Nuance Dictionary / Social Situations
귀를 기울이다 Gwi-reul giulida
To actively solicit and weigh the collective pulse or grievances of the public.
What does 귀를 기울이다 mean?
귀를 기울이다 (Gwi-reul giulida) means: To actively solicit and weigh the collective pulse or grievances of the public.
In political discourse, this phrase shifts the act of listening from a passive sensory function to a moral obligation of leadership. When pundits use it, they are implying that a decision-maker is currently 'deaf' to the people, framing the act of listening as a remedy for social friction. Learners often mistake this for simple 'paying attention,' but in this context, it carries a heavy weight of humility and democratic duty.
Other sides of 귀를 기울이다
◆ Interpersonal Empathy and Counseling — When Koreans use this in an intimate setting, they aren't just talking about the physical act of hearing; they are signaling that they are setting aside their own ego to hold space for the other person’s vulnerability. Learners often mistake this for 'listening' (듣다), but this phrase carries a heavy sense of moral duty and profound care—it’s what you say when you want someone to know their pain is being honored, not just processed. Using this phrase signals that the relationship has crossed the threshold from casual acquaintance to a true emotional confidant.
◆ Fan and Idol Engagement — In the K-pop sphere, this phrase elevates a simple 'listening' action into a sign of deep devotion and humility. Fans use it to praise idols who don't just perform at them, but truly 'take in' fan letters, comments, or chants as if they are the most important feedback in the world. Learners often mistake this for simple hearing, but natives use it to signal a bridge of intimacy—it implies the idol is actively filtering out the noise to focus on the fans' hearts.
◆ Fan and Idol Engagement — In the K-pop sphere, this phrase elevates a simple 'listening' action into a sign of deep devotion and humility. Fans use it to praise idols who don't just perform at them, but truly 'take in' fan letters, comments, or chants as if they are the most important feedback in the world. Learners often mistake this for simple hearing, but natives use it to signal a bridge of intimacy—it implies the idol is actively filtering out the noise to focus on the fans' hearts.
🎙️ 귀를 기울이다는 표기 그대로 읽지 않아요 — 실제로는 [귀를 기우리다]로 소리나요 (연음법칙). 발음 연습하기 →
How it's actually used
- 정부는 이제라도 국민의 목소리에 귀를 기울여야 합니다.
Jeongbu-neun ije-rado gukmin-ui moksori-e gwi-reul giuryeoya hamnida.
The government must, even now, lend an ear to the voices of the people.
💡 Standard editorial phrasing used to demand accountability from those in power. - 현장 근로자들의 고충에 귀를 기울이는 태도가 부족하다.
Hyeonjang geunloja-deul-ui gochung-e gwi-reul giurineun taedo-ga bujok-hada.
There is a lack of willingness to listen to the grievances of the workers on the front lines.
💡 Uses the phrase to critique a disconnect between management/policy and actual human experience. - 민심에 귀를 기울이지 않는 정치는 결국 실패하게 되어 있다.
Minsim-e gwi-reul giuriji anneun jeongchi-neun gyeolguk silpaehage doeeo itda.
Politics that do not listen to the public sentiment are destined to fail.
💡 Connects the phrase to 'minsim' (public sentiment), the ultimate barometer for Korean political success.
Related words in Social Situations
귀가 얇다 gwiga yalda한방 han-bang한눈을 팔다 hannuneul palda호랑이도 제 말 하면 온다 Horangido je mal hamyeon onda환승 hwan-seung