Korean Dictionary
How to say "Turn a Blind Eye" in Korean
“Turn a Blind Eye” in Korean is 모른 척하다 (pronounced "Moreun Cheokhada").
모른 척하다
Moreun Cheokhada
Usage & Context
Turning a blind eye means deliberately ignoring something. In Korean social dynamics, this concept comes up in contexts of tolerating minor rule-breaking or avoiding conflict.
Example Sentence
작은 실수는 모른 척하고 넘어가줘요.
I turn a blind eye to small mistakes.
How to use 모른 척하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Turn a Blind Eye” is 모른 척하다, romanized as Moreun Cheokhada.
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 모른 척하다.
Pronunciation Guide
모른 (Moreun) sounds like 'more-run', with 'mo' as in 'more' and 'run' like the English word. 척하다 (Cheokhada) sounds like 'choke-ha-da', with 'choke' as in the English word, 'ha' as in 'haha', and 'da' as in 'data'. The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
모른 척해요
Moreun Cheokhaeyo
This is the polite form, commonly used in daily conversations.
Casual (반말)
모른 척해
Moreun Cheokhae
This is the informal, casual form.
More Example Sentences
A parent talking about their child's minor misbehavior.
아이가 장난치는 걸 모른 척해줬어요.
I turned a blind eye to my child's mischief.
Discussing a minor workplace rule-breaking incident.
동료가 늦게 출근했지만, 다들 모른 척했어요.
My colleague came to work late, but everyone turned a blind eye.
Giving advice to a friend about interpersonal relationships.
친구의 작은 실수는 모른 척하고 넘어가 주는 게 좋겠어.
It's better to turn a blind eye to a friend's small mistake and let it go.
Cultural Context
This phrase is frequently used in Korean society to describe situations where one deliberately ignores something, often to maintain harmony, avoid conflict, or show leniency. It's a common social strategy, especially among close relationships like family, friends, or colleagues. In K-dramas, characters often '모른 척하다' to protect someone, avoid an awkward situation, or show understanding, highlighting its role in navigating complex social dynamics.
Editorial note
We review entries like 모른 척하다 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
모른 척하지 마.
Don't pretend you don't know.
그냥 모른 척해.
Just turn a blind eye.
모른 척하기 어려웠어.
It was hard to turn a blind eye.
Related Expressions
못 본 척하다
Mot Bon Cheokhada
To pretend not to see
눈 감아주다
Nun Gamajuda
To close one's eyes (to something), overlook
외면하다
Oemyeonhada
To turn away, ignore (more active ignoring)
방관하다
Bangwanhada
To stand by idly, be an onlooker
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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