Korean Dictionary
How to say "The Grass is Always Greener" in Korean
“The Grass is Always Greener” in Korean is 남의 떡이 더 커 보인다 (pronounced "Namui Tteogi Deo Keo Boinda").
남의 떡이 더 커 보인다
Namui Tteogi Deo Keo Boinda
Usage & Context
This Korean proverb literally means other people's rice cakes look bigger. It expresses the tendency to think others have more or better things than oneself.
Example Sentence
남의 떡이 더 커 보인다고 남 부러워하지 말고 내 것에 집중해요.
The grass is always greener so don't envy others and focus on your own.
How to use 남의 떡이 더 커 보인다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “The Grass is Always Greener” is 남의 떡이 더 커 보인다, romanized as Namui Tteogi Deo Keo Boinda.
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 남의 떡이 더 커 보인다.
Pronunciation Guide
The phrase is pronounced 'Nah-moo-ee Tteog-ee Deoh Keoh Boh-een-dah'. 'Nah-moo-ee' sounds like 'nah-moo-ee'. 'Tteog-ee' is like 'tock-ee' with a strong 'T'. 'Deoh' is like 'door' without the 'r'. 'Keoh' is a short 'kuh' sound. 'Boh-een-dah' is like 'bow-in-dah' (bow and arrow).
More Example Sentences
Advising someone to appreciate their own possessions/situation.
항상 남의 떡이 더 커 보인다고 생각하지 말고 네가 가진 것에 만족해.
Don't always think the grass is greener; be content with what you have.
Feeling envious after seeing a friend's new possession.
친구의 새 차를 보니 남의 떡이 더 커 보인다는 말이 딱 맞네.
Seeing my friend's new car, the saying 'the grass is always greener' really fits.
Warning against blindly following trends or others' choices.
남의 떡이 더 커 보인다고 무작정 따라 하면 후회할 수도 있어.
If you blindly follow others because the grass seems greener, you might regret it.
Cultural Context
This proverb perfectly captures the human tendency for social comparison, which is particularly prevalent in Korea's competitive society. From academic achievements and career success to material possessions and even relationships, there's often a subtle pressure to compare oneself to others. This saying is frequently used to caution against envy or to remind someone to appreciate their own circumstances rather than constantly looking at what others have. It's a common theme in K-dramas where characters struggle with their own perceived shortcomings compared to rivals or friends.
Editorial note
We review entries like 남의 떡이 더 커 보인다 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
남의 떡이 더 커 보인다고 하잖아.
They say the grass is always greener, don't they?
남의 떡이 더 커 보이는 법이야.
It's just human nature for the grass to seem greener.
남의 떡이 더 커 보일 때가 있지.
There are times when the grass seems greener.
Related Expressions
배 아파하다
Bae apahada
To be envious (literally 'to have a stomach ache')
남 부러워하다
Nam bureowohada
To envy others
만족하다
Manjokhada
To be satisfied/content
떡
Tteok
Rice cake (a common food item, here symbolizing one's share or possessions)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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