Learning Korean Lines From Ep1-Ep14″Queen Of Tears” And OSTs
Among K-Dramas, “Queen Of Tears” unfolds at a fast pace, and before recognizing it, we find ourselves deeply engrossed in the drama. However, after watching the drama, reading the lines written in the script can be fun, but sometimes the dialogue leaves a subtle ripple and lingering effect deep in the heart. Let’s start with the impressive lines from Episode 12 of “Queen Of Tears,” which have become a topic of conversation.
Insightful Lines From “Queen Of Tears”
Episode 14. What Will Come on the Next Page
Korean: 사람들은 행복한 순간에 밑줄을 그으며 살아간다. 하지만 아무것도 모른다. 다음 페이지에 무엇이 올지.
English Translation: “People live their lives highlighting happy moments. But they know nothing. What will come on the next page.”
Pronunciation: [Saramdeureun haengbokhan sungane mitjuleul geueumyeo salaganda. Hajiman amugeotdo moreunda. Daeum peijie mueosi olji.]
Grammar Points:
- 사람들은 행복한 순간에 밑줄을 그으며 살아간다 (Saramdeureun haengbokhan sungane mitjuleul geueumyeo salaganda): This sentence starts with 사람들은 (saramdeureun) meaning “people,” followed by 행복한 순간에 (haengbokhan sungane) translating to “happy moments.” The phrase 밑줄을 그으며 살아간다 (mitjuleul geueumyeo salaganda) literally means “live drawing underline,” which metaphorically suggests focusing or cherishing the happy moments in life.
- 하지만 아무것도 모른다 (Hajiman amugeotdo moreunda): 하지만 (hajiman) translates to “but,” indicating a contrast to the previous statement. 아무것도 모른다 (amugeotdo moreunda) means “know nothing,” highlighting the uncertainty and unpredictability of life.
- 다음 페이지에 무엇이 올지 (Daeum peijie mueosi olji): This phrase is about the future’s uncertainty. 다음 페이지에 (daeum peijie) translates to “on the next page,” referring to the unfolding of life’s events, and 무엇이 올지 (mueosi olji) means “what will come,” which is left open-ended, signifying that the future is unknown.
This quote captures the essence of living in the moment and cherishing happiness, while also acknowledging the inherent uncertainty of life. It encourages a mindset of appreciation for the present despite not knowing what the future may hold.
Episode 12. Own Stones To Carry
- Original Korean: 인생에서 모두가 자신의 돌을 지고 가야 해. 겉으로 쉬워 보이는 사람들도 주머니 속에 무거운 돌을 가지고 있어. 그래서 누구를 부러워할 필요도 없고, 너무 스스로를 몰아붙일 필요도 없어.
- English Translation: “In life, everyone has their own stones to carry. Even those who seem to have an easy life have their own heavy stones in their pockets. So, there’s no need to envy anyone. Nor is there any need to be too hard on yourself.”
- Pronunciation: [Insaeng-eseo moduga jasineui dol-eul jigo gaya hae. Geot-euro swiwo boineun saramdeuldo jumeoni sok-e mugeoun dol-eul gajigo isseo. Geuraeseo nugureul bureowohal piryodo eopsgo, neomu seuseuloleul mol-abchil piryodo eopseo.]
- Grammar Points:
- 사람들은 행복한 순간에 밑줄을 그으며 살아간다. 하지만 아무것도 모른다. 다음 페이지에 무엇일 올지.”인생에서” (Insaeng-eseo) means ‘in life,’ indicating a general statement about life.
- “모두가 자신의 돌을 지고 가야 해” (moduga jasineui dol-eul jigo gaya hae) translates to “everyone has their own stones to carry,” implying everyone has their burdens.
- “겉으로 쉬워 보이는” (Geot-euro swiwo boineun) means ‘those who seem to have an easy life,’ indicating appearances can be deceiving.
- “주머니 속에 무거운 돌을 가지고 있어” (jumeoni sok-e mugeoun dol-eul gajigo isseo) translates to ‘have their own heavy stones in their pockets,’ metaphorically speaking about personal challenges.
