뱀 먹은 소리한다
Speak hoarsely
Literalmente: 뱀 (Snake) + 먹은 (ate) + 소리 (sound) + 한다 (doing)
Use this playfully when a friend sounds hoarse or is mumbling due to shyness or exhaustion.
Em 15 segundos
- Used to describe a hoarse, raspy, or very weak voice.
- Comes from the sound an animal makes with a blocked throat.
- Best for casual conversations with friends or family members.
Significado
This phrase describes someone speaking in a very thin, hoarse, or barely audible voice. It's like when your voice cracks or sounds 'squeaky' because you are tired, sick, or feeling shy.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Waking up with a cold
감기 때문에 뱀 먹은 소리가 나네.
I sound like I ate a snake because of this cold.
After a long night of karaoke
노래방에서 너무 질렀나 봐. 뱀 먹은 소리하네.
I must have screamed too much at karaoke. I sound so hoarse.
A shy friend whispering a secret
크게 좀 말해봐! 왜 뱀 먹은 소리를 하고 그래?
Speak up! Why are you whispering like that?
Contexto cultural
This idiom reflects Korea's agricultural history where farmers lived closely with livestock. Observing a cow's distress after accidentally eating a snake became a metaphor for human vocal strain. It is a 'living' idiom that survives because the imagery is so distinct and relatable.
The 'Aegyo' Connection
Sometimes people use this phrase to tease someone who is using a fake, high-pitched 'baby voice' to get what they want.
Don't be too literal
If you use this with a stranger, they might think you are actually accusing them of eating a snake. Use it only when the metaphorical context is clear!
Em 15 segundos
- Used to describe a hoarse, raspy, or very weak voice.
- Comes from the sound an animal makes with a blocked throat.
- Best for casual conversations with friends or family members.
What It Means
Imagine a cow that just swallowed a long, slippery snake. The snake is stuck in its throat. Now, when that cow tries to moo, the sound is muffled and thin. That is exactly what 뱀 먹은 소리한다 describes. It refers to a voice that lacks strength. It sounds raspy, hoarse, or strangely high-pitched. You aren't shouting; you are barely squeezing the words out.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when someone's voice sounds 'off.' Maybe they have a sore throat. Perhaps they are whispering because they are nervous. You can use it as a lighthearted jab at a friend. Just add the verb 한다 (to do) or 하네 (doing) at the end. It functions as a descriptive idiom for the quality of someone's speech.
When To Use It
Use it when your friend has a cold and sounds like a frog. It is perfect for that morning voice before the first coffee. You can also use it if someone is being shy. If they are mumbling a confession or an apology, this fits perfectly. It’s great for casual settings like a karaoke room after five hours of singing. Your voice is gone, and you are literally 'making the sound of eating a snake.'
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your boss during a serious presentation. It is too descriptive and a bit blunt. Avoid using it in very sad situations, like a funeral. If someone is crying and their voice breaks, calling it a 'snake sound' is insensitive. It carries a slightly playful or observational tone. Keep it for people you are comfortable with.
Cultural Background
This idiom comes from old Korean folk observations. People noticed that if an animal (like a cow) swallowed a snake, its windpipe would be partially blocked. This created a very specific, wheezing sound. In traditional Korean medicine, the throat is a vital energy path. A 'snake' represents an obstruction of that energy. It’s a very visual and visceral way to describe vocal fatigue.
Common Variations
Most people use the standard 뱀 먹은 소리. You might hear 모기 소리 (mosquito sound) for a tiny voice. However, the snake version implies a more 'scratchy' or 'strained' quality. You can say 왜 뱀 먹은 소리를 해? which means 'Why do you sound so hoarse?' It’s a classic expression that hasn't changed much over the decades.
Notas de uso
This is an idiomatic expression best suited for informal or neutral settings. It is slightly descriptive and can be perceived as teasing, so use it with friends, family, or close colleagues. Avoid it in formal business or high-respect situations.
