새치기하다
saechigihada
To cut in line in Korean is 새치기하다 (saechigihada).
The phrase 새치기하다 is used to describe the act of bypassing a queue or jumping ahead of people who are already waiting. It can be used to describe both intentional acts of cutting in line and the general act of skipping a queue.
Which one should you use?
While 새치기하다 is the verb meaning 'to cut in line', the noun 새치기 can be used on its own to refer to the act of line cutting itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that someone already cut in line, use the past tense form 새치기했다. To tell someone not to cut in line politely, use 새치기하지 마세요.
How do you pronounce it?
saechigihada
Did you know?
- The word 새치기 is derived from 새치, which refers to the premature white hairs that sprout among dark hair. It evokes the image of a single white hair suddenly appearing out of place in a sequence.
- The act of 새치기 is often discussed in Korean media as a symptom of 'Palli-palli' culture, the national obsession with speed and efficiency.
- If you are cutting in line in a very public or crowded place in Korea, calling out the word 새치기 can actually serve as a public accusation to shame the offender.
