Signification
To look at something or someone with great focus or intensity.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Gi' ({기|氣}) is central. Giving strength to the eyes is seen as a way to project your 'Gi' to others, whether to lead or to defend. Fans often praise idols for their 'eye-power' during performances, using this phrase to describe their charisma on stage. In hierarchical settings, 'giving strength to the eyes' while a boss is talking can be risky; it might be seen as 'nun-kkari' (slang for staring back defiantly). The phrase is heavily associated with 'Ulzzang' (best face) culture and the effort to look perfect in social media photos.
The 'Photo' Context
If a Korean friend tells you '눈에 {힘|力} 좀 줘,' they aren't being mean! They just want you to look more alert and 'alive' in the photo.
Don't Overdo It
If you put *too* much strength in your eyes, you might look like you're glaring, which can be perceived as aggressive in social situations.
Signification
To look at something or someone with great focus or intensity.
The 'Photo' Context
If a Korean friend tells you '눈에 {힘|力} 좀 줘,' they aren't being mean! They just want you to look more alert and 'alive' in the photo.
Don't Overdo It
If you put *too* much strength in your eyes, you might look like you're glaring, which can be perceived as aggressive in social situations.
Makeup Slang
You can use this to compliment someone's eye makeup: '오늘 눈에 {힘|力} 좀 줬는데?' (You really went all out on your eyes today!)
Grammar Tip
Remember to use the particle '에' after '눈'. Using '을' is a very common mistake for beginners.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct particles and verb form.
사진이 잘 나오려면 눈___ 힘___ ______ (주다 - imperative).
The correct particles are '에' and '을', and the imperative '주세요' fits the context of a request/instruction.
Match the meaning of '눈에 힘을 주다' to the situation.
Situation: A girl is applying thick eyeliner before a party.
In the context of makeup, the phrase refers to making the eyes stand out.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to show determination?
Choose the best sentence:
Studying hard to do well on an exam is a classic context for showing determination.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 면접 때 너무 긴장해서 눈을 어디에 두어야 할지 모르겠어요. B: 긴장하지 말고 면접관의 눈을 ________________.
Looking at an interviewer with 'strength in the eyes' (confidence) is the standard advice.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Intensity Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercices사진이 잘 나오려면 눈___ 힘___ ______ (주다 - imperative).
The correct particles are '에' and '을', and the imperative '주세요' fits the context of a request/instruction.
Situation: A girl is applying thick eyeliner before a party.
In the context of makeup, the phrase refers to making the eyes stand out.
Choose the best sentence:
Studying hard to do well on an exam is a classic context for showing determination.
A: 면접 때 너무 긴장해서 눈을 어디에 두어야 할지 모르겠어요. B: 긴장하지 말고 면접관의 눈을 ________________.
Looking at an interviewer with 'strength in the eyes' (confidence) is the standard advice.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot inherently. It depends on the context. Using it to describe your own determination is positive. Telling someone else to do it can be an instruction (photo) or a challenge (argument).
Yes! It's very common to say '눈에 {힘|力}을 주다' when someone has applied dramatic or very pretty eye makeup.
'눈을 크게 뜨다' is just the physical size. '눈에 {힘|力}을 주다' involves the *intensity* and *intent* behind the look.
It's a bit too idiomatic for a formal email. Better to use '열정' (passion) or '의지' (will) in writing.
Yes, usually. You wouldn't say it for just one eye unless you are a pirate.
Yes, adding '빡' (ppak) like '눈에 {힘|力} 빡 줬다' makes it very casual and emphasizes the intensity.
You can say '눈에 {힘|力}을 빼다' (to take strength out of the eyes).
Constantly. Idols are often told to 'give strength to their eyes' to look more charismatic on camera.
Yes, if a dog looks very determined or angry, you could jokingly use it.
Glaring is one of its meanings, but 'giving strength' can also be positive (determination), whereas glaring is usually negative.
Expressions liées
눈을 부릅뜨다
similarTo open eyes wide
눈에 불을 켜다
similarTo be very eager/zealous
기싸움을 하다
builds onTo have a nerve war
눈을 피하다
contrastTo avoid eye contact
눈에 힘을 빼다
contrastTo relax one's gaze
