꿈 깨
kkum kkae
The English phrase "dream on" is expressed in Korean as 꿈 깨 (kkum kkae).
This phrase is used to mock someone's unrealistic expectations or to tell them that what they want is impossible.
Meaning: a skepticism expression (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 꿈, meaning dream and 깨, meaning to wake up or break. Literally, it means "wake up from your dream".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 꿈 깨 is in the informal style and should only be used with close friends or people younger than you. You can use the polite version 꿈 깨세요 to make the expression more formal, though it remains inherently dismissive.
How do you pronounce it?
kkum kkae
Did you know?
- If you use the polite version 꿈 깨세요 to someone you are not close to, it can sound incredibly sarcastic or even aggressive. Adding politeness markers does not remove the insulting nature of the phrase, it just makes the mockery more biting.
- The verb part of the phrase, 깨, is the same word used for 'breaking' a glass or 'cracking' an egg. While it means 'to wake up' in the context of a dream, it carries the physical sense of shattering a surface.
- In Korean, the word 꿈 is created by adding a 'substantive suffix' to the verb 꾸다, which means 'to dream'.
Examples in context
- 그게 가능할 것 같아? 꿈 깨.geuge ganeunghal geot gata? kkum kkae.Do you think that's possible? Dream on.
- 나한테 고백한다고? 꿈 깨!nahante gobaekhandago? kkum kkae!You're going to confess to me? Dream on!
- 내 돈을 빌려달라고? 꿈 깨.nae doneul billyeodallago? kkum kkae.Asking to borrow my money? Dream on.
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are talking about a promotion at work.
- 민준 Min-jun나 이번에 팀장이 될 것 같아.na ibeone timjang-i doel geot gata.I think I'll become the team leader this time.
- 서연 Seo-yeon꿈 깨, 민준 씨는 아직 너무 어려.kkum kkae, Minjun ssi-neun ajik neomu eoryeo.Dream on, Minjun, you are still too young.
- 민준 Min-jun하지만 내 성과가 제일 좋잖아.hajiman nae seonggwaga jeil jochana.But my performance was the best.
- 서연 Seo-yeon성과만으로 되는 게 아니야.seonggwaman-euro doeneun ge aniya.It's not decided by performance alone.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 깨, 꿈, CC BY-SA 4.0.
