Signification
It's difficult to see what is close to you or right in front of you, despite being obvious to others.
Contexte culturel
The 'Deungjan' was a staple in Korean homes until the early 20th century. It represents a time when life was slower and lighting was a precious resource. Japan shares this proverb (Tōdai moto kurashi) but often associates it with lighthouses in modern contexts, whereas Koreans still strongly associate it with the traditional oil lamp. In China, 'Deng Xia Hei' is used not just for lost items but often in political contexts to describe corruption happening right under a leader's nose. Western cultures tend to use body-related metaphors (nose, eyes) for this concept, reflecting a more individualistic/physical focus compared to the object-based metaphor in East Asia.
Use it for self-deprecation
It's a great way to laugh at your own mistakes. If you do something silly, say '등잔 밑이 어둡네요' to show you have a sense of humor.
Don't use for serious errors
If someone makes a huge mistake at work that costs money, this phrase is too lighthearted and might sound like you are making light of the situation.
Signification
It's difficult to see what is close to you or right in front of you, despite being obvious to others.
Use it for self-deprecation
It's a great way to laugh at your own mistakes. If you do something silly, say '등잔 밑이 어둡네요' to show you have a sense of humor.
Don't use for serious errors
If someone makes a huge mistake at work that costs money, this phrase is too lighthearted and might sound like you are making light of the situation.
The '...다더니' pattern
Combine it with '...다더니' (They say... and so...) to sound like a native. Example: '등잔 밑이 어둡다더니 진짜 여기 있었네!'
Hanja Knowledge
Learning the Hanja '등하불명' (燈下不明) will help you understand news headlines and formal documents.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
등잔 ___이 어둡다.
The proverb is '등잔 밑이 어둡다' (It's dark under the lamp).
Which situation best fits the proverb '등잔 밑이 어둡다'?
Choose the best scenario:
The proverb refers to missing something that is very close to you.
Complete the dialogue using the proverb.
가: 열쇠가 여기 있었네! 한 시간 동안 찾았는데. 나: ____________________.
This is the natural response when someone finds something they were looking for nearby.
Select the formal Hanja version of this proverb.
What is the Saja-seong-eo for this phrase?
등하불명 (燈下不明) is the formal four-character idiom version.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercices등잔 ___이 어둡다.
The proverb is '등잔 밑이 어둡다' (It's dark under the lamp).
Choose the best scenario:
The proverb refers to missing something that is very close to you.
가: 열쇠가 여기 있었네! 한 시간 동안 찾았는데. 나: ____________________.
This is the natural response when someone finds something they were looking for nearby.
What is the Saja-seong-eo for this phrase?
등하불명 (燈下不明) is the formal four-character idiom version.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it can also be used for people, solutions to problems, or information that was nearby but overlooked.
Yes, if the boss is the one who missed something and you want to be polite, or if you missed something and are admitting it. It's quite safe.
They are almost identical in meaning. The only difference is the cultural imagery (lamp vs. nose).
Only as a decorative item or in museums. Modern Koreans use '전등' (electric light) or '스탠드' (desk lamp).
It's an irregular 'ㅂ' verb. 어둡다 -> 어두워요 (present), 어두웠어요 (past).
In the proverb, it is always '밑이' (subject). You can say '등잔 밑에 있다' (It is under the lamp), but the proverb itself is fixed.
Yes! If you realize your best friend is actually your soulmate, you can say '등잔 밑이 어두웠어.'
Yes, it is one of the top 10 most well-known proverbs in Korea.
Not at all. Even teenagers use it, though they might use the shortened '등잔 밑' more often.
People will understand you, but they might think you are making a joke or don't know it's a proverb.
Expressions liées
코앞에 두고도 모른다
similarNot knowing even when it's right in front of your nose.
엎어지면 코 닿을 데
similarA place so close your nose would touch it if you fell.
등하불명
synonymDarkness under the lamp (Hanja version).
먼 사촌보다 가까운 이웃이 낫다
builds onA close neighbor is better than a distant cousin.
