Meaning
Meaning an eyesore; something or someone that causes annoyance or dislike.
Cultural Background
In Korean corporate culture, the concept of '눈에 가시' is often linked to the 'tall poppy syndrome.' Someone who stands out too much or challenges the hierarchy can become a 'thorn' to their superiors. The 'evil stepmother' or 'corrupt CEO' often refers to the protagonist as a '눈에 가시' because the protagonist is the only one who knows their secret. Historical dramas (Sageuk) use this phrase frequently to describe political factions. A rival scholar or official who threatens the power of another is a 'nun-e gasi'. With rapid development in Seoul, old residents often view new, flashy buildings that block their sunlight or view as '눈에 가시'.
Use with 'Existence'
Pair it with '존재' (existence) to sound more natural: '눈에 가시 같은 존재'.
Too Strong for Friends
Don't use this for friends unless you are joking. It implies a real enemy.
Meaning
Meaning an eyesore; something or someone that causes annoyance or dislike.
Use with 'Existence'
Pair it with '존재' (existence) to sound more natural: '눈에 가시 같은 존재'.
Too Strong for Friends
Don't use this for friends unless you are joking. It implies a real enemy.
The 'Eye' Connection
Remember that many Korean idioms use '눈' (eye) because eyes are seen as the window to one's feelings (Kibun).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
그는 사사건건 나를 방해하는 내 (______) 같은 존재다.
The idiom is '눈에 가시' (thorn in the eye).
Which situation best fits the use of '눈에 가시'?
어떤 상황에서 '눈에 가시'라는 표현을 쓸까요?
The idiom is used for people you dislike or find annoying, like a rival.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 저 건물은 왜 저렇게 색깔이 이상해? 주변이랑 너무 안 어울려. B: 그러게. 마을 전체 분위기에 정말 (______).
'눈에 가시네' is used here to describe an eyesore that doesn't fit the surroundings.
Match the idiom with its meaning.
Match the following:
'눈에 가시' means someone you hate. '눈이 높다' means having high standards. '눈을 감아주다' means to overlook a mistake. '눈에 띄다' means to stand out.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises그는 사사건건 나를 방해하는 내 (______) 같은 존재다.
The idiom is '눈에 가시' (thorn in the eye).
어떤 상황에서 '눈에 가시'라는 표현을 쓸까요?
The idiom is used for people you dislike or find annoying, like a rival.
A: 저 건물은 왜 저렇게 색깔이 이상해? 주변이랑 너무 안 어울려. B: 그러게. 마을 전체 분위기에 정말 (______).
'눈에 가시네' is used here to describe an eyesore that doesn't fit the surroundings.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'눈에 가시' means someone you hate. '눈이 높다' means having high standards. '눈을 감아주다' means to overlook a mistake. '눈에 띄다' means to stand out.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is not 'rude' in terms of language level, but it is a very strong expression of dislike. Use it with caution.
Only if you are talking to a very close friend behind the boss's back. Never say it to their face!
'눈에 가시' is the phrasal form (thorn in the eye), while '눈엣가시' is the grammatically combined noun form. They mean the same thing.
Yes, it can describe an eyesore, like a messy room or an ugly building.
The opposite would be '눈에 넣어도 아프지 않다' (so cute it wouldn't hurt even if put in the eye).
Very common in storytelling, news, and venting about people you dislike.
It's understandable but sounds a bit like a direct translation from another language. Stick to '눈에 가시'.
Usually it's a person, but it can be a situation or an object that causes constant irritation.
Yes, especially in editorials or political commentary to describe a nuisance to a party or country.
Associate it with a villain in a movie who you just want to see defeated.
Related Phrases
눈 위의 혹
similarA lump above the eye
미운 털이 박히다
similarTo have a hateful hair grow
눈에 넣어도 아프지 않다
contrastTo not hurt even if put in the eye
눈엣가시
specialized formThe compound noun form
