secrecy to avoid detection.
Complete the dialogue.
가: 이 비밀 꼭 지켜야 돼! 나: 걱정 마. (______).
'처리할게' (I will handle it) is the most natural way to say you will keep a secret or handle a secret task.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
3 ejercicios어제 밤에 배가 고파서 (______) 부엌에서 라면을 먹었어요.
Since you were eating secretly in the kitchen at night, '쥐도 새도 모르게' is the best fit.
Which situation best fits '쥐도 새도 모르게'?
The idiom is specifically for actions done with high secrecy to avoid detection.
가: 이 비밀 꼭 지켜야 돼! 나: 걱정 마. (______).
'처리할게' (I will handle it) is the most natural way to say you will keep a secret or handle a secret task.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it's a neutral idiom. You can use it with anyone as long as the context is appropriate.
Maybe not. It's a bit casual. Use '비밀리에' or '신중하게' instead.
Because they are everywhere! If they don't know, truly no one knows.
No, idioms are fixed. Stick to mice and birds.
Yes, it is a common Korean idiom used across the peninsula.
소문나게 (making a rumor) or 대대적으로 (on a large scale).
Yes, it's often used for crimes or sneaking around.
Yes, while it's an idiom, it's very common and easy to visualize.
M-O-R-E-U-G-E. It comes from '모르다' (to not know).
It implies speed, but the focus is on secrecy, not just velocity.
Frases relacionadas
몰래
similarSecretly
비밀리에
synonymIn secret (formal)
남모르게
similarWithout others knowing
감쪽같이
similarPerfectly, without a trace
