5

유리아이 is the Korean name of the song 'Lost in Love' by Taeyeon and Tiffany of Girls' Generation.

I know that 유리 琉璃 means glass, and I know that 아이 means child. However, when put together, Glass Child doesn't make much sense. Is it some kind of colloquialism or idiom in Korean? What does it actually mean?

2
  • 1
    I think it could be metaphorical portrayal of fragile mind of a said person.
    – Q20
    Commented Jul 1, 2016 at 11:28
  • 1
    @user300375 I think so, that's what I suspected, but I couldn't get confirmation (nor denial) from a native Korean so I asked. High-five for having the same idea xD
    – busukxuan
    Commented Jul 1, 2016 at 18:37

1 Answer 1

2

I doubt that '유리' in the title means '유리 (流離)' as it is not a broadly used word.

Further research led me to the fact that Korean word '유리소년 (glass boy)' is quite popular among young Korean people which is a direct translation of a Japanese song '硝子の少年' which is a debut single of Kinki Kids. According to the linked Wikipedia article:

The duo made their debut in 1997 with a double release of a single "Garasu no Shōnen" (硝子の少年?, "Glass Boy")

I believe '유리아이 (Glass Child)' and '유리소년 (Glass Boy)' have the same connotation in terms of interpreting what '유리' means.

'유리 (glass)' is transparent and easily broken (fragile). I think it metaphorically expresses the girl's mental status and sorrow after she broke up with her boyfriend.

'유리아이' could literally translates to 'glass child'.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.