Signification
Meaning to not do any chores or hard physical work.
Contexte culturel
In the past, 'wet work' was synonymous with a woman's hardship. This idiom reflects the historical reality where washing clothes in frozen rivers was a common winter chore. Today, the phrase is often used sarcastically. With the rise of 'solo-living' (1인 가구), the idea of someone not doing chores is seen as a sign of being 'spoiled' rather than 'romantic'. The 'Chaebol' (conglomerate) characters are almost always described this way. It's a shorthand for showing they are out of touch with the lives of ordinary people. While originally a promise from men to women, it can now be used for anyone. However, the domestic 'water' imagery still carries a slightly feminine historical weight.
Use for Sarcasm
This phrase is 80% more likely to be used sarcastically today than sincerely. Use it when a friend refuses to help clean up after a party.
The 'Causative' Trap
Make sure to use '묻히다' (mut-hi-da). If you say '묻다' (mut-da), it sounds like the water is acting on its own, losing the 'princess treatment' nuance.
Signification
Meaning to not do any chores or hard physical work.
Use for Sarcasm
This phrase is 80% more likely to be used sarcastically today than sincerely. Use it when a friend refuses to help clean up after a party.
The 'Causative' Trap
Make sure to use '묻히다' (mut-hi-da). If you say '묻다' (mut-da), it sounds like the water is acting on its own, losing the 'princess treatment' nuance.
The Dishwasher Era
Modern Koreans might joke: '손에 물 한 방울 안 묻히게 해줄게. 식기세척기 샀거든!' (I'll keep your hands dry. I bought a dishwasher!)
Drama Listening
Listen for this in historical dramas (Sa-geuk) vs. modern dramas to see how the meaning shifts from sincere to satirical.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.
결혼하면 네 손에 물 한 방울 안 (______) 해 줄게.
The idiom uses the causative form '묻히게 하다' to mean 'to let/make get on'.
Which situation best fits the idiom '손에 물 한 방울 안 묻히다'?
Situation: A billionaire's son who has never cleaned his own room.
This idiom is perfect for describing someone who has never had to do manual labor or chores due to wealth.
What is the figurative meaning of this phrase?
손에 물 한 방울 안 묻히고 살다.
The phrase is an idiom for avoiding chores and physical labor.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
가: 지민이는 집안일을 하나도 안 도와줘. 나: 맞아, 걔는 (________________________) 자란 것 같아.
The idiom '손에 물 한 방울 안 묻히고' is the standard way to describe someone who doesn't do chores.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Then vs. Now
Banque d exercices
4 exercices결혼하면 네 손에 물 한 방울 안 (______) 해 줄게.
The idiom uses the causative form '묻히게 하다' to mean 'to let/make get on'.
Situation: A billionaire's son who has never cleaned his own room.
This idiom is perfect for describing someone who has never had to do manual labor or chores due to wealth.
손에 물 한 방울 안 묻히고 살다.
The phrase is an idiom for avoiding chores and physical labor.
가: 지민이는 집안일을 하나도 안 도와줘. 나: 맞아, 걔는 (________________________) 자란 것 같아.
The idiom '손에 물 한 방울 안 묻히고' is the standard way to describe someone who doesn't do chores.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! While historically for women, today it can describe any pampered person, regardless of gender.
Rarely. It usually implies someone is spoiled or lazy, though in a proposal, it's meant to be sweet.
'방울' means 'drop'. Adding '한 방울 안' (not even one drop) adds strong emphasis.
Yes, but mostly as a joke or to describe 'gold spoons' (rich kids).
You could say '뼈 빠지게 일하다' (to work so hard your bones fall out).
Only with very close colleagues as a joke. It's too informal for a boss.
Literally yes, but figuratively it means any kind of 'dirty' or 'hard' work.
Because in traditional Korean homes, the hardest daily chores (laundry, cooking) always involved water.
The 't' and 'h' combine to make a 'ch/th' sound (aspirated). Practice 'mu-thi-da'.
That's a different idiom! It means 'to not get blood on one's hands' (avoiding dirty work/crime).
Expressions liées
손가락 하나 까딱 안 하다
similarTo not lift a finger.
금수저
builds onBorn with a silver/gold spoon.
고생을 사서 하다
contrastTo go out of one's way to do hard work.
귀하게 자라다
similarTo be raised like royalty/pampered.
팔자가 좋다
similarTo have good fortune/a lucky life.
