Korean Idioms: 3. 눈이 놉다

Introduction

Literal Translation

Figurative Interpretation

English Equivalent

Synonyms

1. "기준이 까다롭다" (to have stringent criteria)

2. "선택이 까다롭다" (to be selective in choosing)

Antonyms

1. "눈이 낮다" (to have low eyes) - implying less discerning or lower standards

2. "만족하기 쉽다" (to be easily satisfied)

Usage Examples

1. In a Fashion Store:
   A customer meticulously examines each piece of clothing before making a choice. The sales assistant remarks to a colleague, “그 고객은 정말 눈이 높아. 마음에 드는 걸 찾기가 쉽지 않을 거야.” (Translation: "That customer has really high standards. It won't be easy to find something that satisfies them.")

2. In a Relationship Conversation:
   Two friends are discussing dating preferences. One says, “민지는 항상 데이트 상대에 대한 기준이 엄청 높아. 그녀는 눈이 높은 편이야.” (Translation: "Minji always has very high criteria for who she dates. She's someone with high standards.")

3. During a Job Recruitment Process:
   An HR manager comments on a candidate, “이 지원자는 우리 회사에 대한 기대가 크다. 분명히 눈이 높은 사람이야.” (Translation: "This applicant has great expectations for our company. Clearly, they have high standards.")

4. At a Real Estate Showing:
   After showing multiple properties to a client, the real estate agent says, “이 고객은 집에 대한 기준이 정말 까다로워. 눈이 높은 사람들은 만족시키기 어려워.” (Translation: "This client has very stringent criteria for houses. It's hard to satisfy people with high standards.")

5. In an Art Gallery:
   An artist overhears a visitor critiquing various artworks. The artist notes to a colleague, “저 방문객은 예술 작품에 대해 까다로운 평가를 하네. 정말 눈이 높은 사람 같아.” (Translation: "That visitor is making critical assessments of the art pieces. They seem to have very high standards.")

Simple Dialogue Examples

1. In a Book Club:
   가: "유나는 새로 나온 책들에 대해 항상 비판적이야."
   나: "그녀는 정말 눈이 높아. 쉽게 만족하지 않으니까."
   Translation
   가: "Yuna is always critical of new books."
   나: "She has high standards. She's not easily satisfied."

2. While Shopping for Clothes:
   가: "이 매장에서 네가 마음에 드는 옷을 찾을 수 있을까?"
   나: "나는 눈이 높아서 여기선 좀 힘들지도 몰라."
   Translation
   가: "Can you find clothes you like in this store?"
   나: "I have high standards, so it might be difficult here."

3. Discussing a Friend's Dating Life:
   가: "지현이 왜 아직도 솔로야?"
   나: "그녀는 눈이 높아. 마음에 드는 사람을 찾기가 쉽지 않아."
   Translation
   가: "Why is Jihyun still single?"
   나: "She's picky. It's not easy for her to find someone she likes."

4. At a Restaurant:
   가: "이 음식이 어때? 맛있어?"
   나: "난 눈이 좀 높아서 이 정도로는 만족 못해."
   Translation
   가: "How's the food? Is it good?"
   나: "I'm hard to please, so this isn't quite satisfying for me."

5. In a Team Meeting:
   가: "우리 팀 프로젝트 결과에 대해 호진이 의견은 어때?"
   나: "호진은 눈이 높아. 그의 기대치를 충족시키기 어려워."
   Translation
   가: "What does Hojin think about our team project results?"
   나: "Hojin has high standards. It's hard to meet his expectations."

Dialogue

Conclusion