얼굴이 두껍다
To be shameless
Literalmente: 얼굴 (face) + 이 (subject marker) + 두껍다 (to be thick)
Use this to describe someone who acts selfishly without showing any signs of embarrassment or guilt.
Em 15 segundos
- Used to describe someone who is brazen and lacks shame.
- Literally means 'the face is thick,' acting as a shield.
- Generally negative and used to criticize rude or selfish behavior.
Significado
This phrase describes someone who has a 'thick face,' meaning they don't feel embarrassment or guilt even when they do something rude or selfish. It's like having a shield over your face that prevents you from blushing when you should be ashamed.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Complaining about a coworker who always leaves early
그 사람은 일을 다 안 끝내고 퇴근하다니, 정말 얼굴이 두껍네요.
I can't believe they left without finishing; they are so shameless.
Texting a friend about an ex who called for a favor
헤어진 지 일주일 만에 돈 빌려달라고? 진짜 얼굴 두껍다.
Asking for money a week after breaking up? So shameless.
A humorous self-reflection when asking for a big favor
제가 좀 얼굴이 두껍지만, 한 번만 더 도와주실 수 있을까요?
I know I'm being shameless, but could you help me one more time?
Contexto cultural
In Korea, the concept of 'face' (Chemyeon) is central to social harmony. Being called 'thick-faced' implies you've ignored the unspoken rules of humility and consideration for others. It is a social critique of someone's character rather than just a comment on a single action.
The 'Self' Shield
If you need to ask for a favor that feels a bit 'too much,' start with '제가 좀 얼굴이 두껍지만...' It shows you have manners and know you're being a bit pushy.
Don't use with Elders
Even if your boss is being objectively shameless, never use this phrase to their face. It's a character attack and can't be taken back easily.
Em 15 segundos
- Used to describe someone who is brazen and lacks shame.
- Literally means 'the face is thick,' acting as a shield.
- Generally negative and used to criticize rude or selfish behavior.
What It Means
Imagine someone who cuts a long line without blinking. They don't look embarrassed at all. In Korean, we say their 얼굴 (face) is 두껍다 (thick). It means their skin is so dense that shame cannot penetrate it. You use this for people who are bold, brazen, or just plain rude. It is the opposite of being shy or sensitive.
How To Use It
You usually use this as a descriptive statement. You can say 그 사람은 참 얼굴이 두꺼워요 to describe a third party. It is rarely used to compliment someone. If you say it to someone's face, be ready for a fight! It is a strong way to call out bad behavior. You can also use it self-deprecatingly if you are asking for a big favor.
When To Use It
Use it when someone asks for money they never plan to repay. Use it for the friend who eats your lunch and asks for dessert. It fits perfectly in office gossip about a boss who takes all the credit. You might also hear it in K-dramas when a villain acts like they did nothing wrong. It is great for venting about people who lack a conscience.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your grandparents or teachers. Even if they are being a bit much, it is quite insulting. Avoid using it for someone who is just confident or extroverted. There is a big difference between 'bold' and 'shameless' in Korea. If someone is just brave, use 용기 있다 instead. Don't use it for small, innocent mistakes.
Cultural Background
Korean culture places a huge emphasis on 'Chemyeon' (saving face). Having a 'thin' or sensitive face means you care about your reputation. A 'thick' face suggests you have abandoned your social responsibility to feel shame. Historically, blushing was seen as a sign of a good conscience. Therefore, a face that stays 'thick' and pale is suspicious. It’s a deeply social idiom about community standards.
Common Variations
You will often hear 낯가죽이 두껍다. This is a much harsher version. 낯가죽 refers to the 'hide' or 'leather' of the face. It's like saying someone has the skin of an animal. Another common one is 철면피, which means 'iron-clad face.' This is used for people who are truly cold-blooded and shameless. Stick to 얼굴이 두껍다 for general daily venting.
Notas de uso
This idiom is primarily used in informal or neutral settings. While not 'slang,' it is highly critical and should be used with caution in professional environments.
