Signification
To be prone to gossiping or revealing secrets carelessly.
Contexte culturel
In Korea, 'Chemyeon' (face) is vital. Being called '입이 싸다' is a serious insult to one's character and social standing. Confucian values emphasize 'Eon-haeng-il-chi' (consistency in words and actions). A 'cheap mouth' violates this by being reckless with words. With the rise of messenger apps like KakaoTalk, '입이 싸다' now includes sharing private screenshots without permission. While Western cultures might value 'transparency,' Korean culture places a higher premium on 'discretion' within personal relationships.
Don't use it for yourself
Unless you are joking, calling yourself '입이 싸다' sounds like you are admitting to being an untrustworthy person.
The 'Heavy' Alternative
If you want to praise someone, always use '입이 무겁다'. It's one of the best compliments for a friend or colleague.
Signification
To be prone to gossiping or revealing secrets carelessly.
Don't use it for yourself
Unless you are joking, calling yourself '입이 싸다' sounds like you are admitting to being an untrustworthy person.
The 'Heavy' Alternative
If you want to praise someone, always use '입이 무겁다'. It's one of the best compliments for a friend or colleague.
Social Media Context
In modern Korea, '입이 싸다' is often used to describe people who 'leak' (유출) private information online.
Memory Trick
Think of 'Cheap' = 'Low Value'. A person with a cheap mouth doesn't value your secret.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '입이 싸다'.
그 친구는 ( ) 비밀을 말하면 안 돼요.
'입이 싸서' means 'because [he] has a big mouth.'
Which of the following is the OPPOSITE of '입이 싸다'?
입이 싸다 <-> ( )
'입이 무겁다' (heavy mouth) means someone who is good at keeping secrets.
Match the situation to the phrase.
민수는 친구의 비밀을 다른 사람들에게 다 말하고 다닙니다. 민수는 어떤 사람입니까?
Someone who reveals others' secrets is '입이 싼 사람'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 지수한테 내 비밀 말했어? B: 아니, 지수는 ( ) 절대 말 안 해.
The context '절대 말 안 해' (never tells) requires the opposite of '입이 싸다'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Mouth Idioms Comparison
Banque d exercices
4 exercices그 친구는 ( ) 비밀을 말하면 안 돼요.
'입이 싸서' means 'because [he] has a big mouth.'
입이 싸다 <-> ( )
'입이 무겁다' (heavy mouth) means someone who is good at keeping secrets.
민수는 친구의 비밀을 다른 사람들에게 다 말하고 다닙니다. 민수는 어떤 사람입니까?
Someone who reveals others' secrets is '입이 싼 사람'.
A: 지수한테 내 비밀 말했어? B: 아니, 지수는 ( ) 절대 말 안 해.
The context '절대 말 안 해' (never tells) requires the opposite of '입이 싸다'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not a swear word, but it is a negative description of someone's character. Use it carefully.
No, that is '입이 짧다'. This is a very common mistake for learners!
'입이 가볍다' is slightly more common and neutral. '입이 싸다' feels a bit more critical and blunt.
You should say '저는 입이 무거운 편이에요.'
Probably not. It's quite informal and critical. Use more formal language to describe the situation instead.
Mostly, but it can also apply to someone who just talks too much about other people's private lives in general.
No, that's not a standard idiom. Use '입이 무겁다'.
Yes, people sometimes say '입이 나팔이다' (mouth is a trumpet).
It implies the words are given away easily without care for their value.
Yes, parents often tell children not to have a 'cheap mouth' regarding family matters.
Expressions liées
입이 가볍다
synonymTo have a light mouth (can't keep secrets).
입이 무겁다
contrastTo have a heavy mouth (good at keeping secrets).
입이 짧다
similarTo be a picky eater.
입에 침이 마르다
builds onTo talk about something so much your saliva dries up.
입을 맞추다
relatedTo coordinate stories/lies.
