A1 Idiom Neutral

김칫국부터 마신다.

gimchitgukbuteo masinda.

Count your chickens before they hatch.

Phrase in 30 Seconds

Don't celebrate a victory before it actually happens.

  • Means: Expecting a positive result before it is guaranteed.
  • Used in: Planning, job interviews, or romantic situations.
  • Don't confuse: It is not about being optimistic, but being premature.
Empty bowl + premature drinking = disappointment

Explanation at your level:

This phrase means you are happy too early. You think you will win, but you have not won yet. Do not be too fast!
When you expect a good result before it is certain, you are 'drinking kimchi soup first.' It is a warning to be patient and wait for the real result.
This idiom describes the act of counting on a positive outcome before it has actually occurred. It is often used to advise others to stay grounded and avoid premature celebration.
The phrase serves as a cautionary metaphor for over-optimism. It highlights the social faux pas of assuming success, suggesting that one should wait for confirmation before making plans based on that success.
Rooted in traditional dining etiquette, this idiom functions as a socio-linguistic tool to curb hubris. It critiques the cognitive bias of over-anticipation, reminding interlocutors that the 'reward' is contingent upon the 'event' occurring first.
This idiom exemplifies the intersection of cultural etiquette and behavioral psychology. By invoking the imagery of premature consumption, it serves as a pragmatic marker for managing expectations within a collective social framework, effectively discouraging the projection of future success onto current, uncertain states.

Meaning

To anticipate a positive outcome too early, often leading to disappointment.

🌍

Cultural Background

Reflects the importance of patience in dining.

💡

Context is key

Use this only with people you know well.

Meaning

To anticipate a positive outcome too early, often leading to disappointment.

💡

Context is key

Use this only with people you know well.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.

아직 합격 발표도 안 났는데 벌써 파티 계획을 세우다니, _____ 마세요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 김칫국부터 마시지

The idiom is '김칫국부터 마시다'.

🎉 Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

No, it's too informal.

Related Phrases

🔄

설레발치다

synonym

To act prematurely.

Where to Use It

💼

Job Interview

A: I'm sure I'll get the job!

B: Don't drink the kimchi soup first.

neutral

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a bowl of soup that you drink before the meal arrives, making you look silly and hungry.

Visual Association

A person sitting at a table with an empty plate, drinking soup, while the chef is still cooking in the back.

Story

Min-su applied for a job. He told everyone he got it and bought a new suit. His friend said, 'Min-su, don't drink the kimchi soup first!' The next day, he got a rejection letter.

Word Web

김치국마시다성급하다기대실망

Challenge

Use this phrase in a conversation today when someone is being too optimistic about an unconfirmed event.

In Other Languages

Spanish high

No vendas la piel del oso antes de cazarlo.

The imagery is hunting vs. dining.

French high

Il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l'ours avant de l'avoir tué.

Focuses on the act of killing rather than the soup.

German moderate

Man soll den Tag nicht vor dem Abend loben.

Focuses on time rather than consumption.

Japanese high

捕らぬ狸の皮算用

Uses a raccoon dog instead of a chicken or soup.

Arabic high

لا تبع السمك في الماء

Focuses on ownership.

Chinese moderate

八字还没一撇

Focuses on the beginning of a task.

Korean self

김칫국부터 마신다

N/A

Portuguese high

Não conte com o ovo dentro da galinha.

Focuses on the egg.

Easily Confused

김칫국부터 마신다. vs 설레발치다

Both mean acting prematurely.

김칫국부터 마시다 is about expectations; 설레발치다 is about behavior.

FAQ (1)

No, it's too informal.

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