Meaning
Something that has already happened and cannot be changed or undone.
Cultural Background
Used as a common life lesson for children to build resilience. Uses the exact same idiom, reflecting shared Confucian values. Originates from a story about a man who wanted to take his wife back after divorce, but she poured water to show it's impossible. Uses 'spilled milk' instead of water, but the sentiment is identical.
Use '이미'
Adding '이미' (already) makes the phrase sound more natural.
Don't be cold
Be careful when using this with people who are truly suffering.
Meaning
Something that has already happened and cannot be changed or undone.
Use '이미'
Adding '이미' (already) makes the phrase sound more natural.
Don't be cold
Be careful when using this with people who are truly suffering.
Pair with action
Always follow this phrase with a suggestion for the future.
Test Yourself
Complete the phrase.
이미 _____ 물이니 잊어버리자.
The idiom is '엎질러진 물'.
Which situation is appropriate for this phrase?
When should you use '이미 엎질러진 물이야'?
It is used to accept past mistakes.
Match the Korean phrase with its meaning.
Match: 엎질러진 물
It refers to things that cannot be changed.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 시험을 망쳤어. B: _____
It provides comfort by acknowledging the past.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises이미 _____ 물이니 잊어버리자.
The idiom is '엎질러진 물'.
When should you use '이미 엎질러진 물이야'?
It is used to accept past mistakes.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
It refers to things that cannot be changed.
A: 시험을 망쳤어. B: _____
It provides comfort by acknowledging the past.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt depends on the context. If used to dismiss someone's feelings, it can be rude.
No, it's too informal for professional writing.
Because water is hard to collect once spilled on the ground.
Yes, but this is the most common one.
Related Phrases
후회막급
similarRegret is too late.
어쩔 수 없다
synonymCannot be helped.
되돌릴 수 없다
synonymCannot be reversed.
새옹지마
contrastLife's ups and downs.
