악어의 눈물
ageoui nunmul
The English phrase 'crocodile tears' is translated into Korean as 악어의 눈물 (ageoui nunmul).
Just like in English, this phrase is used to describe insincere displays of grief or regret, specifically referring to false tears shed by someone pretending to be sad or sorry.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 악어 (crocodile), the possessive particle 의 (of/'s) and 눈물 (tears).
How do you pronounce it?
ageoui nunmul
Did you know?
- Korean has a specific word 한 that describes a deep, collective feeling of sorrow or resentment, which is far more genuine and permanent than the 'crocodile tears' of 악어의 눈물.
- In Korean, the word 눈 is a homonym that means both 'eye' and 'snow'.
- While 악어의 눈물 is perfectly understood, it is a relatively recent addition to the Korean lexicon compared to traditional idioms, as it relies on a Western biological myth.
Examples in context
- 그건 그냥 악어의 눈물일 뿐이야.geugeon geunyang akeoui nunmul-il ppuniya.That is just crocodile tears.
- 악어의 눈물에 속지 마세요.akeoui nunmure sokji maseyo.Do not be fooled by crocodile tears.
Example conversation
Ji-hoon and Min-ji are talking about a dishonest friend's apology.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그 친구가 울면서 사과하더라고.geu chin-guga ulmyeonseo sagwahadeorago.That friend apologized while crying.
- 민지 Min-ji뻔한 악어의 눈물 아니야?ppeonhan ageoui nunmul aniya?Isn't that just obvious crocodile tears?
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아, 진심인 것 같지 않았어.maja, jinsimin geot gatji anasseo.Right, it didn't seem sincere.
- 민지 Min-ji절대 속지 마, 지훈아.jeoldae sokji ma, Ji-hun-a.Don't ever be fooled, Ji-hoon.
