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간이 크다

gani keuda
idiom★Intermediate
informal

To be generous or magnanimous; to have a big heart or be forgiving

그는 항상 간이 커서 남을 용서해준다.

He always has a big heart and forgives others.

간이 크면 인생이 편해진다.

If you have a big heart, life becomes easier.

💡

This idiom emphasizes someone's generosity, forgiveness, or willingness to overlook others' mistakes.

Collocations

간이 크다to be generous간이 작다to be petty

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

간이 작다idiom
to be petty or unforgiving

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

This idiom is often used to compliment someone's character or to describe a situation where someone shows great patience or forgiveness.

⚡Gold Rule

Cultural Context

In Korean culture, having a 'big heart' is highly valued, and this idiom reflects that ideal.

📖Word Origin

The phrase comes from the idea that the '간' (gallbladder) being large symbolizes a person's ability to endure and forgive, as the gallbladder was traditionally believed to control emotions like anger and resentment.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used to describe someone who is forgiving, generous, or not easily offended. It can be used in both positive and neutral contexts.

Word Breakdown

간
gallbladder (symbolizing emotions)
root
+
이
possessive particle
suffix
+
크다
to be big
verb
✎ Noted on May 31, 2026KO → EN

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