귀가 얇다
gwiga yalda
To be gullible
Literally: 귀 (Ear) + 가 (Subject marker) + 얇다 (To be thin)
In 15 Seconds
- Describes someone easily influenced or swayed by others' opinions.
- Literally means 'ears are thin,' lacking a filter for persuasion.
- Commonly used for impulse buyers or indecisive friends.
Meaning
This phrase describes someone who is easily swayed by what others say. If you believe every recommendation or rumor you hear, your ears are 'thin' and let every word right in.
Key Examples
3 of 6Admitting an impulse buy to a friend
친구가 좋다고 해서 또 샀어. 나 진짜 귀가 얇은 것 같아.
My friend said it was good, so I bought it again. I think I'm really gullible.
Warning a friend about a pushy salesperson
너 귀 얇으니까 저 사람 말 너무 믿지 마.
Don't believe that person too much because you're easily swayed.
Discussing a character in a drama
그 주인공은 귀가 너무 얇아서 걱정이에요.
I'm worried about the protagonist because they are so easily influenced.
Cultural Background
In Korea, having a 'thick ear' is a compliment, implying wisdom and stability.
Self-Correction
Use this phrase to describe yourself when you want to sound humble about your decision-making.
In 15 Seconds
- Describes someone easily influenced or swayed by others' opinions.
- Literally means 'ears are thin,' lacking a filter for persuasion.
- Commonly used for impulse buyers or indecisive friends.
What It Means
Imagine your ears are like thin paper. Every little breeze or whisper moves them easily. That is exactly what 귀가 얇다 feels like. It describes someone who lacks a 'thick' filter for information. You hear a friend talk about a crypto coin? You buy it. A salesperson says a jacket looks amazing? You reach for your wallet. It is not just about being gullible. It is about being easily influenced by the opinions of others.
How To Use It
You usually use this with the verb 이다 (to be) or just the adjective 얇다. You can say 나는 귀가 얇아 to admit your own weakness. Or use it to describe a friend who just bought a third air fryer they don't need. It is a very common descriptive idiom in daily life. You will see it often in variety shows when celebrities get teased for being tricked.
When To Use It
Use it when someone makes a quick decision based on one person's advice. It fits perfectly when shopping with friends. It works when discussing someone's personality in a lighthearted way. If your sibling changed their major because of a YouTube video, this is the phrase. It is great for self-deprecation to explain why you have so many impulse buys.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this in serious professional evaluations. Calling your boss 귀가 얇다 implies they are weak-willed and easily manipulated. That is a quick way to lose your job! Do not use it for victims of serious crimes or scams. It is meant for light social situations or personality traits. It can sound a bit insulting if said to a stranger. Stick to people you know well.
Cultural Background
In Korea, being 'firm' or 'steadfast' is often seen as a sign of strong character. Having 'thin ears' suggests you don't have a strong center. However, it is often used as a 'cute' flaw. Many people jokingly claim they have thin ears to justify their shopping habits. It reflects a culture where social influence and 'word of mouth' are incredibly powerful. If everyone says a restaurant is good, the 'thin-eared' person is already in line.
Common Variations
You might hear 팔랑귀 (pallang-gwi). This comes from the sound of something flapping in the wind (팔랑). It literally means 'flapping ears.' It is a more slangy, cute way to call someone a 'gullible person.' You can say "너 진짜 팔랑귀구나!" to a close friend. It is slightly more informal than the original phrase.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-to-informal idiom. It is perfect for casual settings and self-reflection, but should be used with caution in formal hierarchies.
Self-Correction
Use this phrase to describe yourself when you want to sound humble about your decision-making.
Examples
6친구가 좋다고 해서 또 샀어. 나 진짜 귀가 얇은 것 같아.
My friend said it was good, so I bought it again. I think I'm really gullible.
Self-deprecating use of the phrase.
너 귀 얇으니까 저 사람 말 너무 믿지 마.
Don't believe that person too much because you're easily swayed.
Giving advice to a friend who is known to be gullible.
그 주인공은 귀가 너무 얇아서 걱정이에요.
I'm worried about the protagonist because they are so easily influenced.
Using the phrase in a polite, neutral setting.
유튜브 보니까 다들 이거 하길래... 나 또 팔랑귀 발동했어 ㅋㅋ
Everyone on YouTube was doing this... my thin ears are acting up again lol.
Uses the slang variation 'pallang-gwi'.
너는 왜 이렇게 귀가 얇아서 친구들 하는 대로 다 따라하니?
Why are your ears so thin that you just follow everything your friends do?
Expressing frustration at someone's lack of independent judgment.
저는 귀가 얇은 편이라 사기를 잘 당해요.
I have thin ears, so I get tricked easily.
Standard way to describe a personality trait.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
그는 너무 ____. 남의 말을 다 믿어.
The context 'believing everything' matches the meaning of being easily swayed.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises그는 너무 ____. 남의 말을 다 믿어.
The context 'believing everything' matches the meaning of being easily swayed.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, it can be rude if you are criticizing them. Use it carefully.
Related Phrases
줏대가 없다
synonymTo have no conviction.
