Meaning
To make a smacking sound with one's lips, often in anticipation of food.
Cultural Background
Food is a major topic of conversation. Using this phrase shows you are genuinely interested in the food. Similar to Korea, food appreciation is high, but 'drooling' is used more often for intense desire. Lip-smacking is often seen as rude while eating, but acceptable as a gesture of anticipation. Hyperbole is common in idioms; 'drooling three feet' is a standard way to express desire.
Context is key
Use it for food in casual settings, and for abstract goals in formal settings.
Don't be rude
Avoid smacking your lips loudly while actually eating.
Meaning
To make a smacking sound with one's lips, often in anticipation of food.
Context is key
Use it for food in casual settings, and for abstract goals in formal settings.
Don't be rude
Avoid smacking your lips loudly while actually eating.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
맛있는 냄새에 저절로 ____.
The sentence requires a passive/resultative form.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose the best sentence.
It describes anticipation of food, not the act of eating.
Match the situation to the feeling.
Match the following.
Matches the figurative usage.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises맛있는 냄새에 저절로 ____.
The sentence requires a passive/resultative form.
Choose the best sentence.
It describes anticipation of food, not the act of eating.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matches the figurative usage.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, it is used figuratively for opportunities or money.
Only if you do it while eating.
Related Phrases
군침을 삼키다
synonymTo swallow saliva
침이 고이다
similarSaliva is pooling
