Nuance Dictionary / People & Relationships
입이 무겁다 Ip-i mugeopda
Possessing a natural, ironclad ability to keep a secret without leaking information.
What does 입이 무겁다 mean?
입이 무겁다 (Ip-i mugeopda) means: Possessing a natural, ironclad ability to keep a secret without leaking information.
Natives reach for this when they want to vouch for someone’s character, specifically their ability to 'swallow' a secret rather than letting it slip. It isn't just about being quiet; it’s a compliment to their emotional maturity and trustworthiness. Learners often confuse this with being shy or introverted, but you can be the loudest person in the room and still be '입이 무겁다' as long as you never break a confidence.
Other sides of 입이 무겁다
◆ Refusal to Gossip — When you use this, you aren't just saying you can keep a secret; you’re drawing a hard line in the sand to signal that you refuse to participate in the 'rumor mill.' It’s the linguistic equivalent of a closed door, often deployed when someone is fishing for dirt or trying to drag you into office or social drama. Learners often mistake it for a passive trait, but natives use it actively and assertively to communicate: 'Don't bother asking, because I won't be the one to break the seal.'
🎙️ 입이 무겁다는 표기 그대로 읽지 않아요 — 실제로는 [이비 무겁따]로 소리나요 (경음화, 연음법칙). 발음 연습하기 →
How it's actually used
- 걔는 진짜 입이 무거워서 믿고 비밀 털어놓을 수 있어.
Gyae-neun jin-jja ib-i mu-geo-wo-seo mit-go bi-mil teol-eo-no-eul su isseo.
They are so tight-lipped that I can trust them with my secrets.
💡 Highlights the direct link between a 'heavy mouth' and the psychological safety required to vent. - 우리 팀장님은 입이 무거우셔서 회사 기밀이 잘 안 새.
U-ri tim-jang-nim-eun ib-i mu-geo-u-syeo-seo hoe-sa gi-mil-i jal an sae.
Our team leader is very discreet, so company secrets don't leak.
💡 Shows the professional application of the term regarding workplace integrity. - 너한테 말할게. 너 입 무거운 거 다 아니까.
Neo-han-te mal-hal-ge. Neo ib mu-geo-un geo da a-ni-kka.
I'll tell you. I know you're good at keeping secrets.
💡 Functions as a social 'key' to unlock a private conversation.
Related words in People & Relationships
마음이 통하다 Ma-eum-i tong-ha-da맺다 maetda말을 놓다 Mal-eul no-ta말이 안 통하다 mal-i an tong-ha-da미운 정 mi-un jeong