Who taught: Julie

This evening, Jessy and I talked about something and Jessy used one Korean expression.

사돈 남말 하시네! (Sa-Don-Nam-Mal-Ha-Si-Ne.) Korean people use this expression a lot. This can be used in a situation where someone is talking about something but it basically applies to himself/herself.

For example, supposed that Jessy is telling me that I have to stop shopping, then I can say this expression to her because she is the one who should stop shopping. 🙂

When she used that expression, I was like, “What would be the best English equivalent for that?” And, I searched the Internet. The closet one I found was “Look! Who is talking?” Frankly, I would not have a hard time to use this English expression in a proper context but I had a hard time to find the equivalent one when I use Korean first and try to place the proper English equivalent.

Do you know why? It is because I was trying to translate the Korean expression into English one. It is harder to translate an expression than to just get to know an equivalent expression and use it. This is something, I guess, most of non-native English speakers have trouble to overcome. Especially, if they moves to English-speaking countries after they become older than 20 or so. In that sense, one of the best ways to learn and be able to speak English better is memorizing as many expressions as possible. It is even better to memorize the whole sentences or paragraphs. I strongly recommend this study methodology.

By the way, do you think “Look! Who is talking?” is the best equivalent here? Or, are there any other better ones?

Here is one quick question for you! Are you in a relationship? Then, who is in charge of the relationship? Is it you?

I hope it is you. Well, maybe, it would be a easier life that your significant other is in charge so that you just listen to what he/she says. There is an expression you can use to describe someone who is in charge of the relationship.

“Wearing the pants in the relationship!” For example, if you want to figure out whether your friend is in charge of the relationship. Then you can simply ask, “So, who is wearing the pants?” And, I believe, it should be “THE” pants, right? Always be careful with Article. It is very tricky and only because of missing Article, the meaning of the expression could be totally different. What about “wearing the skirts in the relationship?” I guess, if I use it, people might understand what I am talking about even though that is not exactly an expression American people use, right?