[Korean Culture & Language] Unsolicited advice

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The expression ‘훈수를 두다’ used to refer to a situation in which a non-participant intervenes and gives advice on how to perform a move when playing go or 장기(Korean chess). 

The word ‘훈수’ is made up of two Chinese characters: 훈(訓) means ‘to teach’ or ‘to instruct,’ and ‘수(手)’ means ‘hand,’ which in this context refers to a ‘skill’ or ‘move’. 

‘수를 두다’ means ‘to make a move’. So, ‘훈수’ directly translates to ‘to provide advice on how to make a move’.

Photo by sq lim on Unsplash

Ex)

내가 거의 진 게임이었는데 구경꾼의 훈수로 운 좋게 이겼다.
I was on the verge of losing the game, but some helpful advice from a spectator helped me win. 

Even though ‘훈수’ can be helpful sometimes, no one likes a 훈수꾼(backset gamer) who gives advice that isn’t asked. The term is not only used for games but also in a variety of contexts.

Ex) 

A: 너가 그래서 연애를 못 하는 거야. 그렇게 답 하면 안 되지.
That’s why you don’t have a girlfriend. You shouldn’t have replied to her like that.

B: 너 모태솔로 아니야?
I thought you have never had a girlfriend?

A: 나는 내가 만들려고 노력하지 않으니까 없는거고.
That’s only because I never try.

B: 너나 제대로 해, 항상 훈수만 두지 말고.
Stop giving unsolicited advice, and mind your own business.


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