Korean Proverbs
그림의 떡
geurimui tteok
Word for word
“A rice cake in a painting.”
What it means
Something you want but can't actually have.
When you'd say it
Looking at something lovely that's far out of reach — a price tag, a sold-out ticket.
Example
저 집 정말 예쁘다. 근데 우리한텐 그림의 떡이야.That house is gorgeous. For us, it's a rice cake in a painting.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Korean proverb “그림의 떡” mean?
“그림의 떡” (geurimui tteok) is a Korean proverb: something you want but can't actually have.
What is the literal translation of “그림의 떡”?
Word for word, it says: “A rice cake in a painting.”
When do Koreans say “그림의 떡”?
Typical use: looking at something lovely that's far out of reach — a price tag, a sold-out ticket.
How do you use “그림의 떡” in a sentence?
“저 집 정말 예쁘다. 근데 우리한텐 그림의 떡이야.” means “That house is gorgeous. For us, it's a rice cake in a painting.”