마음이 넓다

ma-eu-mi neol-ta

generous-hearted

그는 마음이 넓어서 모든 사람을 포용할 줄 안다.

He is generous-hearted and knows how to embrace everyone.

◆ What It Really Means

To have a forgiving, tolerant, and inclusive nature toward others.

¶ Literal Meaning

One's heart is wide.

Literal Breakdown

마음heart (as the seat of emotions)+넓다wide (physical space)

◇ Mental Image

A heart metaphorically expanding to encompass more space, symbolizing emotional openness.

◈ When to Use

Used when praising someone for not holding grudges, accepting differences, or being patient with others' mistakes.

◉ Cultural Note

In Confucian-influenced Korean culture, emotional restraint and generosity are virtues. '마음이 넓다' reflects this ideal, often taught as a key trait in interpersonal relationships.

informal

Having a kind, tolerant, and forgiving nature; willing to accept others' faults or differences.

그녀는 마음이 넓어서 작은 실수에도 화를 내지 않는다.

She is so generous-hearted that she doesn’t get angry over small mistakes.

마음이 넓은 사람은 다른 사람의 의견을 존중한다.

A generous-hearted person respects others' opinions.

Often used to describe someone’s personality or attitude toward others.

Collocations

마음이 넓은 사람a generous-hearted person마음이 넓어지다to become more generous-hearted

Synonyms

포용력이 있다 관대하다 너그럽다

Antonyms

마음이 좁다 인색하다 좁아지다

Related Phrases

마음이 좁다phrase

narrow-minded

마음씨가 곱다phrase

kind-hearted

Pro Tip

Cultural Context

In Korean culture, '마음이 넓다' is a highly valued trait, often associated with wisdom and emotional maturity. It’s frequently used in family or workplace settings to describe someone who doesn’t hold grudges.

Gold Rule

Usage with 하다

The phrase can be modified with 하다 to describe an action reflecting generosity: '마음이 넓은 행동을 하다' (to act generously).

Word Origin

Composed of '마음' (heart/mind) + '넓다' (wide/broad), literally 'heart is wide,' reflecting a metaphorical extension of physical space to emotional capacity.

Usage Notes

Commonly used in everyday speech to praise someone’s forgiving or inclusive nature. Often appears in advice or compliments.

Word Breakdown

마음

heart/mind

root

넓다

wide/broad

root

한영사전