Signification
Something that has already happened cannot be undone; there's no use crying over spilled milk.
Contexte culturel
In Korean corporate culture, this phrase is often used by leaders to stop 'blame games' and move the team toward a solution. The phrase reflects the Confucian value of accepting one's fate and the consequences of one's social actions. With the rise of social media, this phrase is frequently used when someone 'leaks' information or posts something they later regret. You will often hear the Hanja version {복수난수|覆水難收} in dramas set in the Joseon Dynasty to show a character's high education level.
Use '이미' for impact
Always add '이미' (already) before the phrase to sound more like a native speaker. It adds that perfect touch of resignation.
Don't use for people
Don't call a person '엎질러진 물' (e.g., a bad student). It's for situations and actions, not human beings.
Signification
Something that has already happened cannot be undone; there's no use crying over spilled milk.
Use '이미' for impact
Always add '이미' (already) before the phrase to sound more like a native speaker. It adds that perfect touch of resignation.
Don't use for people
Don't call a person '엎질러진 물' (e.g., a bad student). It's for situations and actions, not human beings.
The 'Sigh' Factor
When saying this, a small sigh (하...) before the phrase makes you sound 100% more authentic.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the proverb.
이미 (______) 물이니 너무 슬퍼하지 마세요.
The standard proverb uses the passive past modifier '엎질러진'.
Which situation best fits the proverb '엎질러진 물'?
Choose the most appropriate scenario:
This is an irreversible mistake, which is the core meaning of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
가: 어제 친구랑 싸웠는데, 심한 말을 너무 많이 했어. 어떡하지? 나: (______)
The proverb is used to acknowledge the past mistake and suggest a future action.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercices이미 (______) 물이니 너무 슬퍼하지 마세요.
The standard proverb uses the passive past modifier '엎질러진'.
Choose the most appropriate scenario:
This is an irreversible mistake, which is the core meaning of the proverb.
가: 어제 친구랑 싸웠는데, 심한 말을 너무 많이 했어. 어떡하지? 나: (______)
The proverb is used to acknowledge the past mistake and suggest a future action.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt can be if used to dismiss someone's genuine pain. Use it to comfort or to state a fact, not to tell someone to 'shut up.'
No, it is almost exclusively used for mistakes, regrets, or irreversible negative changes.
They are functionally identical, but the Korean version is slightly more formal and can be used in business contexts more easily.
It is a verb (엎질러지다) in its adjective-modifying form (adnominal).
Expressions liées
{소 잃고 외양간 고친다|소 잃고 외양간 고친다}
similarMending the barn after the cow is lost.
{사후약방문|死後藥方文}
synonymA prescription after death.
{버스 떠난 뒤에 손 흔들기|버스 떠난 뒤에 손 흔들기}
similarWaving at the bus after it has already left.
{낙장불입|落張不入}
specialized formOnce a card is played, it cannot be taken back.