- “그래서 누구를 부러워할 필요도 없고, 너무 스스로를 몰아붙일 필요도 없어” (Geuraeseo nugureul bureowohal piryodo eopsgo, neomu seuseuloleul mol-abchil piryodo eopseo) means ‘So, there’s no need to envy anyone. Nor is there any need to be too hard on yourself,’ offering a perspective of understanding and self-compassion.

“In life, everyone has their own stones to carry. Even those who seem to have an easy life have their own heavy stones in their pockets. So, there’s no need to envy anyone. Nor is there any need to be too hard on yourself.” This is a touching line from Episode 12 of the drama.
These days, what ordinary people in Korea and around the world most desire is financial freedom. The wealthy family in the drama, the Queens, not only have financial freedom but also enviable looks and educational backgrounds. However, they, without exception, all experience dramatic lives in the drama, suffering and sometimes rejoicing.
As the line from Episode 12 suggests, everyone has their own stones to carry. It’s as if having these stones is what starts the game of life. If there were no obstacles in the game, it wouldn’t be a game anymore. So, we spend each day overcoming obstacles placed before us, without the need to envy anyone or be too hard on ourselves. We’re not trying to achieve something grand like “self-improvement” or “world peace.” Just by enjoying the game of life, we’ll find ourselves at our destinations, which are all different, so there’s no need for comparison. Life is just about living quietly, as this line reminds us.
Episode 11. Life Is Too Short To Work a Lot.
Dialogue
범자 (Beomja): “왜 일 안 해? 이 시간에 다른 사람들은 다 밭에서 일하는데.”
- Original Korean: 왜 일 안 해? 이 시간에 다른 사람들은 다 밭에서 일하는데.
- English Translation: “Why don’t you work? Everyone else is working in the fields at this time.”
- Pronunciation: [Wae il an hae? I sigane dareun saramdeureun da bat-eseo ilhaneunde.]
- Grammar Points:
- “왜” (Wae) means ‘why’, used for asking questions.
- “안” (An) indicates negation, placed before a verb to form the negative. Example: “일해” (ilhae) → “일 안 해” (il an hae).
- “~는데” (neunde) is used to indicate a reason or to describe a situation.
영송 (Yeongsong): “나는 조금만 일해.”
- Original Korean: 나는 조금만 일해.
- English Translation: “I only work a little.”
- Pronunciation: [Naneun jogeumman ilhae.]
- Grammar Points:
- “조금만” (Jogeumman) means ‘only a little’, used when wanting to limit an action.
- “나는” (Naneun) indicates the subject, here meaning “I”.
범자 (Beomja): “왜?”
- Original Korean: 왜?
- English Translation: “Why?”
- Pronunciation: [Wae?]
- Grammar Points:
- A simple “왜?” (Wae?) is used when asking for an explanation or reason.
영송 (Yeongsong): “인생은 너무 짧아서 많이 일하기에는. 그냥 자급자족할 정도로만 해.”
- Original Korean: 인생은 너무 짧아서 많이 일하기에는. 그냥 자급자족할 정도로만 해.
- English Translation: “Because life is too short to work a lot. Just enough to be self-sufficient.”
- Pronunciation: [Insaengeun neomu jjalb-aseo manhi ilhagieneun. Geunyang jagupjakjokhal jeongdoroman hae.]
- Grammar Points:
- “~(으)ㄴ/는데” (eun/neunde) is used here to mean ‘because’, providing a reason. “인생은 너무 짧아서” (Insaengeun neomu jjalb-aseo) translates to “Because life is too short”.
- “자급자족” (Jagupjakjok) means ‘self-sufficient’, indicating meeting one’s own needs without external help.
- “~할 정도로만” (hal jeongdoroman) translates to ‘just enough to’, indicating an intention to do only as much as necessary.
This is a response to Beomja’s question about why Yeongsong doesn’t work during the day.
This line resonates with me because life is indeed too short to spend it all on work.
Episode10. ‘Even My Shadow Leaves’ From the “Queen Of Tears”
범준: “어두운 곳에 있을 때는 내 그림자마저 나를 떠나가는 것 같다고 말하는 것이 맞는 것 같아.”
- Original Korean: 어두운 곳에 있을 때는 내 그림자마저 나를 떠나가는 것 같다고 말하는 것이 맞는 것 같아.
- English Translation: “It seems right to say that even my shadow leaves me when I’m in a dark place.”
