Signification
A place that is so packed with people or things that there is no space to step.
Contexte culturel
In Seoul, 'Hell-subway' (지옥철) is a common term for Line 2 or Line 9 during rush hour. Using '발 디딜 틈 없다' is the standard way to describe this daily struggle. Traditional markets ({市場|시장}) like Namdaemun or Gwangjang are expected to be '발 디딜 틈 없는' places. If they are quiet, it's considered a bad sign for the economy. Because many Koreans live in apartments with limited space, 'bal didil teum eopda' is often used when talking about the need for 'minimalism' or decluttering. Fans often use this phrase to describe the airport crowds when an idol arrives. It highlights the intensity of the fandom.
Add '조차' for Drama
If you want to sound really overwhelmed, say '발 디딜 틈조차 없어요'. It sounds like you're in a movie describing a disaster or a massive event.
Physical Space Only
Remember, this is about where you put your feet. Don't use it for a 'crowded mind' or 'crowded schedule'.
Signification
A place that is so packed with people or things that there is no space to step.
Add '조차' for Drama
If you want to sound really overwhelmed, say '발 디딜 틈조차 없어요'. It sounds like you're in a movie describing a disaster or a massive event.
Physical Space Only
Remember, this is about where you put your feet. Don't use it for a 'crowded mind' or 'crowded schedule'.
The 'Hell-subway' Context
Using this phrase while sighing on a subway will make you sound like a local who has lived in Seoul for 10 years.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
사람이 너무 많아서 발 ___ 틈이 없어요.
'디딜' comes from '디디다' (to step), which is the core action of the idiom.
Which situation best fits the phrase '발 디딜 틈 없다'?
Choose the correct scenario:
The phrase describes extreme crowdedness where no floor space is visible.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 방이 왜 이렇게 지저분해? B: 미안해, 물건이 많아서 ___.
The phrase is used to describe a messy room where you can't walk.
Which sentence uses the idiom INCORRECTLY?
Find the wrong usage:
This idiom cannot be used for 'being busy' with work or homework; it's only for physical space.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Crowdedness Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercices사람이 너무 많아서 발 ___ 틈이 없어요.
'디딜' comes from '디디다' (to step), which is the core action of the idiom.
Choose the correct scenario:
The phrase describes extreme crowdedness where no floor space is visible.
A: 방이 왜 이렇게 지저분해? B: 미안해, 물건이 많아서 ___.
The phrase is used to describe a messy room where you can't walk.
Find the wrong usage:
This idiom cannot be used for 'being busy' with work or homework; it's only for physical space.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsTechnically, '발' means foot, so it's usually for the floor. For a desk, you'd just say '정신없다' or '꽉 찼다'. But people will understand if you use it metaphorically for a very cluttered room.
It can be a bit blunt. If you're close friends, it's fine as a joke. If not, it might sound like you're calling them messy.
'공간' is a general word for 'space'. '틈' is a very small gap or crack. Using '틈' makes the situation sound much more extreme.
Yes, absolutely. Any vehicle or room works.
The phrase itself is neutral. To make it formal, just end with '-습니다' (발 디딜 틈이 없습니다).
Yes, it's one of the most common ways to describe a concert crowd.
No, it can be about objects, like boxes in a warehouse or books in a library.
You would say '공간이 아주 넉넉해요' or '자리가 많아요'. You don't use the 'foot' idiom for empty spaces.
Yes, it is a standard Korean idiom used across the peninsula.
Yes, if the cars are so packed you can't even walk between them.
Expressions liées
인산인해
synonymA mountain of people and a sea of people.
빽빽하다
similarTo be dense or packed.
꽉 차다
similarTo be completely full.
틈이 없다
builds onThere is no gap.
한산하다
contrastTo be quiet and uncrowded.
