Meaning
To discuss and cooperate to solve a problem or make a decision.
Cultural Background
Reflects the 'Sarangbang' culture where communal decision-making was the norm. Similar focus on 'Wa' (harmony), but uses the forehead (額) as the focal point. Equivalent to 'Brainstorming', but '머리를 맞대다' feels more intimate and less corporate. Used frequently in online communities when users collaborate to solve a mystery or a game puzzle.
Use with '같이'
Adding '같이' (together) makes the phrase sound even more collaborative.
Not for fighting
Never use this to describe a physical fight or headbutting.
Meaning
To discuss and cooperate to solve a problem or make a decision.
Use with '같이'
Adding '같이' (together) makes the phrase sound even more collaborative.
Not for fighting
Never use this to describe a physical fight or headbutting.
The 'Woori' Spirit
Using this phrase in a Korean office will make you sound like a great team player.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
어려운 문제를 풀기 위해 친구와 ( ) 맞댔어요.
The idiom is '머리를 맞대다'.
Which situation is appropriate for this idiom?
언제 '머리를 맞대다'를 사용할까요?
It is used for collaboration and brainstorming.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 이 프로젝트 어떻게 하죠? B: 걱정 마세요. 우리 모두 ( ).
Putting heads together leads to solutions.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises어려운 문제를 풀기 위해 친구와 ( ) 맞댔어요.
The idiom is '머리를 맞대다'.
언제 '머리를 맞대다'를 사용할까요?
It is used for collaboration and brainstorming.
A: 이 프로젝트 어떻게 하죠? B: 걱정 마세요. 우리 모두 ( ).
Putting heads together leads to solutions.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is polite and shows you want to collaborate. Use the formal form '머리를 맞대고 의논하고 싶습니다'.
No, it can be used for any group size, from two people to a whole nation.
No, it is almost always figurative in modern Korean.
They are very similar, but '머리를 맞대다' feels more traditional and emphasizes the bond between people.
Related Phrases
중지를 모으다
synonymTo gather collective wisdom
머리를 짜내다
similarTo rack one's brain
무릎을 맞대다
similarTo sit knee-to-knee
손을 잡다
similarTo join hands
발 벗고 나서다
builds onTo take active lead
