Signification
To act arrogantly or boastfully.
Contexte culturel
In corporate Korea, '목에 힘을 주다' is often used to describe 'Gapjil' behavior. It's a major social issue where people in higher positions mistreat those in lower positions. Confucian values emphasize 'Gyeom-yang' (yielding and modesty). Acting with 'strength in the neck' is seen as a direct violation of these traditional ethics. Villains in K-dramas are often visually depicted with very stiff, upright postures and high chins to symbolize this idiom. Younger generations might use '가오(를) 잡다' instead, but '목에 힘을 주다' remains the standard idiom used across all age groups in media.
Use with '좀'
Adding '좀' (a little) like '목에 힘 좀 빼세요' makes the criticism sound slightly more natural and common.
Physical vs Figurative
Always check the context. If someone is at the gym, they are likely using the literal meaning!
Signification
To act arrogantly or boastfully.
Use with '좀'
Adding '좀' (a little) like '목에 힘 좀 빼세요' makes the criticism sound slightly more natural and common.
Physical vs Figurative
Always check the context. If someone is at the gym, they are likely using the literal meaning!
The 'Shoulder' Alternative
If someone is acting like a 'tough guy' rather than just a 'rich/smart guy', use '어깨에 힘을 주다' instead.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
그는 부자가 되더니 친구들 앞에서 너무 (____).
The context of becoming rich and acting a certain way toward friends suggests arrogance.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 지민이가 이번에 반장이 됐어. B: 응, 근데 반장이 되자마자 (____). 보기 안 좋아.
The phrase '보기 안 좋아' (doesn't look good) implies a negative change in behavior like arrogance.
Which situation best fits the idiom '목에 힘을 주다'?
다음 중 '목에 힘을 주다'가 어울리는 상황은?
The idiom is used for someone who becomes arrogant (거만해진) due to success.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercices그는 부자가 되더니 친구들 앞에서 너무 (____).
The context of becoming rich and acting a certain way toward friends suggests arrogance.
A: 지민이가 이번에 반장이 됐어. B: 응, 근데 반장이 되자마자 (____). 보기 안 좋아.
The phrase '보기 안 좋아' (doesn't look good) implies a negative change in behavior like arrogance.
다음 중 '목에 힘을 주다'가 어울리는 상황은?
The idiom is used for someone who becomes arrogant (거만해진) due to success.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is a criticism. Saying it *about* someone is common gossip; saying it *to* someone is a confrontation.
Usually no, unless you are being self-deprecating: '내가 너무 목에 힘을 줬나 봐' (I guess I was acting too arrogant).
Usually '목에 힘 좀 빼' (Relax/Stop acting big).
Yes, it is gender-neutral.
You can use '목에 힘을 주시다' to describe an elder's behavior, but it's still a critique.
'잘난 척' is more about talking/boasting; '목에 힘을 주다' is about the whole attitude and posture.
No, it is too informal and idiomatic for professional writing.
Yes, the imagery is very similar, though the Korean usage is more about social status than religious stubbornness.
In sports like golf or baseball, it literally means to relax your neck muscles to perform better.
They often use '가오 잡다' or '가오가 뇌를 지배하다' (arrogance dominates the brain).
Expressions liées
어깨에 힘을 주다
similarTo act tough or intimidating.
잘난 척하다
synonymTo show off.
거드름을 피우다
synonymTo put on airs.
목에 힘을 빼다
contrastTo relax or be humble.
콧대가 높다
similarTo be proud/picky.
