Meaning
To do something repeatedly and diligently.
Cultural Background
The gesture of rubbing hands (비비다) is a traditional sign of humility. Even today, you might see people doing this in a stylized way in dramas to show they are 'at someone's mercy.' The emphasis on 'wearing out' the body for the sake of the family is a core Confucian value. A parent's 'worn hands' are seen as a badge of honor and love. In modern office culture, '손이 닳도록 빌다' is often used metaphorically to describe the intense social maneuvering or 'begging' required to fix a major professional blunder. In Korean Buddhism or Shamanism, the act of 'Jeol' (bowing) and rubbing hands while praying is a way to accumulate merit or move the hearts of the gods.
Pair with '빌다'
90% of the time, you'll use this with '빌다' (to beg). Memorize them as a single unit.
Don't be too literal
If you actually have a skin condition on your hands, don't use this phrase. People will think you're making a joke or using an idiom incorrectly.
Meaning
To do something repeatedly and diligently.
Pair with '빌다'
90% of the time, you'll use this with '빌다' (to beg). Memorize them as a single unit.
Don't be too literal
If you actually have a skin condition on your hands, don't use this phrase. People will think you're making a joke or using an idiom incorrectly.
The 'Rubbing' Gesture
Even if you don't rub your hands, using the phrase implies that level of humility.
Use for Gratitude
It's a very touching way to describe a grandmother's or mother's hard life.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
그는 아내에게 용서를 구하며 손이 (____) 빌었다.
The idiom is a fixed expression using '-도록'.
Which situation is MOST appropriate for this idiom?
언제 '손이 닳도록'이라는 표현을 쓸까요?
The idiom describes extreme hard work or sacrifice.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 어제 사장님께 사과드렸어? B: 응, (____________________).
Begging (빌다) is the most natural pairing for an apology.
Match the phrase with its meaning.
Match the following:
The idiom changes meaning slightly based on the following verb.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Intensity Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercises그는 아내에게 용서를 구하며 손이 (____) 빌었다.
The idiom is a fixed expression using '-도록'.
언제 '손이 닳도록'이라는 표현을 쓸까요?
The idiom describes extreme hard work or sacrifice.
A: 어제 사장님께 사과드렸어? B: 응, (____________________).
Begging (빌다) is the most natural pairing for an apology.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The idiom changes meaning slightly based on the following verb.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it sounds a bit boastful. It's better used to describe *others'* hard work or your own *apology*.
Only if you have made a catastrophic mistake and are writing a very personal apology. Otherwise, it's too emotional.
'손이 발이 되도록' is more extreme. It implies you are practically crawling on the floor.
Usually, it means something is wearing out and getting worse, but in this idiom, it's a positive sign of effort.
Yes! '손이 닳도록 기타를 연습했다' is a great hyperbolic way to show dedication.
It's a classic idiom, but it's still used every day in dramas, books, and emotional conversations.
The 'ㄹㅎ' bottom consonant is tricky. The 'ㅎ' disappears but changes the next 'ㄷ' to 'ㅌ'. So it's 'dal-to'.
Yes, if you are writing a lot. '손이 닳도록 노트를 정리했다.'
Always '손이'. '닳다' doesn't take an object.
Without '손이', it just means 'until it wears out'. You need '손이' to make it the idiom.
Related Phrases
손이 발이 되도록
similarTo beg so hard that hands are on the ground like feet.
뼈가 빠지도록
similarTo work so hard that bones come out.
마르고 닳도록
builds onUntil it dries and wears out (forever).
싹싹 빌다
specialized formTo beg rub-rub (onomatopoeic).