- Pronunciation: [Eoduun gose isseul ttaeneun nae geurimjamajeo nareul tteonaganeun geot gatdago malhaneun geosi majneun geot gata.]
- Grammar Points:
- “어두운 곳에 있을 때는” (Eoduun gose isseul ttaeneun) means ‘when I’m in a dark place,’ indicating a specific condition or situation.
- “내 그림자마저” (Nae geurimjamajeo) translates to ‘even my shadow,’ highlighting the extent of isolation or abandonment.
- “나를 떠나가는 것 같다고 말하는 것이” (Nareul tteonaganeun geot gatdago malhaneun geosi) means ‘to say that it seems to leave me,’ expressing a perception or feeling.
- “맞는 것 같아” (Majneun geot gata) translates to ‘seems right,’ indicating a sense of agreement or correctness about the statement.
“It seems right to say that even my shadow leaves me when I’m in a dark place.”
This is what Beomjun says, feeling that no one is looking for him. However, this was originally said by Ibn Taymiyya, a jurist and theologian from Syria in the 11th century. He had said,
“Do not expect anyone to stand by you in dark times. When the sun sets, even my shadow leaves me.”
In the end, the only being that will accompany you from birth to death is yourself. This line shares the same sentiment as the one from Episode 12. It’s not about lamenting the absence of allies. It’s about making friends with oneself and living life.
Episode 10 First-Rate Life
영송 (Yeongsong): “힘들 때 우는 건 삼류야.”
- Original Korean: 힘들 때 우는 건 삼류야.
- English Translation: “Crying when you’re struggling is third-rate.”
- Pronunciation: [Himdeul ttae uneun geon samryuya.]
- Grammar Points:
- “힘들 때” (Himdeul ttae) means ‘when you’re struggling,’ indicating a specific situation.
- “우는 건” (Uneun geon) translates to ‘crying is,’ describing an action.
- “삼류야” (Samryuya) means ‘third-rate,’ indicating a level of quality or rank.
범자 (Beomja): “뭐라고? 아, 운 건 나 아니야…”
- Original Korean: 뭐라고? 아, 운 건 나 아니야…
- English Translation: “What? Oh, it wasn’t me who cried…”
- Pronunciation: [Mworago? A, un geon na aniya…]
- Grammar Points:
- “뭐라고?” (Mworago?) means ‘What?’, a question of clarification or surprise.
- “운 건 나 아니야…” (Un geon na aniya…) translates to ‘it wasn’t me who cried,’ denying an action.
영송 (Yeongsong): “그리고 견디는 건 이류야.”
- Original Korean: 그리고 견디는 건 이류야.
- English Translation: “And enduring it is second-rate.”
- Pronunciation: [Geurigo gyeondineun geon iryuya.]
- Grammar Points:
- “그리고” (Geurigo) means ‘and,’ used to connect sentences.
- “견디는 건” (Gyeondineun geon) translates to ‘enduring is,’ describing another action.
범자 (Beomja): “그럼 일류는 뭐야?”
- Original Korean: 그럼 일류는 뭐야?
- English Translation: “Then what’s first-rate?”
- Pronunciation: [Geureom ilryuneun mwoya?]
- Grammar Points:
- “그럼” (Geureom) means ‘then,’ used to move the conversation forward.
- “일류는 뭐야?” (Ilryuneun mwoya?) translates to ‘what’s first-rate?’, asking for information.
영송 (Yeongsong): “힘들 때 고기를 먹는 사람이 일류야.”
- Original Korean: 힘들 때 고기를 먹는 사람이 일류야.
- English Translation: “Being someone who eats meat when they’re struggling is first-rate.”
- Pronunciation: [Himdeul ttae gogireul meokneun sarami ilryuya.]
- Grammar Points:
- “고기를 먹는 사람이” (Gogireul meokneun sarami) means ‘someone who eats meat,’ indicating a person’s action.
- “일류야” (Ilryuya) again means ‘is first-rate.’
범자 (Beomja): “음…”
- Original Korean: 음…
- English Translation: “Hmm…”
- Pronunciation: [Eum…]
- Grammar Points:
- “음…” (Eum…) is an expression of contemplation or hesitation.
영송 (Yeongsong): “다음에 울지 말고, 고기 먹어. 힘내.”
