Meaning
Something that is easy to manage or does not require much attention.
Cultural Background
In the context of 'Pali-pali' (hurry-hurry) culture, '손이 안 가다' is a high compliment for technology and services. Efficiency is king. Historically, a 'hand-made' (손수 만든) item was the highest form of respect. Using '손이 안 가다' for a gift might actually be an insult. A '손이 안 가는 부하 직원' (a junior who doesn't need much supervision) is the most desired type of employee in high-pressure Korean companies. Parents often brag about children who are '손이 안 간다' as a sign of the child's maturity and the parents' good upbringing.
The 'Interest' Nuance
If you want to say you're not interested in a movie or book, '손이 안 가다' makes you sound very natural and idiomatic.
Subject Markers
Always use '이' with '손'. Using '을' changes the meaning to 'I am not moving my hand' literally.
Meaning
Something that is easy to manage or does not require much attention.
The 'Interest' Nuance
If you want to say you're not interested in a movie or book, '손이 안 가다' makes you sound very natural and idiomatic.
Subject Markers
Always use '이' with '손'. Using '을' changes the meaning to 'I am not moving my hand' literally.
Business Efficiency
Use this in interviews to describe how you improved a process: '업무에 손이 덜 가게 프로세스를 개선했습니다.'
Complimenting Kids
Telling a Korean parent their child is '손이 안 가는 아이' is a huge compliment about the child's independence.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '손이 안 가다'.
이 선인장은 물을 자주 안 줘도 돼서 (____).
The context is a plant that is easy to care for, so '손이 안 가요' is correct.
Match the situation to the correct meaning of '손이 안 가다'.
Situation: '이 반찬은 너무 매워 보여서 손이 안 가요.'
In the context of food, it often means you don't feel like reaching for it.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 새로 산 로봇 청소기 어때? B: 진짜 좋아! (____).
A robot vacuum makes cleaning easier, so it requires less effort (손이 안 가).
Which sentence is grammatically correct and natural?
Choose one:
The subject marker '이' is required, and the adnominal form '가는' describes the noun '아이'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Effort vs. Reach
Things that are '손이 안 가는'
Plants
- • Cactus
- • Succulent
- • Plastic flowers
Appliances
- • Robot vacuum
- • Dishwasher
- • Air fryer
Pets
- • Cat
- • Hamster
- • Fish
Practice Bank
4 exercises이 선인장은 물을 자주 안 줘도 돼서 (____).
The context is a plant that is easy to care for, so '손이 안 가요' is correct.
Situation: '이 반찬은 너무 매워 보여서 손이 안 가요.'
In the context of food, it often means you don't feel like reaching for it.
A: 새로 산 로봇 청소기 어때? B: 진짜 좋아! (____).
A robot vacuum makes cleaning easier, so it requires less effort (손이 안 가).
Choose one:
The subject marker '이' is required, and the adnominal form '가는' describes the noun '아이'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNot always. For tasks and pets, it's positive (easy). For food or hobbies, it's often negative (unappealing).
Yes, but usually only for children or subordinates to mean they are independent. Using it for friends might sound cold.
'쉽다' just means easy. '손이 안 가다' specifically implies that it doesn't require ongoing care or maintenance.
The opposite is '손이 많이 가다'.
It's risky. It might imply they are 'easy' or that you don't put effort into the relationship. Better to avoid.
Yes, in reports about efficiency or automation, using the form '손이 가지 않다'.
No, it's an idiom for effort. Your hands might still move, but the work feels effortless.
No, but '발길이 안 가다' exists, meaning you don't feel like going to a certain place.
Very! You'll hear it often in family dramas when talking about kids or cooking.
Use '손이 안 닿다' instead.
Yes! A reliable car that doesn't break down is '손이 안 가는 차'.
No, it's a standard idiom used by all age groups.
손이 안 갔어요 (son-i an gat-seo-yo).
No, for a difficult person you would say '손이 많이 가는 사람'.
Related Phrases
손이 많이 가다
contrastTo require a lot of work/effort.
손을 떼다
similarTo pull one's hands away; to quit.
손에 익다
builds onTo become accustomed to a task.
손이 덜 가다
specialized formTo require less work than before.
손을 빌리다
similarTo borrow a hand; to get help.
