15秒でわかる
- Don't celebrate a victory that hasn't happened yet.
- Stop making plans for money you haven't earned.
- Stay grounded until you have the final results.
意味
This phrase describes someone who is getting ahead of themselves by celebrating a success that hasn't actually happened yet. It is the Korean equivalent of 'counting your chickens before they hatch.'
主な例文
3 / 6A friend planning a vacation before getting a job offer
벌써 비행기 표를 본다고? 김칫국부터 마시지 마.
You're already looking at plane tickets? Don't drink the kimchi soup first.
A coworker assuming they will get the year-end bonus
보너스 받을 생각에 김칫국부터 마시고 계시네요.
You're already drinking kimchi soup thinking about the bonus.
Texting a friend who thinks their crush likes them
야, 김칫국 마시지 마. 그냥 친절한 걸 수도 있어.
Hey, don't drink the soup. They might just be being kind.
文化的背景
The pairing of rice cakes and kimchi soup is a deep-rooted culinary tradition. Rice cakes (tteok) are dense and can be a choking hazard, so 'dongchimi' (water kimchi) is served to provide a liquid contrast. This idiom shows how food culture permeates language. On social media, the phrase is often used to tease 'delusional' fans (망상러) who think their favorite celebrity is sending them secret signals. It's a way to bring people back to reality. In Korean business, showing too much confidence before a deal is closed is often frowned upon. Using this idiom (even internally) reminds team members to stay humble and focused until the 'ink is dry'.
Use it with '벌써'
Adding '벌써' (already) before the phrase makes it sound much more natural and emphasizes the 'premature' aspect.
Spelling of Kimchitguk
Don't forget the 'ㅅ' in the middle. It's a common spelling mistake even for native speakers in casual texts.
15秒でわかる
- Don't celebrate a victory that hasn't happened yet.
- Stop making plans for money you haven't earned.
- Stay grounded until you have the final results.
What It Means
Imagine you are at a restaurant. You are waiting for a spicy, savory rice cake dish. Before the main food arrives, you gulp down the cold kimchiguk (kimchi soup). You are preparing your stomach for a feast that isn't even on the table yet. That is exactly what this phrase captures. It is about acting as if a positive outcome is guaranteed. You might be planning how to spend prize money before you even buy the lottery ticket.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase to tease a friend. It works best when someone is being overly optimistic. You can use the full proverb: tteok jul sarameun saenggakdo anteunde kimchitgukbuteo masinda. This means 'the person who might give you rice cakes isn't even thinking about it, but you're already drinking the soup.' Most people just shorten it to kimchitguk masiji ma. It sounds punchy and direct. It is a great way to bring someone back to reality.
When To Use It
Use it when your friend thinks they aced an interview but hasn't received the call. Use it when a coworker assumes they are getting a promotion because the boss smiled at them. It is perfect for those 'don't get your hopes up' moments. It is very common in casual conversations and group chats. You will hear it often in K-dramas when a character assumes their crush likes them back.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your boss or elders. It can sound a bit mocking or dismissive. If someone is genuinely excited about a dream, be careful. Using this might make you sound like a 'party pooper.' Avoid it in very serious or tragic situations. It is meant to be lighthearted and slightly sarcastic. If the person is sensitive, they might take it as an insult to their ambition.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from traditional Korean dining habits. In the past, spicy rice cakes (tteok) were a rare treat. They are dry and chewy, so you need liquid to digest them. Kimchiguk was the standard pairing. People would wait for the rice cake giver to arrive. Some impatient people would drink the soup in anticipation. It highlights the Korean 'pali-pali' (hurry-hurry) culture. It shows how we sometimes let our desires outpace reality.
Common Variations
The most common version is kimchitguk masida. You will also see kimchitguk masiji ma (Don't drink the soup). Sometimes people just say kimchitguk as a shorthand. If someone is really overdoing it, you can say kimchitguk han sabal masyeonne (You drank a whole bowl of kimchi soup). It adds a bit of flavor to the sarcasm. You can even use it about yourself if you realize you are being too hopeful.
使い方のコツ
This is a B2-level idiom because it requires understanding the cultural nuance of the 'kimchi soup' metaphor. Stick to informal or neutral settings with friends and family.
Use it with '벌써'
Adding '벌써' (already) before the phrase makes it sound much more natural and emphasizes the 'premature' aspect.
Spelling of Kimchitguk
Don't forget the 'ㅅ' in the middle. It's a common spelling mistake even for native speakers in casual texts.
例文
6벌써 비행기 표를 본다고? 김칫국부터 마시지 마.
You're already looking at plane tickets? Don't drink the kimchi soup first.
A classic use to stop someone from over-planning.
보너스 받을 생각에 김칫국부터 마시고 계시네요.
You're already drinking kimchi soup thinking about the bonus.
Slightly more polite but still teasing.
야, 김칫국 마시지 마. 그냥 친절한 걸 수도 있어.
Hey, don't drink the soup. They might just be being kind.
Used to provide a reality check in dating.
나 혼자 너무 김칫국 마셨나 봐.
I guess I was drinking the kimchi soup all by myself.
Admitting one's own over-excitement.
김칫국 한 사발 드셨네! 결과는 내일 나오거든?
You drank a whole bowl of kimchi soup! The results come out tomorrow, you know?
Humorous exaggeration using 'a whole bowl'.
아직 경기 안 끝났어. 김칫국 마시지 말고 집중해!
The game isn't over yet. Don't drink the kimchi soup and focus!
Used to maintain focus and prevent premature celebration.
自分をテスト
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
아직 당첨 번호도 확인 안 했는데 벌써 돈 쓸 생각부터 하다니, _______ 마시지 마.
The idiom specifically uses '김칫국' (kimchi soup).
Which situation best fits the idiom '김칫국부터 마시다'?
다음 중 '김칫국부터 마시다'를 사용하기 가장 적절한 상황은?
The idiom is used when assuming a positive outcome or favor before it's confirmed.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
가: 이번 오디션에 합격하면 바로 차부터 살 거야! 나: 야, ________________.
The listener is warning the speaker not to be too premature in their plans.
🎉 スコア： /3
ビジュアル学習ツール
練習問題バンク
3 問題아직 당첨 번호도 확인 안 했는데 벌써 돈 쓸 생각부터 하다니, _______ 마시지 마.
The idiom specifically uses '김칫국' (kimchi soup).
다음 중 '김칫국부터 마시다'를 사용하기 가장 적절한 상황은?
The idiom is used when assuming a positive outcome or favor before it's confirmed.
가: 이번 오디션에 합격하면 바로 차부터 살 거야! 나: 야, ________________.
The listener is warning the speaker not to be too premature in their plans.
🎉 スコア： /3
よくある質問
2 問Yes, it can be. It implies they are being foolishly optimistic. Use more formal language like '조금 더 지켜보는 것이 좋겠습니다' instead.
No. It is strictly for positive expectations that haven't happened yet.
関連フレーズ
설레발 치다
similarTo make a fuss or get over-excited prematurely.
근거 없는 자신감 (근자감)
similarGroundless confidence.
사서 걱정하다
contrastTo worry about things that haven't happened (literally: to buy worry).
