Korean Idioms & Expressions

눈치를 보다

nunchireul boda

Literal meaning

to watch (someone's) 'nunchi' — read the eyes/mood

To watch someone's mood or read the room, gauging how others feel before acting. Used when you're being cautious about another person's reaction.

Korean	English
상사 눈치를 보느라 정시에 퇴근하기가 어려워요. sangsa nunchireul boneura jeongsie toegeunhagiga eoryeowoyo.	It's hard to leave on time because I keep watching my boss's mood.

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