Meaning
To feel a prick of conscience or remorse for one's actions.
Cultural Background
In Korea, having a 'sensitive' conscience is seen as a sign of good upbringing. People often use this phrase to show they are 'human' and have moral standards. The concept of 'Yangsim' is deeply rooted in Mencius' philosophy of the 'Four Sprouts' of morality, where humans are born with an innate sense of right and wrong. With the rise of 'Gong-jeong' (fairness) culture, young Koreans use this phrase to criticize unfair advantages or 'nepo-babies' who don't feel guilty. Villains in K-Dramas are often characterized by their lack of this feeling, while 'redeemable' villains start to feel '찔리다' before they change.
Use it to be humble
When someone praises you for something you didn't do perfectly, saying '양심에 찔리네요' makes you sound honest and humble.
Don't over-use with strangers
Telling a stranger '양심에 찔려요' might make them wonder what you did wrong. It's best for friends or self-reflection.
Meaning
To feel a prick of conscience or remorse for one's actions.
Use it to be humble
When someone praises you for something you didn't do perfectly, saying '양심에 찔리네요' makes you sound honest and humble.
Don't over-use with strangers
Telling a stranger '양심에 찔려요' might make them wonder what you did wrong. It's best for friends or self-reflection.
The '찔려?' attack
If you suspect someone is lying, just asking '찔려?' (Pricked?) is a very common way to tease them into telling the truth.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
거짓말을 하고 나니까 계속 ( ) 잠을 못 잤어요.
The phrase '양심에 찔려서' (because my conscience was pricked) correctly explains the reason for not being able to sleep.
Which situation best fits the phrase '양심에 찔리다'?
다음 중 '양심에 찔리다'를 사용하기 가장 적절한 상황은?
This situation involves a moral dilemma and a sense of dishonesty, which is the core meaning of the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 너 왜 아까 지갑 주운 거 주인 안 찾아줬어? B: 나도 알아. 그래서 지금 계속 ( ).
B is expressing the guilt they feel for not doing the right thing.
Match the feeling to the action.
Match: '숙제를 베꼈다' (Copied homework)
Copying homework is a dishonest act that triggers a prick of conscience.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises거짓말을 하고 나니까 계속 ( ) 잠을 못 잤어요.
The phrase '양심에 찔려서' (because my conscience was pricked) correctly explains the reason for not being able to sleep.
다음 중 '양심에 찔리다'를 사용하기 가장 적절한 상황은?
This situation involves a moral dilemma and a sense of dishonesty, which is the core meaning of the idiom.
A: 너 왜 아까 지갑 주운 거 주인 안 찾아줬어? B: 나도 알아. 그래서 지금 계속 ( ).
B is expressing the guilt they feel for not doing the right thing.
Match: '숙제를 베꼈다' (Copied homework)
Copying homework is a dishonest act that triggers a prick of conscience.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYou can, but it sounds a bit light. For serious crimes, '죄책감' (guilt) or '가책' (remorse) is more common.
'양심에' is the standard idiomatic form. '양심이' is sometimes used but less common.
No, it just describes the feeling. You can feel '찔리다' and still keep the secret!
Yes, young people often just say '찔린다' or ask '찔려?' without saying '양심에'.
Related Phrases
가책을 느끼다
synonymTo feel remorse.
죄책감이 들다
similarTo have a sense of guilt.
양심이 없다
contrastTo have no conscience / To be shameless.
마음이 무겁다
similarTo have a heavy heart.
