Meaning
To deliberately look away from someone's eyes, often due to shyness or guilt.
Cultural Background
In traditional Korean etiquette, looking an elder directly in the eye while being scolded is seen as '대들다' (challenging/talking back). Thus, '눈을 피하다' can be a protective social behavior. In many Western cultures, '눈을 피하다' is seen as a sign of dishonesty or lack of confidence. 'Look me in the eye' is a common demand for honesty. Similar to Korea, avoiding direct eye contact is often a way to maintain 'Wa' (harmony) and avoid confrontation. In some Middle Eastern cultures, avoiding eye contact between opposite genders is a sign of modesty and religious respect.
Body Language
When using this phrase, slightly tilting your head down adds to the realism of the expression.
Don't over-use in business
While polite in some contexts, avoiding eyes in a Korean job interview can make you look untrustworthy.
Meaning
To deliberately look away from someone's eyes, often due to shyness or guilt.
Body Language
When using this phrase, slightly tilting your head down adds to the realism of the expression.
Don't over-use in business
While polite in some contexts, avoiding eyes in a Korean job interview can make you look untrustworthy.
Use with '자꾸'
Adding '자꾸' (repeatedly) makes the sentence sound much more natural when describing someone's nervous behavior.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '눈을 피하다'.
거짓말을 하는 아이가 엄마의 ______.
The child is lying, so they avoid the mother's eyes.
Which situation best describes '눈을 피하다'?
When would you use this phrase?
Shyness is a primary reason for avoiding eye contact.
Complete the dialogue.
가: 왜 내 말을 안 듣고 바닥만 봐? 나: 미안해, 너무 ______.
The person is looking at the floor because they feel sorry (죄송해서).
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises거짓말을 하는 아이가 엄마의 ______.
The child is lying, so they avoid the mother's eyes.
When would you use this phrase?
Shyness is a primary reason for avoiding eye contact.
가: 왜 내 말을 안 듣고 바닥만 봐? 나: 미안해, 너무 ______.
The person is looking at the floor because they feel sorry (죄송해서).
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNot always! It can be a sign of innocent shyness or romantic fluttering.
Yes, it's very common to say a dog '눈을 피하다' when it knows it did something wrong.
The most direct opposite is '눈을 맞추다' (to make eye contact).
'시선' is more formal/literary. '눈' is more common in daily speech.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. Always use '피하다'.
Related Phrases
시선을 피하다
synonymTo avoid one's gaze
눈을 맞추다
contrastTo make eye contact
눈을 깔다
specialized formTo look down (submissively or aggressively)
눈길을 돌리다
similarTo turn one's eyes away
낯을 가리다
builds onTo be shy with strangers
