意思
Something valuable wasted on someone who cannot appreciate it; 'pearls before swine'.
文化背景
In Korea, calling someone a 'pig' is generally an insult related to greed or laziness, but in this proverb, it specifically targets their lack of 'class' or 'discernment'. In the 21st century, this phrase is most commonly applied to 'over-specced' gadgets. It's a way to mock consumerism where people buy things they don't know how to operate. The proverb aligns with the Confucian idea that one must cultivate their inner self before they are worthy of outer adornments or high status. Koreans take gift-giving seriously. Giving a gift that is 'too good' for someone can actually be a subtle way of insulting them using this proverb.
High Insult Risk
Calling someone a 'pig' is very offensive in Korea. Only use this about someone, never to them.
Use with -격이다
Adding '-격이다' (is the equivalent of) makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
意思
Something valuable wasted on someone who cannot appreciate it; 'pearls before swine'.
High Insult Risk
Calling someone a 'pig' is very offensive in Korea. Only use this about someone, never to them.
Use with -격이다
Adding '-격이다' (is the equivalent of) makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
The 'Dog' Version
If you want to sound more traditional/rural, use '개 발에 주석 편자' instead.
Context Matters
It's not just about money; it can be about giving a deep book to someone who only reads comics.
自我测试
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
그 사람에게 이 비싼 와인은 돼지 ( )에 ( )예요.
The standard proverb is '돼지 목에 진주'.
Which situation best fits the phrase '돼지 목에 진주'?
다음 중 '돼지 목에 진주'라는 표현을 쓰기에 가장 적절한 상황은?
The phrase is used when a valuable item is given to someone who cannot use or appreciate it.
Choose the most natural ending for the sentence.
아무리 좋은 책이라도 읽지 않는 사람에게는...
A good book is wasted on someone who doesn't read, fitting the 'pearls before swine' meaning.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 이번에 철수한테 최신형 아이폰을 선물했어. B: 철수는 기계치잖아. ( )
Since Chul-soo is bad with machines (기계치), a high-end phone is a waste on him.
🎉 得分： /4
视觉学习工具
Pig vs. Dog Proverb
Common Targets
Objects
- • Luxury bags
- • Expensive wine
- • Jewelry
Skills
- • High-end tech
- • Pro cameras
- • Sports cars
Abstract
- • Deep advice
- • Classical music
- • Philosophy
练习题库
4 练习그 사람에게 이 비싼 와인은 돼지 ( )에 ( )예요.
The standard proverb is '돼지 목에 진주'.
다음 중 '돼지 목에 진주'라는 표현을 쓰기에 가장 적절한 상황은?
The phrase is used when a valuable item is given to someone who cannot use or appreciate it.
아무리 좋은 책이라도 읽지 않는 사람에게는...
A good book is wasted on someone who doesn't read, fitting the 'pearls before swine' meaning.
A: 이번에 철수한테 최신형 아이폰을 선물했어. B: 철수는 기계치잖아. ( )
Since Chul-soo is bad with machines (기계치), a high-end phone is a waste on him.
🎉 得分： /4
常见问题
14 个问题Mostly yes, but it can also apply to high-quality advice, art, or opportunities.
Yes, in a self-deprecating way. e.g., '저한테 이런 비싼 차는 돼지 목에 진주예요.' (This car is too good for me.)
Yes, especially when talking about 'flexing' or buying expensive gear without knowing how to use it.
They are almost identical, but '돼지 목에 진주' is slightly more common in urban/modern settings.
It's grammatically okay but sounds less natural than '돼지 목에 진주'.
No, it is too informal and potentially insulting to clients or colleagues.
Pigs are traditionally seen as animals that eat anything and can't distinguish between food and gems.
Yes, the proverb is fixed. You cannot say '돼지 목에 다이아몬드'.
You could say '그분에게는 조금 과분한 것 같네요' (It seems a bit much for them).
Not really. It's inherently a critical or cynical phrase.
Not literally, but it implies they lack the 'clean' or 'refined' taste required for the object.
No, it's about the mismatch between a person and an object, not the environment.
It appears in many dramas (like 'The Glory' or 'Sky Castle') to highlight class differences.
It is usually taught at the A2/B1 level as it's a very common essential proverb.
相关表达
개 발에 주석 편자
synonymA tin horseshoe on a dog's foot.
닭의 목에 진주
similarA pearl on a chicken's neck.
분수에 맞지 않다
builds onTo not fit one's station/level.
아까운 재능
similarWasted talent.
소 귀에 경 읽기
similarReading scriptures to a cow's ear.
