Korean Proverbs: 3. 식은 죽 먹기

Introduction

Literal Translation

Figurative Interpretation

English Equivalent

Synonyms

• "아무것도 아니다" (It’s nothing)

• "손쉽다" (Easy to handle)

Antonyms

• "눈물 나게 힘들다" (So hard it makes you cry)

• "하늘의 별 따기" (Like picking stars from the sky)

Usage Example

1. Exam Preparation:
   A student is worried about an upcoming exam. After studying, they find the exam much easier than expected. A classmate remarks, “너 공부 많이 했잖아, 시험은 식은 죽 먹기였을 거야.” (Translation: "You studied a lot, the exam must have been 'eating cold porridge' for you.")

2. Completing a Project:
   In a team meeting, there's concern about finishing a complex project on time. However, with efficient teamwork, the project is completed smoothly. One team member comments, “모두가 잘 협력해서 프로젝트 완성이 식은 죽 먹기였어요.” (Translation: "With everyone's cooperation, completing the project was 'eating cold porridge.'")

3. Learning to Drive:
   A person is anxious about learning to drive. After a few lessons, they find it easier than anticipated. Their instructor says, “처음엔 어려워 보였지만, 이제 운전은 너에게 식은 죽 먹기지?” (Translation: "It seemed hard at first, but now driving is 'eating cold porridge' for you, right?")

4. Assembling Furniture:
   A family is daunted by the task of assembling a complex piece of furniture. Surprisingly, they find the instructions straightforward and the assembly simple. One family member notes, “이 가구 조립은 생각보다 식은 죽 먹기였어요.” (Translation: "Assembling this furniture was easier than expected, like 'eating cold porridge.'")

5. Hosting an Event:
   An individual is tasked with organizing a large event and feels overwhelmed. However, with careful planning, the event runs smoothly. An attendee observes, “이번 행사 준비가 걱정됐었는데, 결과적으로 식은 죽 먹기였네요.” (Translation: "I was worried about preparing for this event, but in the end, it turned out to be 'eating cold porridge.'")

Simple Dialogues

1. Cooking a New Dish:
   가: "이 새로운 요리법을 시도해 보려고 하는데, 너무 어려울 것 같아."
   나: "걱정 마, 네 요리 실력으로 볼 때 그 요리는 식은 죽 먹기일 거야."
   가: "그래? 그럼 도전해볼게!"
   (Translation: 가: "I'm thinking of trying this new recipe, but it seems too hard." 나: "Don't worry, with your cooking skills, that recipe will be 'eating cold porridge' for you." 가: "Really? Then I'll give it a try!")

2. Running a Marathon:
   가: "마라톤 완주는 나에겐 너무 큰 도전이야."
   나: "하지만 넌 매일 열심히 훈련했잖아. 이젠 너에게 마라톤도 식은 죽 먹기지."
   가: "맞아, 훈련의 결과를 믿어야겠다."
   (Translation: 가: "Completing a marathon is a huge challenge for me." 나: "But you've been training hard every day. Now, a marathon is 'eating cold porridge' for you." 가: "Right, I should trust the results of my training.")

3. Presenting at a Meeting:
   가: "내일 회의에서 발표하는 게 긴장되네."
   나: "너 발표 준비 많이 했잖아. 너한텐 식은 죽 먹기일 거야."
   가: "맞아, 준비한 만큼 자신감을 가져야지."
   (Translation: 가: "I'm nervous about presenting at the meeting tomorrow." 나: "You've prepared a lot for it. It will be 'eating cold porridge' for you." 가: "Right, I should be confident as much as I've prepared.")

4. Taking a Driving Test:
   가: "운전 시험 보는 게 걱정돼."
   나: "너 이번 주 내내 연습했잖아. 이제 시험은 식은 죽 먹기야."
   가: "그래, 연습한 만큼 잘할 수 있겠지."
   (Translation: 가: "I'm worried about taking the driving test." 나: "You've practiced all week. The test will now be 'eating cold porridge' for you." 가: "Yes, I can do well as much as I've practiced.")

Dialogue

Conclusion