[Korean Culture & Language] To reverse places

Hello, this is Uptempo!

It is not always easy to put oneself in another person’s shoes and comprehend or sympathize with their perspective, opinion, or point of view. However, empathetic people understand others’ emotions, share their feelings, and respond with compassion and care. One of the fundamental characteristics that make us human is our ability to put ourselves in other people’s shoes. 

In Korean, ‘역지사지’ means ‘to put oneself in someone else’s shoes.’

易 (역) means ‘to reverse’ or ‘to change’
地 (지) means ‘ground’ or ‘place’
思 (사) means ‘to consider’ or ‘to think’
之 (지) means ‘to go’ 

Ex)
A: 너는 왜 항상 늦으면서 미안하다는 말을 안 해?
A: How come you’re always late and never even say you’re sorry?
B: 그렇게 많이 늦은 것도 아닌데 왜 그래?
B: I’m not even that late. What’s wrong with you?
A: 내가 매번 늦었다면 너는 어떻게 느꼈을 것 같아?
A: How would you feel if I were always late?
B: 난 괜찮을 것 같은데.
B: I think I would be fine.
A: 내가 너랑 만날 때 한 번도 늦은 적이 없으니까 모르겠지. 넌 기다린 적이 없잖아. 한 번이라도 역지사지로 생각해 봐!
A: The only reason you think it’s okay is that I’m never late when I plan to see you. I never make you wait. Try and put yourself in my shoes for once!