제 발 저린 사람이 먼저 움직인다.
je bal jeorin saram-i meonjeo umjig-inda.
The person with numb feet moves first.
Significado
A guilty person often reveals themselves by reacting defensively.
Contexto cultural
The emphasis on 'nunchi' (social awareness) makes this proverb very common in daily life. Similar concepts of 'guilty conscience' exist in Chinese and Japanese cultures, emphasizing internal moral monitoring. Western cultures often focus more on the 'guilty dog' or 'fear' aspect, but the psychological observation is universal. The idea that truth is revealed through behavior is a universal human observation.
Focus on the reaction
The proverb is about the reaction, not the crime itself.
Don't be rude
Using this to someone's face can be very confrontational.
Significado
A guilty person often reveals themselves by reacting defensively.
Focus on the reaction
The proverb is about the reaction, not the crime itself.
Don't be rude
Using this to someone's face can be very confrontational.
Use it as an observation
It's best used as a third-person observation.
Nunchi
Understanding this proverb helps you understand the Korean concept of nunchi.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word.
제 발 저린 사람이 먼저 ________.
The canonical form of the proverb uses '움직인다'.
Which situation is appropriate for this proverb?
When should you use this proverb?
The proverb is about self-incrimination through defensive behavior.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'I think someone here is lying.' B: 'Why are you looking at me?!' A: '__________'
This is the perfect response to someone overreacting.
Match the situation to the proverb.
A person starts apologizing for a mistake that nobody mentioned yet.
This proverb describes the act of preemptive defense.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejercicios제 발 저린 사람이 먼저 ________.
The canonical form of the proverb uses '움직인다'.
When should you use this proverb?
The proverb is about self-incrimination through defensive behavior.
A: 'I think someone here is lying.' B: 'Why are you looking at me?!' A: '__________'
This is the perfect response to someone overreacting.
A person starts apologizing for a mistake that nobody mentioned yet.
This proverb describes the act of preemptive defense.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasNo, it's about anyone who feels guilty.
It's better to use it in casual or semi-formal settings.
Yes, it's the humble form of '저의' (my).
Then the proverb doesn't apply.
They are almost the same, but the latter is more specific.
Yes, it's a very well-known proverb.
Yes, it's perfect for that.
No, the feet are just a metaphor.
People will still understand, but it might sound unnatural.
People often just say '제 발 저린가 보네' (Looks like their feet are numb).
Yes, it's common in literature and essays.
Understanding the metaphorical connection.
Frases relacionadas
도둑이 제 발 저리다
synonymA thief's feet are numb.
죄를 지으면 발 뻗고 못 잔다
similarIf you commit a sin, you cannot sleep with your legs stretched out.
눈 가리고 아웅
contrastTrying to deceive someone with a transparent trick.
꼬리가 길면 밟힌다
similarIf you do something wrong for too long, you will eventually be caught.
