Signification
To talk a lot about something, often with enthusiasm or concern.
Contexte culturel
In Korea, 'boasting about one's children' (자식 자랑) is a common social activity among older generations. While it can be seen as annoying, it's also a way to share family pride. The phrase '입이 마르도록' is the standard way to describe this behavior. In a hierarchy-heavy work culture, a boss praising a subordinate 'until their mouth is dry' is a significant sign of favor and can lead to promotions. It's often mentioned in performance reviews. Fans often use this phrase on social media (Twitter/X) to describe how they talk about their 'bias' (favorite member) to their non-fan friends. The 'nagging' aspect of this idiom reflects the traditional Confucian value of constant guidance from elders to juniors. Repetition is seen as a duty of the teacher/parent.
Pair it with 칭찬하다
If you are unsure how to use it, just memorize the block '입이 마르도록 칭찬하다'. It's the most natural and common pairing.
Not for Thirst
Never use this when you want to ask for a glass of water. You will sound like you are bragging about the water instead of wanting to drink it!
Signification
To talk a lot about something, often with enthusiasm or concern.
Pair it with 칭찬하다
If you are unsure how to use it, just memorize the block '입이 마르도록 칭찬하다'. It's the most natural and common pairing.
Not for Thirst
Never use this when you want to ask for a glass of water. You will sound like you are bragging about the water instead of wanting to drink it!
Humility Check
Koreans might use this to describe *others* praising them, but rarely to describe themselves praising themselves. It sounds more humble to say 'Others praise me until their mouths are dry'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
어머니는 아들 자랑을 입이 _______ 하셨어요.
'입이 마르게' or '입이 마르도록' are the standard idiomatic forms for excessive praise.
Which situation best fits the idiom '입이 마르다'?
다음 중 '입이 마르도록'을 사용하기 가장 좋은 상황은?
The idiom is used for repeated praise, not for thirst, silence, or spiciness.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 그 식당 진짜 맛있더라! 꼭 가봐. 진짜야! B: 와, 너 진짜 그 식당을 (_________________).
Since A is recommending a restaurant repeatedly, B should use the idiom with '추천하다' (to recommend).
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercices어머니는 아들 자랑을 입이 _______ 하셨어요.
'입이 마르게' or '입이 마르도록' are the standard idiomatic forms for excessive praise.
다음 중 '입이 마르도록'을 사용하기 가장 좋은 상황은?
The idiom is used for repeated praise, not for thirst, silence, or spiciness.
A: 그 식당 진짜 맛있더라! 꼭 가봐. 진짜야! B: 와, 너 진짜 그 식당을 (_________________).
Since A is recommending a restaurant repeatedly, B should use the idiom with '추천하다' (to recommend).
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, it's not rude. It's a neutral idiom. However, if you use it to describe someone's nagging, it can sound a bit dismissive.
Yes, it's very common in descriptive writing and journalism to show how popular something is.
They are 99% the same. '입에 침이 마르다' is just a bit more descriptive and common in casual conversation.
The grammar is simple, but the idiomatic use is usually taught at A2 or B1. However, knowing it early makes you sound very natural!
Expressions liées
입에 침이 마르다
similarSaliva dries in the mouth
입이 닳도록
similarUntil the mouth wears away
침이 마르게
specialized formSo that saliva dries
귀에 못이 박히도록
contrastUntil a callus forms in the ear
