Significado
To be humbled or embarrassed due to a failure, defeat, or being put in one's place.
Contexto cultural
The 'High Nose' (콧대가 높다) is a physical trait often envied but metaphorically disliked if it leads to arrogance. Plastic surgery to raise the nose bridge is common, yet the idiom remains focused on the negative social aspect of being 'stuck up.' In hierarchical Korean companies, a junior employee 'flattening the nose' of a senior by outperforming them is a common theme in dramas, representing a shift in traditional power dynamics. Shows like 'Running Man' or 'Knowing Bros' use this phrase constantly. It's a staple of Korean 'banter' culture where guests and hosts try to humble each other through games. Historically, the face was seen as the map of one's character. A 'broken' or 'flattened' feature in physiognomy ({觀相|관상}) was associated with a loss of fortune or authority.
The 'Causative' Power
Use '코를 납작하게 만들다' when you want to sound competitive and confident about winning.
Don't be Mean
Using this about a friend's genuine failure can sound like you are mocking them. Use it playfully or for people who actually deserve it.
Significado
To be humbled or embarrassed due to a failure, defeat, or being put in one's place.
The 'Causative' Power
Use '코를 납작하게 만들다' when you want to sound competitive and confident about winning.
Don't be Mean
Using this about a friend's genuine failure can sound like you are mocking them. Use it playfully or for people who actually deserve it.
Combine with '잘난 척'
It pairs perfectly with '잘난 척하다' (to brag). Example: '잘난 척하더니 코가 납작해졌네!'
Body Metaphors
Remember that in Korean, the nose is pride, the eyes are interest, and the ears are thin (easily fooled).
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
그는 축구 시합에서 지고 나서 (____) 납작해졌다.
The idiom specifically uses '코' (nose) to represent pride.
Which situation best fits the phrase '코가 납작해지다'?
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom is used when someone's overconfidence is met with failure.
Complete the dialogue.
가: 민수 씨가 자기가 요리를 제일 잘한다고 하더니, 음식을 다 태웠대요. 나: 정말요? 그래서 민수 씨 (________________).
Since Min-su failed after bragging, he would be humbled (flattened nose).
Choose the correct causative form to mean 'I will humble him.'
내가 그의 (____) 줄 거야.
'코를 납작하게 만들다' is the causative form used when you are the agent of humbling someone else.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejercicios그는 축구 시합에서 지고 나서 (____) 납작해졌다.
The idiom specifically uses '코' (nose) to represent pride.
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom is used when someone's overconfidence is met with failure.
가: 민수 씨가 자기가 요리를 제일 잘한다고 하더니, 음식을 다 태웠대요. 나: 정말요? 그래서 민수 씨 (________________).
Since Min-su failed after bragging, he would be humbled (flattened nose).
내가 그의 (____) 줄 거야.
'코를 납작하게 만들다' is the causative form used when you are the agent of humbling someone else.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasIt can be. It implies the person was arrogant. Use it with friends or about people you don't like, but not to your boss.
Yes! It shows humility. '제가 너무 자신만만했나 봐요. 코가 납작해졌어요.'
Similar, but 'losing face' (체면을 구기다) is more about reputation, while this is more about ego and pride.
Occasionally in opinion pieces or sports news, but rarely in formal business reports.
There isn't a direct 'un-flattening' phrase, but '콧대가 높아지다' (to become arrogant) is the opposite state.
No, that would be confusing. Use '코를 다치다' or '코가 부러지다'.
Literally, no (e.g., flat bread). But in this idiom, it always refers to a loss of pride.
Extremely common, especially in revenge or competition-themed dramas.
No, that just means 'The nose is flat.' You must use '납작해지다' (to become flat).
Younger people might say '참교육 당했다' (received true education/got schooled).
Yes, you can say a whole team's 'nose became flat.'
No, Pinocchio's nose grows when he lies. In Korean, a growing nose isn't a standard idiom for lying, though people know the story.
Frases relacionadas
콧대가 높다
contrastTo be arrogant/stuck-up
콧대가 꺾이다
synonymTo have one's pride broken
기를 죽이다
similarTo dampen someone's spirit
무안을 주다
similarTo embarrass someone
체면을 구기다
similarTo lose face
