A1 Idiom Neutral

발을 동동 구르다.

Bareul dongdong gureuda.

Stomp one's feet.

Meaning

To express impatience, frustration, or anger by stomping.

🌍

Cultural Background

In Korea, showing impatience is often seen as a sign of being 'hardworking' or 'passionate' about results, though it can also be seen as rude if done in front of others. Many East Asian cultures share the concept of 'ground-stomping' as a sign of frustration, likely due to shared historical linguistic roots.

🎯

Use with context

Always mention WHY you are impatient so the listener understands the situation.

⚠️

Don't overdo it

It's a strong phrase; don't use it for minor inconveniences like waiting 10 seconds.

Meaning

To express impatience, frustration, or anger by stomping.

🎯

Use with context

Always mention WHY you are impatient so the listener understands the situation.

⚠️

Don't overdo it

It's a strong phrase; don't use it for minor inconveniences like waiting 10 seconds.

Test Yourself

Which verb completes the phrase?

그는 버스를 기다리며 발을 동동 _____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 구르다

The idiom is '발을 동동 구르다'.

Fill in the blank with the correct form.

시험 결과를 기다리느라 _____ _____ _____ 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 발을 동동 구르고

The present progressive form is needed.

🎉 Score: /2

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

2 exercises
Which verb completes the phrase? Choose A1

그는 버스를 기다리며 발을 동동 _____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 구르다

The idiom is '발을 동동 구르다'.

Fill in the blank with the correct form. Fill Blank A2

시험 결과를 기다리느라 _____ _____ _____ 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 발을 동동 구르고

The present progressive form is needed.

🎉 Score: /2

Frequently Asked Questions

2 questions

Yes, it can express frustration-based anger, but it's more about impatience.

It can be seen as immature if done in a formal meeting.

Related Phrases

🔄

안절부절못하다

synonym

To be restless/fidgety

🔗

애가 타다

similar

To be anxious/worried

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