Rice Cake (ddeok) Metaphors in Korean Maxims
*“Rice cake in the painting”(Geurime ddeok) has been mistranslated as “Pie in the sky,” which refers to a foolishly unrealistic goal or an absurd daydream. The Korean equivalent of “Pie in the sky” can be “A sterile woman''s having a constant dream of a dragon every night.” In Korean culture, if a person sees a dragon in his/her dream, it is traditionally interpreted as a sign for conceiving a boy.
RECIPE: RICE CAKE SOUP (DDEOKGUK)Ddeok bongime jesa jinaenda. 떡 본 김에 제사 지낸다. | “Have the memorial service for your ancestors conducted since you see rice cakes at hand.” | |
● Rice cakes are essential for memorial services for ancestors. | ||
USAGE | When you solve a problem the moment you chance upon a thing which is very crucial to solving it | |
Name ddeoki keo boinda. 남의 떡이 커 보인다. | “The rice cakes are bigger on others’ plates.” | |
USAGE | When other people’s possessions or their situations always look better than your own even when they are not really so | |
EE* | The grass is greener on the other side of the fence. | |
Geurime ddeok* 그림의 떡 | “Rice cake in the painting” | |
● You cannot eat the rice cakes in the paintings. | ||
USAGE | When you’re facing the most attractive yet unreachable | |
Ddeok jul sarameun ggumdo an gguneunde gimchigukbuteo masijimara. 떡 줄 사람은 꿈도 안 꾸는데 김치국부터 마시지 마라. | “Do not drink Kimchi soup when a person who has rice cakes has no intention of giving you some.” | |
● Korean people eat rice cakes together with Kimchi soup - usually, the rice cakes first then the Kimchi soup. | ||
USAGE | When someone assumes that he’ll get something before he actually has it; when someone’s counting on something before it happens | |
EE* | Do not count your chickens before they hatch. | |
Ddeok jugo bbyam manneunda. 떡 주고 뺨 맞는다. | “You give someone a rice cake but he slaps you across the cheek in return.” | |
USAGE | When your good deeds are paid with evil | |
Ddeok dallaneunde dol junda. 떡 달라는데 돌 준다. | “You ask for a rice cake but are given a stone.” | |
USAGE | When someone treats you contrary to your wishes | |
Bogi joeun ddeoki meokgido jota. 보기 좋은 떡이 먹기도 좋다. | “A rice cake that looks good tastes good.” | |
EE* | Names and natures do often agree. | |
Nuweoseo ddeok meokgi 누워서 떡 먹기 | “(It’s like) eating rice cakes while lying down.” | |
USAGE | When something is really easy | |
EE* | It’s a piece of cake | |
EE* = English Equivalent | ||
*“Rice cake in the painting”(Geurime ddeok) has been mistranslated as “Pie in the sky,” which refers to a foolishly unrealistic goal or an absurd daydream. The Korean equivalent of “Pie in the sky” can be “A sterile woman''s having a constant dream of a dragon every night.” In Korean culture, if a person sees a dragon in his/her dream, it is traditionally interpreted as a sign for conceiving a boy.
KOREAN CULTURE: RICE CAKES, RICE CAKE SOUP & KOREAN AGE SYSTEM
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