- Original Korean: 다음에 울지 말고, 고기 먹어. 힘내.
- English Translation: “Next time, don’t cry, eat meat. Be strong.”
- Pronunciation: [Daeume ulji malgo, gogi meogeo. Himnae.]
- Grammar Points:
- “다음에” (Daeume) means ‘next time,’ indicating a future occasion.
- “울지 말고” (Ulji malgo) translates to ‘don’t cry,’ indicating a suggestion to avoid a specific action.
“고기 먹어” (Gogi meogeo) means ‘eat meat,’ suggesting a specific action as a way to cope.
“힘내” (Himnae) is a form of encouragement, similar to ‘be strong’ or ‘cheer up.’
This is what Yeongsong says to Beomja when returning a handkerchief borrowed from Yeongsong’s mother.
When you’re struggling, you should eat meat. In other words, even when we’re struggling, we need to quietly continue with our daily activities. That’s what makes the best life.
Episode 09 ‘Love Endures’ From the “Queen Of Tears”
- Original Korean: 약속을 잘 지켰어. 너무 잘 견뎠어. 어린 아들이 낯선 나라에서 어떻게 사는지 궁금해하지 않고, 단 한 번도 연락하지 않고, 정말 잘 견뎠어. 하지만, 알아? 사랑한다고 견디는 건 다 거짓말이야. 정말 사랑하면 견딜 수 없어.
- English Translation: “You kept your promise well. You endured it too well. Not wondering how your young son is living in a foreign country, not contacting him once, you really endured well. But, you know what, I tried it and found out ‘enduring because I love’ is all lies. If you really love, you can’t endure.”
- Pronunciation: [Yaksogeul jal jikyeosseo. Neomu jal gyeondyeosseo. Eorin adeuri naccseon naraseo eotteoke saneunji gunggeumhaehaji anhgo, dan han beondo yeonlaghaji anhgo, jeongmal jal gyeondyeosseo. Hajiman, ara? Saranghandago gyeondineun geon da geojismal-iya. Jeongmal saranghamyeon gyeondil su eopseo.]
- Grammar Points:
- “약속을 잘 지켰어” (Yaksogeul jal jikyeosseo) translates to ‘You kept your promise well,’ signifying the fulfillment of a commitment.
- “너무 잘 견뎠어” (Neomu jal gyeondyeosseo) means ‘You endured too well,’ emphasizing the extent of endurance.
- “어린 아들이 낯선 나라에서 어떻게 사는지 궁금해하지 않고” (Eorin adeuri naccseon naraseo eotteoke saneunji gunggeumhaehaji anhgo) translates to ‘Not wondering how your young son is living in a foreign country,’ indicating a lack of curiosity or concern.
- “단 한 번도 연락하지 않고” (Dan han beondo yeonlaghaji anhgo) means ‘not contacting him once,’ highlighting a lack of communication.
- “사랑한다고 견디는 건 다 거짓말이야” (Saranghandago gyeondineun geon da geojismal-iya) translates to “‘enduring because I love’ is all lies,” revealing a personal realization about love and endurance.
- “정말 사랑하면 견딜 수 없어” (Jeongmal saranghamyeon gyeondil su eopseo) means ‘If you really love, you can’t endure,’ suggesting that true love compels action beyond mere endurance.
When Moslhee tells her son that she refrained from seeing him because she loved him, Yoo Eunsung argues that if she truly loved him, she couldn’t have refrained.
Eunsung: “You kept your promise well. You endured it too well. Not wondering how your young son is living in a foreign country, not contacting him once, you really endured well. But, you know what, I tried it and found out ‘enduring because I love’ is all lies. If you really love, you can’t endure.”
If you love, speak and act on it! That’s the meaning I got from this line.
Episode 09. Impossible? Just an Opinion
Original Korean:
수철 : “내 멘토, 형제 무하마드 알리가 말했어. 불가능해? 그건 사실이 아니라, 그저 의견일 뿐이야.”
English Translation:
“My mentor, brother Muhammad Ali, used to say. Impossible? That’s not a fact, but just an opinion.”
Pronunciation:
[Na-e mento, hyeongje Muhammad Ali-ga malhaess-eo. Bulganeunghae? Geugeon sasil-i anira, geujeo uigyeon-il ppun-iya.]
