Korean Dictionary
How to say "Go Against the Grain" in Korean
“Go Against the Grain” in Korean is 시류에 역행하다 (pronounced "Silyue Yeokaenghada").
시류에 역행하다
Silyue Yeokaenghada
Usage & Context
Going against the grain means acting contrary to what is expected or normal. In Korean conformist culture, this takes courage and is sometimes admired and sometimes criticized.
Example Sentence
시류에 역행하는 것은 용기가 필요한 일이에요.
Going against the grain requires courage.
How to use 시류에 역행하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Go Against the Grain” is 시류에 역행하다, romanized as Silyue Yeokaenghada.
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 시류에 역행하다.
Pronunciation Guide
The phrase '시류에 역행하다' (Silyue Yeokaenghada) is pronounced: '시류' (si-ryu) sounds like 'see-ryoo', '에' (e) like 'eh' in 'meh'. '역행하다' (yeok-haeng-ha-da) sounds like 'yuck-hang-ha-da', where 'yuck' has a soft 'y' and 'hang' uses the 'ae' vowel like in 'cat'. The stress is relatively even, with '하다' often de-stressed in natural speech.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
시류에 역행합니다
Silyue yeokaenghamnida
This is the formal declarative form. For a formal imperative, you would say '시류에 역행하세요' (Silyue yeokaenghaseyo).
Casual (반말)
시류에 역행해
Silyue yeokaenghae
This is the casual declarative/imperative form.
More Example Sentences
Describing someone's fashion or artistic choice.
그는 항상 시류에 역행하는 독특한 스타일을 고수한다.
He always sticks to a unique style that goes against the grain.
Discussing a business strategy that defied conventional wisdom.
회사의 시류에 역행하는 결정은 결국 큰 성공을 가져왔다.
The company's decision to go against the grain ultimately brought great success.
Reflecting on the courage it takes to stand up for one's beliefs.
모두가 '예'라고 할 때 '아니오'라고 말하는 것은 시류에 역행하는 일이다.
Saying 'no' when everyone says 'yes' is going against the grain.
Cultural Context
In Korean society, which often values harmony and collective identity, '시류에 역행하다' (going against the grain) can be a double-edged sword. It might be seen as rebellious or non-conformist, but also as innovative or courageous, especially in K-dramas where protagonists often challenge norms. It highlights the cultural tension between individuality and group cohesion.
Editorial note
We review entries like 시류에 역행하다 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
시류에 역행하는 사람
a person who goes against the grain
시류에 역행하는 행동
an action that goes against the grain
시류에 역행하는 생각
a thought that goes against the grain
Related Expressions
순응하다
Sun-eunghada
to conform, to adapt (antonym)
따르다
Ttareuda
to follow (antonym)
반항하다
Banhanghada
to rebel, to resist (similar concept, more active resistance)
독불장군
Dokbuljanggun
a lone wolf, someone who acts alone (related concept, describes a person)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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