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귀가 얇다

gwiga yalbeunghda
idiom★Intermediate
informal

To be easily offended or sensitive to criticism; to have thin skin (metaphorically)

그는 정말 귀가 얇아서 작은 비판에도 쉽게 상처받는다.

He really has thin skin and gets hurt easily by even small criticisms.

귀가 얇은 사람은 남의 말 한마디에 쉽게 화를 낸다.

People with thin skin easily get angry at a single word from others.

💡

This idiom is often used to describe someone who is overly sensitive to criticism or easily offended by others' words.

Collocations

귀가 얇은 사람a person with thin skin귀가 얇다to have thin skin

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

귀가 두껍다idiom
to be thick-skinned (not easily offended)

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This idiom is often used in casual conversations to describe someone's personality trait. Be mindful of the tone when using it, as it can sometimes be perceived as critical.

⚡Gold Rule

Literal vs. Figurative

While the phrase literally means 'ears are thin,' it is always used metaphorically to describe emotional sensitivity.

📖Word Origin

The phrase comes from the literal meaning of 'ears being thin,' which metaphorically suggests being easily affected by external sounds or words.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in informal contexts to describe someone who is overly sensitive or easily offended. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the speaker's tone.

Word Breakdown

귀가
ears
noun
+
얇다
thin
adjective
✎ Noted on May 31, 2026KO → EN

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