Meaning
To get very angry or heated while speaking.
Cultural Background
In Korean society, showing extreme anger is often seen as a lack of 'Gyoyang' (refinement). However, in political or labor protests, 'raising one's neck veins' is a symbol of fighting for one's rights. In meetings, if a subordinate 'raises their neck veins' to a superior, it is considered a serious act of rebellion. Conversely, a boss doing it to a subordinate is a common (though criticized) display of 'Gapjil' (power abuse). Directors often use close-up shots of an actor's neck when they are 'raising their 핏대' to visually signal to the audience that the character has reached their breaking point. Korean fans are known for their 'Eung-won' (cheering). During international matches (like the World Cup), fans will 'raise their neck veins' while singing and shouting, showing their national pride.
Use for emphasis
Instead of just saying '화냈어요' (was angry), use this to make your story more vivid and native-like.
Don't use for yourself to elders
Never tell a teacher or grandparent that you 'raised your neck veins' at them; it's very disrespectful.
Meaning
To get very angry or heated while speaking.
Use for emphasis
Instead of just saying '화냈어요' (was angry), use this to make your story more vivid and native-like.
Don't use for yourself to elders
Never tell a teacher or grandparent that you 'raised your neck veins' at them; it's very disrespectful.
Combine with '소리치다'
It sounds very natural when used as: '목에 핏대를 세우며 소리쳤다'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.
그는 너무 화가 나서 목에 핏대를 (____).
The object marker '를' (implied or used) requires the causative verb '세우다'.
In which situation would you most likely use this phrase?
다음 중 '목에 핏대를 세우다'를 사용하기 가장 적절한 상황은?
The phrase is used for heated arguments or passionate debates.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 어제 왜 그렇게 소리를 질렀어? B: 내 아이디어를 아무도 안 들어주잖아. 그래서 나도 모르게 (____).
The context of shouting because no one is listening fits the idiom perfectly.
Choose the sentence that uses the idiom correctly.
가장 자연스러운 문장을 고르세요.
Expressing unfairness (억울함) often leads to heated speaking.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises그는 너무 화가 나서 목에 핏대를 (____).
The object marker '를' (implied or used) requires the causative verb '세우다'.
다음 중 '목에 핏대를 세우다'를 사용하기 가장 적절한 상황은?
The phrase is used for heated arguments or passionate debates.
A: 어제 왜 그렇게 소리를 질렀어? B: 내 아이디어를 아무도 안 들어주잖아. 그래서 나도 모르게 (____).
The context of shouting because no one is listening fits the idiom perfectly.
가장 자연스러운 문장을 고르세요.
Expressing unfairness (억울함) often leads to heated speaking.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it's not a swear word or slang. It's a standard idiom, but it describes a negative/aggressive behavior.
Yes, but it's less common. You can use it for a very passionate speaker you admire, but it still emphasizes their 'loudness' and 'intensity'.
There is almost no difference. '세우다' is slightly more descriptive of the physical look, while '올리다' is a bit more common in casual talk.
Yes! '목에 핏대가 섰다' means 'The veins stood up'. It's the passive/intransitive version and is very common.
Only to describe a very tense or failed meeting. You wouldn't use it in a professional presentation.
Related Phrases
핏대를 올리다
synonymTo raise the neck veins
열변을 토하다
similarTo deliver a heated/passionate speech
얼굴을 붉히다
similarTo turn red in the face
입에 거품을 물다
builds onTo foam at the mouth
조용히 타이르다
contrastTo reason with someone quietly
