Korean Proverb: 낫 놓고 기역자도 모른다

 

 

 

This literally translates to “Doesn’t know the character ‘ㄱ’ even when holding a sickle.” It’s used to describe someone who is extremely ignorant or lacks even the most basic knowledge, often humorously.

• Explanation: In this expression, “ㄱ” is the first letter of the Korean alphabet, and “낫” (nat) means a sickle, which has a shape that resembles the “ㄱ” letter. The phrase suggests that even when the shape of “ㄱ” is right in front of someone (like the shape of the sickle), they don’t recognize it. It’s a playful, somewhat teasing way to describe someone who doesn’t notice what should be obvious or who is unfamiliar with very basic knowledge.

Example Sentences

1. 그 사람은 그렇게 쉬운 것도 모른다고? 낫 놓고 기역자도 모르는구나!
   "He doesn’t even know something that simple? He doesn’t know ‘ㄱ’ even while holding a sickle!"
2. 그 문제는 너무 쉬운데 못 푸는 걸 보면, 진짜 낫 놓고 기역자도 모르는 사람 같아.
   "That problem is so easy, but he can’t solve it—he’s really like someone who doesn’t know ‘ㄱ’ even while holding a sickle."
3. 기본 상식조차 모르는 걸 보니 낫 놓고 기역자도 모른다고 할 수밖에 없네.
   "Seeing him not know even the basics, I can only say it’s like he doesn’t know ‘ㄱ’ even while holding a sickle."