뜻
To deliberately ignore or overlook a fault, problem, or unpleasant situation.
문화적 배경
The phrase is often used to maintain 'Gibun' (the mood/feelings of others). Overlooking a mistake is seen as a way to protect someone's pride. In Korean companies, 'closing one's eyes' to minor rule-breaking is common to ensure efficiency, though this is changing with younger generations. Closing eyes is a common trope for death or deep meditation in Korean poetry, symbolizing a transition from the physical to the spiritual world. K-dramas often use this phrase to highlight the conflict between a 'clean' hero and a 'corrupt' system that wants them to close their eyes.
Use with -아/어 주다
If you want to sound natural when asking for a favor, always say '눈감아 주세요' instead of just '눈을 감으세요'.
Context Matters
Be careful using this for death. It's very respectful, but if you say it about someone who isn't dead, it can be a very bad omen or insult.
뜻
To deliberately ignore or overlook a fault, problem, or unpleasant situation.
Use with -아/어 주다
If you want to sound natural when asking for a favor, always say '눈감아 주세요' instead of just '눈을 감으세요'.
Context Matters
Be careful using this for death. It's very respectful, but if you say it about someone who isn't dead, it can be a very bad omen or insult.
The Power of Silence
In Korea, 'closing your eyes' is often seen as a sign of maturity—knowing when to let things go for the sake of the group.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
선생님, 이번 한 번만 제 실수를 {____} 주세요.
The idiom for 'overlooking' is '눈을 감다'. Combined with '-아/어 주세요', it becomes '눈을 감아 주세요'.
Which sentence uses the idiom as a euphemism for death?
다음 중 의미가 다른 하나는?
In the context of an elderly person and the past tense, it usually means they passed away.
Match the situation to the correct usage of the phrase.
Situation: A politician ignores a bribe.
'눈을 감다' is used for ignoring corruption or bribes.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 지각해서 죄송합니다. B: 이번은 그냥 {____}.
The speaker B is offering a favor (overlooking the lateness), so '-아/어 줄게요' is the most natural ending.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제선생님, 이번 한 번만 제 실수를 {____} 주세요.
The idiom for 'overlooking' is '눈을 감다'. Combined with '-아/어 주세요', it becomes '눈을 감아 주세요'.
다음 중 의미가 다른 하나는?
In the context of an elderly person and the past tense, it usually means they passed away.
Situation: A politician ignores a bribe.
'눈을 감다' is used for ignoring corruption or bribes.
A: 지각해서 죄송합니다. B: 이번은 그냥 {____}.
The speaker B is offering a favor (overlooking the lateness), so '-아/어 줄게요' is the most natural ending.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, for a book you use '덮다' (deop-da).
It depends on the relationship. Between friends, it's fine. With a boss, it's a bit risky but common if you have a good relationship.
'눈을 감다' implies a choice to ignore something you know is wrong. '모른 척하다' is simply pretending not to know something, which could be a mistake or just a surprise.
You can say '햇빛 때문에 눈을 감았어요.' This is the literal use.
The formal Hanja equivalent is '묵인(默認)', which means 'silent recognition'.
No, for that you use '문을 닫다' (close the door).
Not at all! It often means being merciful or kind by not pointing out a small flaw.
눈을 감습니다 (Present), 눈을 감으셨습니다 (Honorific Past).
No, use '해지하다'.
It is often written as '눈감아주다' (without a space) because it's a very common compound verb.
관련 표현
눈감아 주다
similarTo overlook as a favor
못 본 척하다
synonymTo pretend not to see
묵인하다
specialized formTo tacitly approve
눈을 뜨다
contrastTo open one's eyes / To become aware
눈을 붙이다
similarTo take a short nap
