Meaning
To be utterly surprised, amazed, or shocked, leaving one speechless.
Cultural Background
In Korea, this phrase is used to show respect for someone's talent or achievement. Similar to Korea, Japanese speakers use mouth-related idioms to express shock, often using onomatopoeia. The 'jaw-dropping' metaphor is universal, reflecting a shared human biology. In some formal Arabic contexts, similar metaphors are used but often with more poetic or literary flair.
Use the intensifier
Adding '딱' makes the surprise sound much more natural and emphatic.
Social usage
It's a great way to show you are actively listening and reacting to a friend's story.
Meaning
To be utterly surprised, amazed, or shocked, leaving one speechless.
Use the intensifier
Adding '딱' makes the surprise sound much more natural and emphatic.
Social usage
It's a great way to show you are actively listening and reacting to a friend's story.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
그의 엄청난 성적을 보고 모두 ____.
The idiom for being surprised is '입이 딱 벌어지다'.
Choose the situation where this idiom is appropriate.
Which situation is best for '입이 딱 벌어지다'?
It is used for surprise and awe, like seeing a beautiful sunset.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 와, 이 건물 진짜 크다! B: ____.
The idiom fits the context of being impressed by the building's size.
Match the phrase with its meaning.
Match: 입이 딱 벌어지다
The idiom means to be surprised or amazed.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises그의 엄청난 성적을 보고 모두 ____.
The idiom for being surprised is '입이 딱 벌어지다'.
Which situation is best for '입이 딱 벌어지다'?
It is used for surprise and awe, like seeing a beautiful sunset.
A: 와, 이 건물 진짜 크다! B: ____.
The idiom fits the context of being impressed by the building's size.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The idiom means to be surprised or amazed.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it works for both positive and negative shock.
It is neutral and can be used in most settings.
It acts as an intensifier for the suddenness of the action.
Yes, but it is less emphatic.
Yes, it is common in informal writing and journalism.
No, it is strictly for surprise.
It is usually used for humans.
That is a medical issue, not an idiom!
No, it is a standard idiom.
Use it carefully; it might be too informal depending on the company culture.
Yes, 'jaw-dropping'.
It is usually used in the past tense: 벌어졌다.
Related Phrases
입을 다물지 못하다
synonymCannot close one's mouth
말문이 막히다
similarTo be speechless
넋을 잃다
similarTo be mesmerized
눈이 휘둥그레지다
similarEyes widen in surprise
