Meaning
To exert extreme effort, literally 'until sweat forms on feet'.
Cultural Background
In Korea, showing that you are physically exhausted from work is often seen as a badge of honor. This idiom is frequently used in 'self-introduction letters' (자기소개서) for jobs to prove one's diligence. Managers often use this phrase to motivate employees before a big project. It signals that the upcoming period will require everyone to be 'on their toes' and active. Historically, the 'Peddlers' (보부상) who walked from market to market across the peninsula were the embodiment of this phrase. Their survival depended on their feet. On Instagram or blogs, people use this phrase with hashtags like #갓생 (God-saeng, meaning a productive life) to show they are living life to the fullest.
Use with '뛰다'
The most natural verb to pair this with is '뛰다' (to run) or '뛰어다니다' (to run around).
Not for literal sweat
If you are just hot and your feet are sweating, don't use this idiom. People will think you are working very hard!
Meaning
To exert extreme effort, literally 'until sweat forms on feet'.
Use with '뛰다'
The most natural verb to pair this with is '뛰다' (to run) or '뛰어다니다' (to run around).
Not for literal sweat
If you are just hot and your feet are sweating, don't use this idiom. People will think you are working very hard!
Job Interviews
Using this in a job interview shows you understand Korean work culture and values.
Humility
It's often used to describe one's own efforts in a humble way, suggesting 'I'm not a genius, I just work hard.'
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
성공을 위해서라면 발에 ___ 나도록 뛸 준비가 되어 있습니다.
'발에 땀 나도록' is the standard idiom for hard work.
Which situation best fits the use of '발에 땀 나도록'?
다음 중 이 표현을 쓰기 가장 좋은 상황은?
The idiom implies being busy and moving around a lot.
Complete the dialogue.
가: 오늘 정말 피곤해 보여요. 나: 네, 아침부터 손님들을 맞이하느라 발에 ___ 나도록 뛰어다녔거든요.
The context of 'running around' (뛰어다녔거든요) requires '땀 나도록'.
Match the idiom to the correct intensity.
Match '발에 땀 나도록' with its meaning.
It describes a high level of proactive effort.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Intensity Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercises성공을 위해서라면 발에 ___ 나도록 뛸 준비가 되어 있습니다.
'발에 땀 나도록' is the standard idiom for hard work.
다음 중 이 표현을 쓰기 가장 좋은 상황은?
The idiom implies being busy and moving around a lot.
가: 오늘 정말 피곤해 보여요. 나: 네, 아침부터 손님들을 맞이하느라 발에 ___ 나도록 뛰어다녔거든요.
The context of 'running around' (뛰어다녔거든요) requires '땀 나도록'.
Match '발에 땀 나도록' with its meaning.
It describes a high level of proactive effort.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! It is still widely used in news, business, and daily life. It's a classic that never goes out of style.
Yes, although studying is sitting down, you can use it metaphorically to mean you were 'running around' looking for information or working very hard.
'열심히' just means 'hard.' '발에 땀 나도록' is much more descriptive and emphasizes the 'busyness' and 'movement' involved.
No, it's actually quite good. If you say you will work '발에 땀 나도록,' your boss will be impressed by your dedication.
Generally no. It's almost always positive or neutral. However, if someone says it sarcastically, it could mean you are doing unnecessary work.
Absolutely. It's perfect for describing a soccer player or a runner who gave their all.
The phrase itself is native Korean, but the concept is similar to the hanja expression '동분서주' (東奔西走).
It's a connective ending. You just attach it to the verb stem: 나(다) + 도록 = 나도록.
It's not a standard idiom. People usually say '머리를 싸매다' (to wrap one's head) for hard thinking.
Yes, many lyrics about 'hustling' or 'starting from the bottom' use this or similar foot-related metaphors.
Related Phrases
발바닥에 불이 나다
similarTo run so fast/hard that the soles of the feet catch fire.
눈코 뜰 새 없다
synonymTo be incredibly busy (no time to open eyes/nose).
뼈 빠지게 일하다
similarTo work so hard your bones fall out.
손에 땀을 쥐다
contrastTo be in suspense (sweat in hands).