Grammar Points:
- “내 멘토, 형제 무하마드 알리가” (Na-e mento, hyeongje Muhammad Ali-ga) means ‘My mentor, brother Muhammad Ali,’ indicating a close and respectful relationship.
- “불가능해?” (Bulganeunghae?) translates to ‘Impossible?’ asking for confirmation of something being beyond possibility.
- “그건 사실이 아니라, 그저 의견일 뿐이야” (Geugeon sasil-i anira, geujeo uigyeon-il ppun-iya) means ‘That’s not a fact, but just an opinion,’ distinguishing between objective truths and subjective beliefs.
To Suchul, Hyuntae says,
“My mentor, brother Muhammad Ali, used to say. Impossible? That’s not a fact, but just an opinion.”
There are many instances where the impossible has been made possible. When everyone else claims something to be a fact, thinking of it as “just an opinion” can guide our own lives in a unique direction.
Episode 07. Nothing Left To Hold Onto
The doctor says that Haein, who has unconsciously thought about suicide, needs a will to live. To save Haein by any means, Hyunwoo tries to revive her will to live through hatred.
The doctor says, “People who have something to cling to survive. Hope, desire, love, even hatred… those who are desperate for life.”
I’ve heard a lot that people who have nothing to cling to choose death. It’s not just about suicide. They say anyone can easily leave this world if they think there’s nothing left to hold onto and that they have lived enough. Not having anything to hold onto doesn’t seem to be entirely negative. If you’ve enjoyed and lived your life fully, that might be enough to be satisfied.
Original Korean:
의사(The Doctor) “무언가에 매달릴 것이 있는 사람들이 살아남는다. 희망, 욕망, 사랑, 심지어 증오까지… 생명에 대한 절박함을 가진 자들이야.”
English Translation:
“People who have something to cling to survive. Hope, desire, love, even hatred… those who are desperate for life.”
Pronuncation:
[Mueongae maedallil geosi issneun saramdeuli sarannamneunda. Huimang, yokmang, sarang, simjieo jeungogajji… saengmyeonge daehan jeolbakham-eul gajin jadeul-iya.]
Grammar Points:
This statement, “무언가에 매달릴 것이 있는 사람들이 살아남는다. 희망, 욕망, 사랑, 심지어 증오까지… 생명에 대한 절박함을 가진 자들이야,” provides a profound reflection on the human condition and resilience. It suggests that survival is not merely a physical endeavor but is deeply intertwined with emotional and psychological anchors. Let’s delve into the nuances of the Korean text and its implications:
- “무언가에 매달릴 것이 있는 사람들이 살아남는다” (Mu-eongae maedallil geosi issneun saramdeuri saranamneunda) suggests that individuals who have something to cling to or believe in are the ones who survive. The phrase “매달릴 것이 있는” (maedallil geosi issneun) emphasizes the importance of having a belief or a purpose.
- The list “희망, 욕망, 사랑, 심지어 증오까지…” (Heemang, yokmang, sarang, simjieo jeungo-kkaji…) enumerates various emotional drives that can serve as these anchors: hope, desire, love, and even hatred. The inclusion of both positive and negative emotions highlights the complex nature of human motivation.
- The completion of the thought, “…생명에 대한 절박함을 가진 자들이야” (…Saengmyeong-e daehan jeolbaghameul gajin jadeul-iya), identifies these individuals as those who possess a desperation for life itself. Here, “절박함을 가진” (jeolbaghameul gajin) underscores the intensity of their will to live.
This statement beautifully captures the essence of human resilience, suggesting that the will to live springs not just from the instinct to survive, but from the depths of our emotions and convictions. It underscores the complexity of survival, which is fueled by a range of emotions and desires, including those we might typically consider negative. This exploration into the Korean text reveals the layered understanding of survival as an emotional and psychological journey, as much as a physical one.
Episode 03. Arrhythmia
Original Korean:
“결혼한 지 3년이 넘었는데도 남편을 볼 때마다 갑자기 가슴이 뛰는 여자가 있다고 생각하세요?”
“왜 남편을 보고 가슴이 뛰죠? 부정맥인가요?”
“아뇨, 그게 아니라… 좀 멋있어서 그런 거예요?”
