Meaning
To hear something repeatedly until one is tired of hearing it.
Cultural Background
Nagging (잔소리) is a major theme in Korean pop culture, often depicted as a sign of a mother's love or a teacher's dedication. This idiom is the standard 'rebellious' but still polite response. Similar to Korea, Japan uses the 'callus' (tako) metaphor. It shows a shared cultural understanding of 'endurance' in listening to elders. In many East Asian cultures, repetitive moral instruction is a key part of education. This idiom reflects the 'wear and tear' of that educational style. In the age of 'memes' and 'viral videos,' Koreans use this phrase to describe seeing the same content over and over on their social media feeds.
Use with -도록
90% of the time, you will see this as '귀에 못이 박히도록 들었다'. Memorize it as a whole chunk.
Don't use with your Boss
Even if your boss is nagging, saying this to their face is risky. Use it when complaining *about* them to friends.
Meaning
To hear something repeatedly until one is tired of hearing it.
Use with -도록
90% of the time, you will see this as '귀에 못이 박히도록 들었다'. Memorize it as a whole chunk.
Don't use with your Boss
Even if your boss is nagging, saying this to their face is risky. Use it when complaining *about* them to friends.
The 'Callus' Secret
Knowing it means 'callus' helps you understand why it's not as violent as it sounds!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
어머니께 공부하라는 소리를 귀에 ___ 들었어요.
'못이 박히도록' is the most standard and grammatically correct form for this idiom.
Which situation best fits the idiom '귀에 못이 박히다'?
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom is used for repetitive speech that becomes annoying or tedious.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
가: 지수 씨, 또 지각이에요? 제발 시간 좀 지키세요! 나: 죄송해요. 그 소리는 정말 ___.
The speaker is acknowledging they've heard the nagging many times before.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises어머니께 공부하라는 소리를 귀에 ___ 들었어요.
'못이 박히도록' is the most standard and grammatically correct form for this idiom.
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom is used for repetitive speech that becomes annoying or tedious.
가: 지수 씨, 또 지각이에요? 제발 시간 좀 지키세요! 나: 죄송해요. 그 소리는 정말 ___.
The speaker is acknowledging they've heard the nagging many times before.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsTechnically both, but the idiom's origin is 'callus.' However, most modern Koreans visualize a 'nail.'
Yes, but it implies you've heard it so much you might be getting a bit tired of it.
It can be. It's better used with friends or family than in professional settings.
'귀가 따갑다' is for the immediate feeling of sharp nagging, while '못이 박히다' is for long-term repetition.
Related Phrases
귀에 딱지가 앉다
similarA scab has formed on the ear.
귀가 따갑다
similarEars are stinging.
한 귀로 듣고 한 귀로 흘리다
contrastIn one ear and out the other.
입에 침이 마르다
builds onOne's mouth is dry (from speaking so much).
