뜻
An extremely small quantity, implying insignificance or insufficiency.
문화적 배경
In Japan, it is common to use self-deprecating idioms like this to avoid appearing boastful. Even if a bonus is decent, a worker might call it 'sparrow's tears' to remain humble in front of others. Japanese idioms often use small animals (sparrows, cats, frogs) to describe human conditions. This reflects a historical closeness to nature and agriculture. This phrase is frequently used in modern news to discuss 'zero interest rates' ({ゼロ|ぜろ}{金利|きんり}) and the stagnant wages in Japan over the last 30 years. When giving a small monetary gift (like 'Otoshidama' or a tip), using this phrase shows the giver's modesty, implying 'I wish I could give more.'
Pair with 'shika'
It sounds very natural when used with 'shika... nai' (only). e.g., {雀|すずめ}の{涙|なみだ}ほどしかない。
Avoid for people
Don't use it to describe a person's height or size. It's for amounts.
뜻
An extremely small quantity, implying insignificance or insufficiency.
Pair with 'shika'
It sounds very natural when used with 'shika... nai' (only). e.g., {雀|すずめ}の{涙|なみだ}ほどしかない。
Avoid for people
Don't use it to describe a person's height or size. It's for amounts.
Use for humility
Use it when giving a small gift to sound very polite and Japanese.
The 'Cat' alternative
Remember: Sparrow = Money, Cat = Space. Don't mix them up!
셀프 테스트
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
{銀行|ぎんこう}の{利子|りし}は、____ほどしかありません。
{雀|すずめ}の{涙|なみだ} is used for small amounts of money like interest. {猫|ねこ}の{額|ひたい} (cat's forehead) is for small spaces.
Which situation is the MOST appropriate for using '{雀|すずめ}の{涙|なみだ}'?
Select the best context:
The idiom is specifically for quantities/amounts, especially money, that are insufficient.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {給料|きゅうりょう}、{上|あ}がった？ B: うん、でも____だよ。
B is saying the raise was very small.
Match the phrase to the feeling.
How does someone feel when they use '{雀|すずめ}の{涙|なみだ}' about their own salary?
It conveys that the amount is not enough or that the speaker is being modest.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Sparrow vs. Cat Idioms
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제{銀行|ぎんこう}の{利子|りし}は、____ほどしかありません。
{雀|すずめ}の{涙|なみだ} is used for small amounts of money like interest. {猫|ねこ}の{額|ひたい} (cat's forehead) is for small spaces.
Select the best context:
The idiom is specifically for quantities/amounts, especially money, that are insufficient.
A: {給料|きゅうりょう}、{上|あ}がった？ B: うん、でも____だよ。
B is saying the raise was very small.
How does someone feel when they use '{雀|すずめ}の{涙|なみだ}' about their own salary?
It conveys that the amount is not enough or that the speaker is being modest.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes, you can say '{雀|すずめ}の{涙|なみだ}ほどの{時間|じかん}' to mean a very tiny amount of time, though it's less common than using it for money.
It depends. If you are complaining about your own salary to your boss, it's risky! But if you and your boss are complaining together about a small budget from the company, it's fine.
Not exactly with sparrows, but you could use '{山|やま}ほど' (as much as a mountain) for a large amount.
Sparrows are the smallest common birds in Japan, making them the perfect symbol for 'tiny.'
No, that is not an idiom. Stick to 'Namida' (Tears).
It's okay for essays or journalism, but for very formal business reports, use '{微々|びび}たるもの'.
Usually, yes. It implies the amount is 'too small.'
Yes, it's very common for tiny discounts or point rewards.
It's generally considered A2/B1 level. It's a very early idiom for learners.
It is written as {雀|すずめ}の{涙|なみだ}. Both kanji are common.
관련 표현
{猫|ねこ}の{額|ひたい}
similarAs small as a cat's forehead.
{微々|びび}たるもの
synonymInsignificant/minute thing.
{九牛一毛|きゅうぎゅうのいちもう}
synonymOne hair from nine oxen.
{掃|は}いて{捨|す}てるほど
contrastSo many you could sweep them up and throw them away.