“남편이요?”
“응.”
“아, 아마 몸이 안 좋은 거 아닐까요?”
English Translation:
“Do you think there are women who suddenly feel their heart racing when they look at their husband after being married for over three years?
Why would their heart race looking at their husband? Is it arrhythmia?
No, not that, it’s like… because he’s somewhat cool?
The husband?
Yeah.
Ah, maybe she’s sick?”
Pronunciation:
[Gyeolhonhan ji 3nyeon-i neomeossneundedo nampyeoneul bol ttaemada gapjagi gaseumi ttwineun yeojaga issdago saenggakhasaeyo?
Wae nampyeoneul bogo gaseumi ttwijyo? Bujeongmak-ingayo?
Anyo, geuge anira… jom meosisseoseo geureon geoyeyo?
Nampyeoniyo?
Eung.
A, ama momi an joheun geo anilkka요?]
Grammar Points:
- “결혼한 지 3년이 넘었는데도” (Gyeolhonhan ji 3nyeon-i neomeossneundedo) means ‘even though it’s been over three years since getting married,’ indicating a time frame.
- “갑자기 가슴이 뛰는 여자가 있다고 생각하세요?” (Gapjagi gaseumi ttwineun yeojaga issdago saenggakhasaeyo?) translates to ‘Do you think there are women who suddenly feel their heart racing?’, asking about a sudden emotional reaction.
- “부정맥인가요?” (Bujeongmak-ingayo?) means ‘Is it arrhythmia?’, questioning the reason for a racing heart.
- “좀 멋있어서 그런 거예요?” (Jom meosisseoseo geureon geoyeyo?) translates to ‘because he’s somewhat cool?’, suggesting a reason for the emotional reaction.
- “아마 몸이 안 좋은 거 아닐까요?” (Ama momi an joheun geo anilkka요?) means ‘maybe she’s sick?’, humorously suggesting an alternative reason for the reaction.
This dialogue humorously explores the concept of attraction within marriage, juxtaposing romantic feelings with more mundane or comical explanations.
In a scene where Haein asks her secretary what she thinks about a woman who is attracted to her husband,
Is the attraction between men and women really just for a moment? In the drama, Haein starts to feel love for her husband again. The meaning of a racing heart can vary. In the end, forming a special relationship with someone specific on this earth seems like it could make your heart race.
Episode 01. Love : A Muscle Of the Heart
Original Korean:
“진짜 이상하지? 사랑해서 결혼 하는데 결혼하면 왜 사랑을 안하지?”
“우리 어렸을 때 생존수영 배우잖아. 몇십년을 안해. 그러다 갑자기 물에 빠지면…다 한다니까? 잊어버린 것 같아도 온몸의 근육이 기억한다고. 사랑도 그래. 마음의 근육이 기억해”
진짜 이상하지? 사랑해서 결혼 하는데 결혼하면 왜 사랑을 안하지?
- Pronunciation: Jinjja isanghaji? Saranghaeseo gyeolhonhaneunde gyeolhonhamyeon wae sarangeul anhaji?
- Grammar Points:
- 진짜 (Jinjja): Really. Often used to express surprise or affirmation.
- 이상하다 (Isanghada): To be strange. When conjugated in a question, it turns into 이상하지? (Isanghaji?).
- 사랑해서 결혼하는데 (Saranghaeseo gyeolhonhaneunde): This is a combination of 사랑해서 (Saranghaeseo), meaning “because (I) love”, and 결혼하는데 (gyeolhonhaneunde), which is a form of 결혼하다 (gyeolhonhada) meaning “to marry”. The 는데 (neunde) at the end signifies a contrast or background information leading to a question or statement.
- 결혼하면 왜 사랑을 안 하지? (Gyeolhonhamyeon wae sarangeul anhaji?): The 하면 (hamyeon) form is a conditional “if” or “when”. This sentence is questioning why love is not done when married.
“우리 어렸을 때 생존수영 배우잖아. 몇십년을 안해. 그러다 갑자기 물에 빠지면…다 한다니까? 잊어버린 것 같아도 온몸의 근육이 기억한다고. 사랑도 그래. 마음의 근육이 기억해”
- Pronunciation: Uri eoryeosseul ttae saengjonsuyeong baeujanh-a. Myeotsipnyeoneul anhae. Geureoda gapjagi mule ppajimyeon…da handanikka? Ijeobeorin geot gataedo onmomui geunyugi gieokhandago. Sarangdo geurae. Maeumui geunyugi gieokhae.
