Korean Dictionary
How to say "Eye for an Eye" in Korean
“Eye for an Eye” in Korean is 눈에는 눈 이에는 이 (pronounced "Nunene Nun Iene I").
눈에는 눈 이에는 이
Nunene Nun Iene I
Usage & Context
Eye for an eye is a principle of justice also recognized in Korean culture. It refers to treating others in the same way they have treated you.
Example Sentence
눈에는 눈 이에는 이라는 원칙을 따르는 것이 항상 옳은 건 아니에요.
Following the principle of eye for an eye is not always right.
How to use 눈에는 눈 이에는 이 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Eye for an Eye” is 눈에는 눈 이에는 이, romanized as Nunene Nun Iene I.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 눈에는 눈 이에는 이.
Pronunciation Guide
The phrase "눈에는 눈 이에는 이" is pronounced: "Nu-ne-neun" sounds like "noo-neh-noon" (like 'noon' in 'afternoon'). "I-e-neun" is "ee-eh-noon". "I" is simply "ee" (like the letter 'e'). The phrase has a strong, rhythmic repetition, emphasizing the direct equivalence of retaliation.
More Example Sentences
Describing someone's vengeful nature.
그 사람은 항상 눈에는 눈 이에는 이로 복수하려고 해.
That person always tries to get revenge with an eye for an eye.
Discussing conflict resolution and arguing against retaliation.
눈에는 눈 이에는 이라는 생각은 갈등을 더 키울 뿐이야.
The idea of an eye for an eye only escalates conflict.
Reflecting on historical concepts of justice.
옛날에는 눈에는 눈 이에는 이가 정의라고 여겨지기도 했지.
In the old days, an eye for an eye was sometimes considered justice.
Cultural Context
While the concept of 'an eye for an eye' exists in Korean culture, it's often discussed in the context of historical justice or as a principle that can lead to endless conflict rather than true resolution. In modern Korean society, there's a strong emphasis on harmony ('화합', hwahap) and reconciliation, so this proverb is more likely used to describe a problematic approach to conflict rather than an ideal one. It might appear in discussions about legal systems or moral philosophy, or in K-dramas depicting historical revenge plots.
Editorial note
We review entries like 눈에는 눈 이에는 이 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
눈에는 눈 이에는 이.
An eye for an eye.
눈에는 눈 이에는 이로 갚아주다.
To repay with an eye for an eye.
눈에는 눈 이에는 이라는 원칙.
The principle of an eye for an eye.
Related Expressions
복수하다
Boksuhada
To take revenge.
되갚아주다
Doegapajuda
To pay back (in kind, often negatively).
피에는 피
Pie-neun pi
Blood for blood (a more intense version of retaliation).
용서하다
Yongseohada
To forgive (antonym).
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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