Meaning
To be frequently mentioned or discussed by people.
Cultural Background
In Korea, gossip is often called '입방아' (mortar and pestle), implying that words are being ground up and spread around. Western cultures often use 'talk of the town' to describe the same phenomenon, focusing on the location rather than the mouth. Japanese culture often uses '噂' (rumor) to describe public talk, which can be more negative than the Korean equivalent. Arabic culture uses the 'tongue' as a symbol of public speech, emphasizing the power of the spoken word.
Use it for trends
It's perfect for describing anything that is currently popular or trending.
Watch the tone
While neutral, it can imply that the subject is being scrutinized.
Meaning
To be frequently mentioned or discussed by people.
Use it for trends
It's perfect for describing anything that is currently popular or trending.
Watch the tone
While neutral, it can imply that the subject is being scrutinized.
Combine with '요즘'
Adding '요즘' (these days) makes it sound very natural.
Public opinion
It reflects the importance of public opinion in Korea.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
그 사건은 한동안 사람들의 ________.
The idiom is '입에 오르내리다', meaning to be discussed.
Choose the sentence that uses the idiom correctly.
Which sentence is correct?
All these forms are grammatically acceptable in different contexts.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 그 연예인 스캔들 들었어? B: 응, 요즘 ________.
The context is about a scandal being discussed.
Match the situation to the correct usage.
A topic that is currently trending in the news.
This idiom specifically refers to public discussion.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises그 사건은 한동안 사람들의 ________.
The idiom is '입에 오르내리다', meaning to be discussed.
Which sentence is correct?
All these forms are grammatically acceptable in different contexts.
A: 그 연예인 스캔들 들었어? B: 응, 요즘 ________.
The context is about a scandal being discussed.
A topic that is currently trending in the news.
This idiom specifically refers to public discussion.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it's neutral. It just means people are talking about it.
Yes, if you are the center of attention.
It's neutral and works in most settings.
'입방아' is specifically for gossip.
Use standard verb endings like -다, -요, -고 있다.
Yes, for movies, songs, or products.
Yes, very common.
No, just discussion.
Only if discussing industry trends.
Yes, often to describe a character's reputation.
People will understand, but it might sound slightly odd.
No, it's quite intuitive.
Related Phrases
입방아에 오르다
synonymTo be the subject of gossip
구설수에 오르다
synonymTo be involved in a controversy
화제가 되다
similarTo become a topic
입을 모으다
contrastTo agree/speak with one voice
입이 가볍다
builds onTo be a gossip
입을 맞추다
contrastTo collude/agree on a story
