Nuance Dictionary / Social Situations
찬밥 신세 Chanbap sinse
Being metaphorically relegated to 'cold leftover rice'—suddenly sidelined, ignored, or treated as an afterthought in your own household.
What does 찬밥 신세 mean?
찬밥 신세 (Chanbap sinse) means: Being metaphorically relegated to 'cold leftover rice'—suddenly sidelined, ignored, or treated as an afterthought in your own household.
Speakers use this expression to describe a sudden shift in family dynamics where someone feels sidelined or less favored than a sibling or relative. It turns up when describing a loss of attention or standing within the household. It typically combines with verbs of becoming or treating, such as 되다 or 대우하다.
When used in a domestic context, it can carry a self-pitying or mildly humorous tone rather than deep bitterness, depending on whether the speaker is genuinely hurt or simply teasing about preferential treatment.
When used in a domestic context, it can carry a self-pitying or mildly humorous tone rather than deep bitterness, depending on whether the speaker is genuinely hurt or simply teasing about preferential treatment.
Other sides of 찬밥 신세
◆ Fandom & Celebrity Obsession — Speakers use this expression to describe a person or entity that has fallen out of favor and is no longer receiving attention or care. It frequently describes former favorites or stars who have been sidelined in favor of newer trends or figures. The phrase portrays a sudden shift from high regard to being ignored or cast aside.
In online communities and fandom spaces, this often carries a tone of playful mockery or dramatic exaggeration when discussing celebrities, groups, or pop culture trends that have lost mainstream attention.
In online communities and fandom spaces, this often carries a tone of playful mockery or dramatic exaggeration when discussing celebrities, groups, or pop culture trends that have lost mainstream attention.
🎙️ 찬밥 신세는 표기 그대로 읽지 않아요 — 실제로는 [찬밥 씬세]로 소리나요 (경음화). 발음 연습하기 →
How it's actually used
- 동생이 태어난 뒤로 나는 찬밥 신세가 되었다.
dong-saeng-i tae-o-nan dwi-ro na-neun chan-bap sin-se-ga doe-eot-da.
Ever since my younger sibling was born, I've been treated like leftover rice.
💡 A family member describing feeling sidelined after the arrival of a new sibling - 막내가 대학에 붙은 후로 나는 집에 와도 찬밥 신세다.
mak-nae-ga dae-hak-e but-eun hu-ro na-neun jib-e wa-do chan-bap sin-se-da.
Ever since the youngest got into university, I get the cold shoulder even when I come home.
💡 An older sibling describing a drop in familial favor - 손님이 오면 평소에 귀여움 받던 아이는 잠시 찬밥 신세가 되기 마련이다.
son-nim-i o-myeon pyeong-so-e gwi-yeo-um bat-deon a-i-neun jam-si chan-bap sin-se-ga doe-gi ma-ryeon-i-da.
When guests arrive, the child who usually gets all the affection inevitably gets sidelined for a bit.
💡 Describing temporary shifts in household attention
Related words in Social Situations
찬물을 끼얹다 Chanmureul kkianhda철이 들다 cheori deulda초토화 cho-to-hwa단호하다 Dan-ho-ha-da답장 dapjang