The 'Aegyo' Connection
Sometimes people use this phrase to tease someone who is using a fake, high-pitched 'baby voice' to get what they want.
Don't be too literal
If you use this with a stranger, they might think you are actually accusing them of eating a snake. Use it only when the metaphorical context is clear!
The Cow Origin
In rural Korea, cows were the most prized possessions. Farmers knew every sound they made, so a 'snake-eaten cow' was a very real, scary sound for them.
Exemplos
6감기 때문에 뱀 먹은 소리가 나네.
I sound like I ate a snake because of this cold.
Using '나네' to describe the sound coming out naturally.
노래방에서 너무 질렀나 봐. 뱀 먹은 소리하네.
I must have screamed too much at karaoke. I sound so hoarse.
A very common relatable scenario for young Koreans.
크게 좀 말해봐! 왜 뱀 먹은 소리를 하고 그래?
Speak up! Why are you whispering like that?
Used here to encourage someone to speak more confidently.
나 목소리 완전 뱀 먹은 소리임.
My voice totally sounds like I ate a snake right now.
Using '임' ending for quick, casual texting style.
애교 부리지 마. 뱀 먹은 소리 듣기 싫어.
Stop acting cute. I don't want to hear that squeaky voice.
Can be used to tease someone making a high-pitched 'aegyo' voice.
목 상태가 안 좋아서 뱀 먹은 소리가 나더라도 양해 부탁드립니다.
Please understand even if I sound hoarse due to my throat condition.
Using it self-deprecatingly to lower tension about a bad voice.
Teste-se
Choose the correct word to complete the idiom describing a hoarse voice.
어제 소리를 너무 질렀더니 ___ 먹은 소리가 나요.
The idiom specifically uses 'snake' (뱀) to describe the raspy sound of a blocked or strained throat.
Complete the sentence to tell a friend to stop mumbling.
자신 있게 말해! 왜 자꾸 뱀 먹은 ___를 해?
The full expression is '뱀 먹은 소리' which literally means 'snake-eaten sound'.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality Level of '뱀 먹은 소리한다'
Used with siblings or best friends while teasing.
야, 뱀 먹었냐?
Standard usage among peers or close colleagues.
목소리가 왜 그래? 뱀 먹은 소리하네.
Describing your own condition to acquaintances.
제가 지금 뱀 먹은 소리가 좀 나서요.
Generally avoided; use '목이 쉬다' instead.
N/A
When to use 'Snake-sound' Idiom
Morning Voice
Waking up with a raspy throat.
Post-Karaoke
Losing your voice after singing.
Being Shy
Mumbling a confession quietly.
Having a Cold
Speaking with a sore, thin throat.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNot exactly! It means you sound like an animal that *swallowed* a snake, resulting in a thin, strained, or raspy voice.
Usually no. It specifically refers to a weak, thin, or 'squeezed' sound, not a sexy deep voice.
Yes, it is quite informal. Instead, say 목이 쉬었습니다 (My voice is hoarse) to be polite.
In casual speech, 뱀 먹은 소리하네 (You're making a snake-eaten sound) is the most common.
Friends might jokingly ask 뱀 먹었어? (Did you eat a snake?) when they hear your raspy voice.
No, it is almost always for voices that are quiet, thin, or lacking in volume.
It is a classic idiom, but still very much in use today by all generations.
모기 소리 (mosquito sound) is just very quiet. 뱀 먹은 소리 is quiet PLUS raspy or strained.
Only if they are losing their voice or performing poorly. It’s not a compliment for a 'breathy' singing style.
Yes! You'll often hear it when a character is trying to hide their voice or is acting very shy/embarrassed.
Frases relacionadas
목이 쉬다 (To have a hoarse voice)
모기 소리만 하다 (To speak as quiet as a mosquito)
기어들어가는 목소리 (A voice that crawls inward/fades away)
목소리가 잠기다 (One's voice is locked/clogged)
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