- Grammar Points:
- 어렸을 때 (Eoryeosseul ttae): When (I/we) were young.
- 배우잖아 (Baeujanh-a): The 잖아 (janh-a) ending is used when stating something the listener already knows or should agree with, similar to saying “you know” in English.
- 몇십년을 안 해 (Myeotsipnyeoneul anhae): “Haven’t done for decades”. 안 해 (anhae) indicates not doing something.
- 그러다 갑자기 물에 빠지면 (Geureoda gapjagi mule ppajimyeon): “Then suddenly if fall into water”. 갑자기 (Gapjagi) means suddenly, and 빠지면 (ppajimyeon) is a conditional form of 빠지다 (ppajida), to fall into.
- 다 한다니까? (Da handanikka?): “They say you can do it all, right?”. 한다니까 (handanikka) is a form expressing “they say” or “I heard”.
- 잊어버린 것 같아도 (Ijeobeorin geot gataedo): Even if it seems forgotten. 잊어버린 (Ijeobeorin) is the past tense of 잊어버리다 (ijeobeorida), to forget completely.
- 온몸의 근육이 기억한다고 (Onmomui geunyugi gieokhandago): The muscles of the whole body remember.
- 사랑도 그래. 마음의 근육이 기억해 (Sarangdo geurae. Maeumui geunyuki gieokhae): “Love is the same. The muscles of the heart remember.”
- Grammar Points:
- 사랑도 그래 (Sarangdo geurae): Here, 도 (do) is used to mean “also” or “too”, implying love behaves in a similar manner to the previously mentioned concept of muscle memory.
- 마음의 근육이 기억해 (Maeumui geunyuki gieokhae): The phrase 마음의 근육 (Maeumui geunyuk, lit. ‘the muscles of the heart’) uses a metaphor comparing the heart (or feelings) to physical muscles, suggesting that just as muscles remember how to perform certain actions even after a long time, the heart (or feelings of love) also retains its affection despite various challenges or the passage of time.
- Grammar Points:
- This quote beautifully illustrates the concept of muscle memory as a metaphor for enduring love and emotional bonds. It suggests that even if love seems to fade or be forgotten, the foundational feelings and connections remain, ready to be reawakened, much like muscles remember how to swim even after years of not doing so.
- This passage, rich in metaphor and emotion, is a great example for learners to see how Korean can express complex ideas through analogy and comparison, as well as to understand the usage of grammar structures that convey conditional situations and remembered or inherent knowledge.
Original Korean
“내가 생각하는 사람은 행복한 달콤한 말을 해주는게 아니라 싫어서 죽을 것 같은 걸 함께 견뎌주는 거야. 땡빛이 있어도 계속 같이 있는거. 그거야.”
Pronunciation: “Naega saenggakaneun saram-eun haengbokhan dalkomhan mareul haejuneun-ge anira silheoseo jugeul geot gat-eun geol hamkke gyeondyeojuneun geoya. Ttaengbichi isseodo gyesok gati issneun geo. Geugeoya.”
Grammar and Meaning Breakdown:
- 내가생각하는사람은 (Naega saenggakaneun saram-eun): “The person I think of” – Here, 내가 (Naega) means “I (subject)”, 생각하는 (saenggakaneun) is the modifying form of 생각하다 (saenggakada), meaning “to think”, modifying 사람 (saram), meaning “person”. 은 (eun) is the topic marker, indicating the subject of the sentence.
- 행복한달콤한말을해주는게아니라 (haengbokhan dalkomhan mareul haejuneun-ge anira): “Not someone who gives happy, sweet words” – This part contrasts the conventional expectation of love with the deeper, more resilient form of love the speaker values. 행복한 (haengbokhan) and 달콤한 (dalkomhan) are adjectives meaning “happy” and “sweet”, respectively, modifying 말 (mal), meaning “words”. 해주는게 (haejuneun-ge) refers to the act of giving or doing, with 아니라 (anira) indicating “not”.