The 'Self' Shield
If you need to ask for a favor that feels a bit 'too much,' start with '제가 좀 얼굴이 두껍지만...' It shows you have manners and know you're being a bit pushy.
Don't use with Elders
Even if your boss is being objectively shameless, never use this phrase to their face. It's a character attack and can't be taken back easily.
The Opposite Meaning
While 'thick' is bad, having a 'thin' face (낯이 얇다) isn't necessarily a common idiom for 'good.' Instead, we say someone 'has a lot of shame' (부끄러움이 많다).
Exemplos
6그 사람은 일을 다 안 끝내고 퇴근하다니, 정말 얼굴이 두껍네요.
I can't believe they left without finishing; they are so shameless.
Using 'thick face' to describe someone avoiding responsibility.
헤어진 지 일주일 만에 돈 빌려달라고? 진짜 얼굴 두껍다.
Asking for money a week after breaking up? So shameless.
A very common casual way to vent to friends.
제가 좀 얼굴이 두껍지만, 한 번만 더 도와주실 수 있을까요?
I know I'm being shameless, but could you help me one more time?
Using it on yourself softens the request and shows self-awareness.
어떻게 저렇게 얼굴이 두꺼울 수가 있지? 줄을 다 무시하네.
How can they be so shameless? They're ignoring the whole line.
Expressing disbelief at a stranger's public rudeness.
거짓말이 들통났는데도 당당하다니, 정말 얼굴이 두껍군요.
You're so bold even after your lie was caught; you're truly shameless.
Used in a tense, emotional moment to call out a liar.
잘못을 하고도 바로 복귀하다니 얼굴이 참 두껍네요.
Returning to work right after a scandal, they have a thick face.
Commonly used in public discourse or social media comments.
Teste-se
Choose the correct form to describe a shameless person in a casual conversation.
와, 그 사람 진짜 ___. 사과도 안 해.
To describe someone as shameless, you use '두꺼워' (thick), not '얇아' (thin) or '커' (big).
Which particle is most natural in this idiom?
얼굴___ 두껍다.
The subject marker '이' is used because the 'face' is the subject that possesses the quality of being thick.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality and Intensity of '얼굴이 두껍다'
Using it on yourself to be polite.
제가 얼굴이 두껍지만...
Talking about someone with friends.
진짜 얼굴 두껍다.
Saying it to someone's face in anger.
참 얼굴도 두꺼우시네요!
When to call someone 'Thick-Faced'
Borrowing money and not paying back
The Perpetual Borrower
Cutting in a long queue
The Line Jumper
Taking credit for your work
The Credit Stealer
Lying without blushing
The Bold Liar
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasAbout 90% of the time, yes. However, if you use it about yourself like 제가 얼굴이 두껍네요, it shows humility.
No, that might offend them. Use 용감하다 (brave) or 씩씩하다 (spirited) instead.
철면피 is a more formal, literary term meaning 'iron-faced.' It's much stronger and sounds like something from a news report or a novel.
You would say 얼굴이 두꺼워요 or 얼굴이 두꺼우시네요 if you are being sarcastic but polite.
People sometimes use 낯짝이 두껍다. 낯짝 is a very derogatory way to say 'face,' making the insult much harsher.
It's a bit heavy for a child. For kids, we usually say they are 장난기가 많다 (mischievous) unless they are being truly bratty.
Not exactly. 'Thick-skinned' in English often means you can handle criticism. In Korean, it means you don't care about being rude.
Only if you are talking about a competitor or someone not present. Never use it about someone in the room unless you want to end the relationship.
You'll most often hear it as 진짜 얼굴 두껍다 when friends are gossiping about someone else's rude behavior.
Sometimes people will tap their cheek with their index finger to indicate someone is shameless.
Frases relacionadas
철면피 (Iron-faced/Shameless)
뻔뻔하다 (To be brazen)
낯가죽이 두껍다 (To have thick facial skin - harsher)
염치 없다 (To have no sense of honor/shame)
Comentários (0)
Faça Login para ComentarComece a aprender idiomas gratuitamente
Comece Grátis