意思
To be unable to utter a word due to shock, fear, or a sense of discomfort.
文化背景
The phrase highlights the importance of 'Chemyeon' (saving face). Being unable to speak often shows that the person is taking the situation seriously and feels deep shame. Similar to Korea, silence is often valued over quick excuses. However, Japanese might use 'Koto-ba ni tsumaru' (choking on words) more often for shock. In many Western cultures, silence can be seen as suspicious or as 'having something to hide'. In Korea, this specific 'stuck mouth' silence is often interpreted as a sign of sincere internal struggle. In Korean companies, using this phrase when reporting a failure can actually be seen as a sign of respect, showing that you understand the gravity of your mistake.
Use '차마' for extra impact
Adding '차마' (chama) before the phrase makes you sound much more sincere. It means 'I couldn't possibly bring myself to...'
Don't use for physical pain
If your jaw actually hurts, say '턱이 아파요' (My jaw hurts). This idiom is 100% emotional.
意思
To be unable to utter a word due to shock, fear, or a sense of discomfort.
Use '차마' for extra impact
Adding '차마' (chama) before the phrase makes you sound much more sincere. It means 'I couldn't possibly bring myself to...'
Don't use for physical pain
If your jaw actually hurts, say '턱이 아파요' (My jaw hurts). This idiom is 100% emotional.
Silence is a message
In Korea, saying '입이 안 떨어지네요' is often better than a quick, shallow apology. It shows you are thinking deeply.
自我测试
Fill in the blank with the correct particle and verb form.
너무 미안해서 입___ 안 ___________.
The subject marker '이' is required, and '안 떨어져요' is the correct negative polite form.
In which situation is '입이 떨어지지 않다' MOST appropriate?
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom is used for emotionally difficult situations like confessing a mistake.
Complete the dialogue.
가: 왜 어제 사과 안 했어? 나: 사과하려고 했는데, 얼굴을 보니까 ________________.
'입이 떨어지지 않았어' means the speaker couldn't bring themselves to speak. Other options mean: b) talkative, c) picky eater, d) wanting a snack.
🎉 得分： /3
视觉学习工具
When to use '입이 떨어지지 않다'
Guilt
- • Breaking a promise
- • Losing something borrowed
- • Lying to a friend
Shock
- • Sudden bad news
- • Surprise event
- • Witnessing an accident
Difficulty
- • Quitting a job
- • Confessing love
- • Asking for money
练习题库
3 练习너무 미안해서 입___ 안 ___________.
The subject marker '이' is required, and '안 떨어져요' is the correct negative polite form.
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom is used for emotionally difficult situations like confessing a mistake.
가: 왜 어제 사과 안 했어? 나: 사과하려고 했는데, 얼굴을 보니까 ________________.
'입이 떨어지지 않았어' means the speaker couldn't bring themselves to speak. Other options mean: b) talkative, c) picky eater, d) wanting a snack.
🎉 得分： /3
常见问题
4 个问题Usually no. It's almost always for negative or heavy emotions like guilt, shock, or sadness. For happy speechlessness, use '너무 기뻐서 말이 안 나와요'.
No. '입이 무겁다' is a personality trait (good at keeping secrets). '입이 안 떨어지다' is a temporary feeling of being unable to speak.
Yes, it is very appropriate. Just make sure to use the polite ending: '입이 떨어지지 않습니다'.
It refers to the lower jaw 'falling' away from the upper jaw to open the mouth. If it doesn't 'fall', the mouth stays shut.
相关表达
말문이 막히다
similarTo be speechless/at a loss for words.
입을 떼다
contrastTo start talking / to break the silence.
입이 가볍다
contrastTo be talkative / unable to keep a secret.
할 말을 잃다
similarTo lose one's words.