- 싫어서죽을것같은걸함께견뎌주는거야 (silheoseo jugeul geot gat-eun geol hamkke gyeondyeojuneun geoya): “But someone who endures with me through things I hate so much I could die” – This indicates the depth of the relationship, focusing on enduring hardship together. 싫어서 (silheoseo) means “because [I] hate”, 죽을것같은 (jugeul geot gat-eun) describes a feeling akin to dying, and 함께견뎌주는 (hamkke gyeondyeojuneun) means “endures together with”.
- 땡빛이있어도계속같이있는거 (Ttaengbichi isseodo gyesok gati issneun geo): “Being together even if there’s discord” – This part emphasizes the importance of staying together despite conflicts (땡빛이있어도 (Ttaengbichi isseodo) means “even if there is discord”).
- 그거야 (Geugeoya): “That’s what it is” – A concluding statement affirming the speaker’s belief on what truly constitutes meaningful companionship.
- This breakdown not only explores the surface meaning but also delves into the grammatical structure and cultural nuances behind the expression of love and companionship in Korean.
For learners of Korean:
- Pay attention to how verbs and adjectives can modify nouns directly by adding “-는” for present tense.
- The use of “아니라” to set up contrasts can be a powerful tool in expressing complex ideas.
- Notice the cultural values implied in the language, such as the importance of enduring together through hardships.
By understanding these elements, learners can gain insights not only into the Korean language but also into the cultural nuances that influence how ideas and values are expressed.
Love is also a muscle of the heart. Just like how muscles need to be exercised to be maintained, it seems we also need to frequently exercise our loving hearts.
OSTs Of the “Queen Of Tears”
“Fallin'” Sung By Hong Issac
[Verse 1]
Too perfect,
You and all those moments,
The brightest day for me,
There were countless,
Many times that have passed,
In those memories,
it’s only you.
[Pre-Chorus]
Blossoming only,
my heart,
Only on the field called you.
[Chorus]
I’m fallin’
I’m fallin’
Even at this moment,
Deeper into you,
I’m falling.
You said to me,
you told me,
Never going anywhere from me,
Without you,
I am nothing.
Falling, falling, I’m falling every night and day.
[Verse 2]
I will hold you warmly,
Filled with all my heart,
Like that first moment again.
[Pre-Chorus]
One or two blurry memories,
Gradually become clear.
[Chorus] I’m fallin’
I’m fallin’ Even at this moment,
Deeper,
into you,
I’m falling.
You said to me,
you told me,
Never going anywhere from me,
Without you,
I am nothing.
[Bridge]
The expressions of my love that I couldn’t do more,
For all the days that are left,
I will give them to you without holding back.
[Refrain]
I’m fallin’ I’m fallin’ I hold you In my heart
[Chorus]
I’m fallin’ I’m fallin’ Once again,
into you.
“Promise” Sung By Choi Yu Lee
Behind forgotten memories
When I face your wet heart
Between the hands held tight
Hidden tears
Start to flow down
I can’t comfort you
With such obvious words
So I say sorry again by myself
I promise I’ll be here
It’s taken for granted, the missed
Crossing true feelings
Because I can’t lose them
Promise I’ll be here
Gathering the moments I miss
With the earnest heart from back then
I will protect you
Hmm, I will hold you
More precious than the memories past
Is you, standing before me now
Casually passing by,
In case I miss out
I only look at you
The wish I wanted
Just the simple
Days with you
I promise I’ll be here
It’s taken for granted, the missed
Crossing true feelings
Because I can’t lose them
Promise I’ll be here
Gathering the moments I miss
With the earnest heart from back then
I’ll bring you back home
Always dreamed of in dreams
The deep memories full of fragrance
Your resting place where we faced each other
I’ll bring you back home
If my clumsy prayer
Is not too late
With the earnest heart from back then
Please protect me
Hmm, holding me
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Filming Locations Of “Queen Of Tears”
Department Stores: The Main Background Of “Queen Of Tears”
Sheraton Walkerhill Aston : The Wedding Place
Stone Art Museum : The Mansion Of the Queens
Sayuwon: The Hunting Scene
Pearblossom Field : The Helicopter Scene
Soejeon Art Museum : The Chairman’s Private Exhibition Room
Learning Korean
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