A1 Proverb तटस्थ

배보다 배꼽이 더 크다.

baeboda baekkob-i deo keuda.

Subsidiary is bigger than main.

Phrase in 30 Seconds

When the accessory costs more than the main item, use this proverb to highlight the absurdity.

  • Means: The cost of a minor part exceeds the main item.
  • Used in: Shopping, business deals, or when repair costs exceed item value.
  • Don't confuse: It is not about physical size, but value/cost.
Small accessory + Huge price tag = 배보다 배꼽이 더 크다

Explanation at your level:

This phrase means the small part is more expensive than the big thing. Use it when you buy something cheap but the shipping is very expensive.
It describes a situation where the secondary cost or effort is greater than the primary object. It is a common way to complain about bad deals or inefficient planning in daily life.
This proverb is used to highlight an irrational imbalance. It is frequently applied in consumer contexts, such as when repair costs exceed the value of an item, or when the preparation for an event becomes more burdensome than the event itself.
The phrase functions as a critique of disproportionate resource allocation. Whether in business or personal finance, it serves as a idiomatic warning against 'the tail wagging the dog,' where the incidental elements overshadow the core objective in terms of cost or effort.
Linguistically, this proverb employs a synecdochical structure to illustrate the concept of '본말전도' (inversion of the main and secondary). It is a staple of Korean rhetorical discourse, used to succinctly characterize scenarios where the marginal utility of an accessory is eclipsed by its disproportionate cost, thereby rendering the overall transaction illogical.
This proverb exemplifies the cognitive mapping of physical proportions onto abstract economic values. By juxtaposing the 'belly' (the primary entity) with the 'belly button' (the minor appendage), it creates a vivid, universally understood metaphor for the subversion of hierarchical value. It is deeply embedded in the Korean lexicon as a pragmatic tool for evaluating the efficiency of both material acquisitions and procedural workflows, reflecting a cultural predilection for logical consistency and economic prudence.

मतलब

The cost of an accessory or minor part is greater than the main item.

🌍

सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि

Reflects a society that values '가성비' (value for money) in daily life. Used to teach children about financial responsibility.

💡

Focus on the 'Cost'

Always remember this is about money or effort, not physical size.

💬

Use it in shopping

It's the perfect phrase to use when complaining about high shipping fees.

मतलब

The cost of an accessory or minor part is greater than the main item.

💡

Focus on the 'Cost'

Always remember this is about money or effort, not physical size.

💬

Use it in shopping

It's the perfect phrase to use when complaining about high shipping fees.

खुद को परखो

Which situation fits the proverb?

When is it appropriate to say '배보다 배꼽이 더 크다'?

✓ सही! ✗ बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: b

The proverb refers to an imbalance in cost.

🎉 स्कोर: /1

विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

2 सवाल

No, it is strictly figurative.

No, it's a common proverb.

संबंधित मुहावरे

🔄

본말전도

synonym

Main and secondary are reversed.

🔗

가성비

similar

Value for money.

कहाँ इस्तेमाल करें

📦

Online Shopping

A: 이 펜은 1,000원인데 배송비가 3,000원이야.

B: 와, 배보다 배꼽이 더 크네!

informal
🛠️

Repairing an item

A: 수리비가 20만 원이래요.

B: 새 제품이 15만 원인데, 배보다 배꼽이 더 크네요.

neutral

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a tiny toy with a giant, expensive box. The box (belly button) is bigger than the toy (belly).

Visual Association

Imagine a person wearing a tiny shirt with a massive, golden belly button ring that costs more than the shirt itself.

Rhyme

배보다 배꼽, 돈이 더 들고.

Story

Min-su bought a cheap used bike for $20. But the tires cost $50. He sighed, '배보다 배꼽이 더 크다!' and decided to buy a new bike instead.

Word Web

비용배송비수리비본말전도가성비비효율

चैलेंज

Find one item in your room and calculate if its 'accessory' (like a case or battery) costs more than the item.

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Salir más caro el collar que el perro.

Spanish uses animals, Korean uses human anatomy.

French moderate

Le remède est pire que le mal.

Focuses on the 'solution' vs 'cost'.

German high

Die Suppe ist teurer als das Fleisch.

Uses culinary ingredients.

Japanese high

本末転倒 (Honmatsu tentō).

Japanese is more formal/philosophical.

Arabic low

جاء يكحلها فأعماها.

Focuses on 'failed improvement' vs 'cost imbalance'.

Easily Confused

배보다 배꼽이 더 크다. बनाम 본말전도

Learners think it's the same as the proverb.

Use '배보다 배꼽이 더 크다' for money/costs, '본말전도' for abstract situations.

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल (2)

No, it is strictly figurative.

No, it's a common proverb.

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