Korean Idioms: 2. 입이 무겁다

Introduction

Literal Translation

Figurative Interpretation

English Equivalent

Synonyms

1. "비밀을 잘 지키다" (to keep secrets well)

2. "말을 아끼다" (to be sparing with words)

Antonyms

1. "입이 가볍다" (to have a light mouth) - implying that one easily shares secrets or talks too much

2. "말이 많다" (to be talkative)

Usage Examples

1. In a Corporate Setting:
   A manager entrusts a sensitive project to an employee. The manager comments, “저 직원은 입이 무겁다고 알려져 있어. 그래서 중요한 업무를 맡겼지.” (Translation: "That employee is known for being tight-lipped. That’s why I entrusted them with this important task.")

2. During a Family Conversation:
   Discussing a surprise party for a relative, one family member says, “민주는 비밀을 잘 지키니까, 그녀에게 준비를 맡기자. 입이 무거운 사람이 필요해.” (Translation: "Minju is good at keeping secrets, so let's have her handle the preparations. We need someone who is tight-lipped.")

3. In a School Environment:
   After hearing a rumor, a student says to a friend, “나는 그 소식을 준희에게 들었어. 그런데 걱정하지 마, 그녀는 입이 무겁거든.” (Translation: "I heard that news from Junhee. But don't worry, she is discreet.")

4. At a Social Gathering:
   Someone mentions, “우리 중에 누군가 비밀을 샜나 봐. 하지만 지현이는 아닐 거야, 그녀는 입이 무거워서.” (Translation: "It seems someone among us has leaked a secret. But it wouldn’t be Jihyun, she is known for keeping things to herself.")

5. In a Professional Networking Event:
   Discussing a potential partnership, one businessman says to another, “우리 팀의 유진이 이번 거래에 대해 알고 있어. 그녀는 입이 무거우니 걱정하지 마세요.” (Translation: "Yujin from our team knows about this deal. She's discreet, so don't worry about it.")

Simple Dialogue Examples

1. In a Company Meeting:
   가: "이번 신제품에 대한 정보를 누가 유출했을까?"
   나: "진수는 입이 무겁다고 알려져 있어. 그가 유출했을 리 없어."
   (Translation: 가: "Who might have leaked information about the new product?" 나: "Jinsu is known for being tight-lipped. It couldn’t have been him.")

2. During a Friends' Gathering:
   가: "너는 민지에게 네 비밀을 말했어?"
   나: "응, 걱정 마. 민지는 입이 무거워. 아무한테도 말 안 할 거야."
   (Translation: 가: "Did you tell Minji your secret?" 나: "Yes, but don't worry. Minji keeps things to herself. She won’t tell anyone.")

3. In a School Project:
   가: "우리 조의 아이디어가 다른 조에게 알려졌어. 누가 말했을까?"
   나: "혜린이는 입이 무거워. 그녀는 절대 그런 일을 하지 않을 거야."
   (Translation: 가: "Our group's idea got out to another group. Who told them?" 나: "Hyelin is discreet. She would never do such a thing.")

4. At a Family Reunion:
   가: "가족 여행 계획을 할 때, 할아버지 생신 깜짝 파티 이야기를 누가 했어?"
   나: "지아가 했어. 하지만 걱정하지 마. 지아는 입이 무거워서 할아버지한테는 말 안 할 거야."
   (Translation: 가: "Who mentioned the surprise birthday party for Grandpa when planning the family trip?" 나: "Jia did. But don’t worry, she won’t tell Grandpa. She's discreet.")

5. In a Confidential Meeting:
   가: "이 중요한 정보를 누구에게 맡길까?"
   나: "윤호가 제일 적합해. 그는 입이 무거워서 비밀을 잘 지킬 거야."
   (Translation: 가: "Who should we entrust this important information to?" 나: "Yoonho would be the best. He’s known for being tight-lipped and will keep the secret.")

Dialogue

Conclusion