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얼굴이 두껍다 Meaning in English
The Korean idiom 얼굴이 두껍다 meaning literally is “to have a thick face.” However, it doesn’t refer to physical appearance. Instead, it describes someone who is shameless or brazen, showing no embarrassment even in awkward or inappropriate situations.
This expression is often used when someone acts boldly without feeling guilty, even in situations where they should.
Breaking Down the Idiom
얼굴 (eolgul) – face
이 (i) – subject marker
두껍다 (dukkeopda) – to be thick
In Korean culture, people are expected to be humble and considerate. Someone with a “thick face” might be seen as bold, unapologetic, or even rude because they don’t feel shame easily.
얼굴이 두껍다 Example
Example 1
Original Korean Sentence
너 정말 얼굴 두껍다.
Pronunciation Guide
너 (neo) 정말 (jeong-mal) 얼굴 (eol-gul) 두껍다 (du-kkeop-da).
Meaning and Context
너 (you) 정말 (really) 얼굴 (face) 두껍 (to be thick/shameless) 다 (are; expressing an opinion/fact).
Grammar
* 다 (da): Sentence ending marker, indicating a statement of fact or opinion.
English Translation
You are really shameless.
Literal Translation
You really have a thick face.
Example 2
Original Korean Sentence
그렇게 얼굴이 두꺼운 사람은 처음 봤어.
Pronunciation Guide
그럿케 (geu-reot-ke) 얼구리 (eol-gu-ri) 두꺼운 (du-kkeo-un) 사라믄 (sa-ra-meun) 처음 (cheo-eum) 봣써 (bwat-sseo).
Meaning and Context
그렇게 (like that) 얼굴 (face) 이 (subject marker) 두꺼운 (thick-skinned) 사람 (person) 은 (topic marker) 처음 (first time) 봤 (saw/have seen) 어 (I’m telling you casually).
Grammar
* 그렇게 (geu-reo-ke): Adverb, meaning “like that,” “that way,” or “such.”
English Translation
I’ve never seen such a shameless person before.
Literal Translation
I saw person (with) such thick face for the first time.
Example 3
Original Korean Sentence
내 친구는 얼굴이 두꺼워서 모임 때 한 번도 돈을 안 내요.
Pronunciation Guide
내 (nae) 친구는 (chin-gu-neun) 얼구리 (eol-gu-ri) 두꺼워서 (du-kkeo-wo-seo) 모임 (mo-im) 때 (ddae) 한 (han) 번도 (beon-do) 도늘 (do-neul) 안 (an) 내요 (nae-yo).
Meaning and Context
내 (my) 친구 (friend) 는 (topic marker) 얼굴 (face) 이 (subject marker) 두꺼워서 (because is thick-skinned) 모임 때 (during gatherings/meetings) 한 번도 (never) 돈 (money) 을(object marker) 안 (not) 내요 (pay; I’m telling you polite and friendly).
Grammar
* 한 번도: “Not even once” or “never.”
English Translation
My friend is shameless, so he never pays during gatherings.
Literal Translation
My friend, because (his) face is thick, never pay money during gatherings.
Similar Expressions
Here are some expressions related to 얼굴이 두껍다 that convey similar meanings:
- 뻔뻔하다 – To be shameless, brazen
- 눈치가 없다 – To lack social awareness
- 귀가 얇다 – To be gullible (literally, “to have thin ears”)
- 입이 가볍다 – To be talkative, unable to keep secrets
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Conclusion: Mastering 얼굴이 두껍다 Meaning
The idiom 얼굴이 두껍다 describes someone who is shameless and unfazed by embarrassment. In Korean culture, where social awareness and humility are valued, this phrase is often used negatively to criticize someone who acts without guilt or consideration.
Now that you understand this idiom, try using it in your own sentences!
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