뜻
To feel so ashamed or embarrassed that one wants to disappear.
문화적 배경
The concept of {體面|체면} (face) is central. Losing face in public is a significant social trauma, which is why this idiom is so frequently used to express the pain of embarrassment. Mice in Korean folklore are often seen as diligent but also as creatures that know every nook and cranny of a house. This familiarity with the 'hidden' parts of a home makes the 'mouse hole' a natural metaphor for a secret escape. The term '흑역사' (dark history) is often paired with this idiom. When people look back at their 'cringe' past, they often say they want to hide in a mouse hole. While the animal changes (ostrich in some cultures, mouse in others), the human desire to physically shrink or disappear when socially exposed is a universal psychological trait.
Use it for Humility
If a Korean person praises your Korean skills excessively, saying '쥐구멍에라도 숨고 싶네요' will make you sound incredibly native and humble.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep it in the '-고 싶다' or '-고 싶었다' form. Changing it too much might lose the idiomatic 'flavor'.
뜻
To feel so ashamed or embarrassed that one wants to disappear.
Use it for Humility
If a Korean person praises your Korean skills excessively, saying '쥐구멍에라도 숨고 싶네요' will make you sound incredibly native and humble.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep it in the '-고 싶다' or '-고 싶었다' form. Changing it too much might lose the idiomatic 'flavor'.
The 'Face' Factor
Remember that this idiom is about social exposure. It's about the feeling of everyone looking at you when you don't want them to.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the missing particles to complete the idiom.
너무 창피해서 쥐구멍___라도 숨___ 싶어요.
The standard idiom uses the particle '에' for location and '-고 싶다' for desire.
Which situation best fits the use of this idiom?
다음 중 '쥐구멍에라도 숨고 싶다'를 사용하기 가장 적절한 상황은?
Sleeping and snoring in front of a crush is a classic embarrassing situation.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
가: 어제 회식 때 사장님을 '아빠'라고 불렀다며? 나: 응, 진짜 ________________.
Calling your boss 'Dad' is extremely embarrassing, making the idiom the perfect response.
Choose the sentence that uses the idiom correctly in a formal context.
가장 자연스러운 표현을 고르세요.
Option 'a' uses the idiom to show humility in response to praise, which is a common formal usage.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제너무 창피해서 쥐구멍___라도 숨___ 싶어요.
The standard idiom uses the particle '에' for location and '-고 싶다' for desire.
다음 중 '쥐구멍에라도 숨고 싶다'를 사용하기 가장 적절한 상황은?
Sleeping and snoring in front of a crush is a classic embarrassing situation.
가: 어제 회식 때 사장님을 '아빠'라고 불렀다며? 나: 응, 진짜 ________________.
Calling your boss 'Dad' is extremely embarrassing, making the idiom the perfect response.
가장 자연스러운 표현을 고르세요.
Option 'a' uses the idiom to show humility in response to praise, which is a common formal usage.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
5 질문It's usually for more than just being shy; it's for when you've done something specific that causes embarrassment.
Yes, especially if you've made a mistake or are receiving praise. It shows you recognize the weight of the situation.
'부끄럽다' is a simple adjective for 'shy/ashamed'. The idiom is a much more vivid, dramatic way to express the same feeling.
No, the idiom is fixed with '쥐' (mouse). Changing the animal will make it sound like a joke or a mistake.
Not at all! It's used daily in TV shows, webtoons, and real-life conversations.
관련 표현
낯이 뜨겁다
similarTo have a hot face (blushing from shame).
얼굴을 들 수 없다
similarCannot lift one's face.
쥐도 새도 모르게
builds onWithout even the mice or birds knowing.
이불킥
similarBlanket kick.
