Korean proverbs offer a fascinating challenge and a key to understanding the depth of Korean culture for foreign language learners. These short, wisdom-filled phrases encapsulate Koreans' life philosophies and mindsets, making them unique expressions that connect past and present. In this post, we’ll introduce some of the most representative Korean proverbs and provide tips on how foreign learners can enjoy learning and using them effectively.

55-Korean-Proverbs-You-Need-to-Know

 

Table of Contents

  1. What Are Proverbs?
  2. Characteristics of Korean Proverbs
  3. 55 Commonly Used Korean Proverbs
  4. Tips for Using Proverbs: Enhance Your Korean Skills and Cultural Understanding

5.     Conclusion: Proverbs Are Small Sentences with Big Worlds

 

1. What Are Proverbs?

Proverbs are short and concise phrases that convey ancestral wisdom and life lessons. Korean proverbs, in particular, are closely tied to everyday life and have evolved from experiences rooted in an agricultural society and lessons in human relationships.

Beyond serving as tools for language learning, proverbs play a significant role in understanding a country's people's culture, history, mindset, and emotions. For instance, the Korean proverb “가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다” ("Kind words beget kind responses") reflects the values of courtesy and mutual respect inherent in Korean society.

 

2. Characteristics of Korean Proverbs

Korean proverbs possess distinct features that make learning them a cultural experience as well as a linguistic one:

l  Metaphors and Symbols: They simplify complex concepts or situations with vivid imagery, reflecting unique aspects of Korean culture.

l  Brevity and Clarity: They effectively convey messages in short sentences.

l  Lessons and Wisdom: Many proverbs offer practical guidance or insights into life, helping people navigate various situations.

l  Wordplay and Humor: Korean proverbs often include wit and humor, adding an element of listener enjoyment.

l  Diverse Themes: Topics range from human relationships and life attitudes to economy and politics, covering a broad spectrum of life’s scenarios.

 

3. 55 Commonly Used Korean Proverbs

Here’s a curated list of the 55 most widely used Korean proverbs, each accompanied by an easy-to-understand interpretation. These proverbs offer not just language insights but also a peek into the wisdom and philosophy of Korean culture.

 

1) 가는 날이 장날이다

Direct English Translation: The day you go is market day.

한국어 풀이: 예상치 못한 일이 우연히 겹치거나 맞아떨어질 때를 이르는 말이다.

English Explanation: This refers to an unexpected coincidence or situation aligning unexpectedly.

 

2) 가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다

Direct English Translation: If the words you send are kind, the words you receive will be kind too.

한국어 풀이: 말을 예쁘게 해야 다른 사람도 나에게 좋은 말을 한다.

English Explanation: Speak kindly to others to receive kindness in return.

 

3) 가랑비에 옷 젖는 줄 모른다

Direct English Translation: You don’t realize your clothes get wet in a drizzle.

한국어 풀이: 작은 일도 쌓이면 큰 결과를 낳는다.

English Explanation: Small, seemingly insignificant things can accumulate and lead to big consequences.

 

4) 개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다

Direct English Translation: A frog doesn’t remember when it was a tadpole.

한국어 풀이: 자신이 어려웠던 시절을 잊고 다른 사람의 어려움을 이해하지 못하는 경우를 말한다.

English Explanation: It refers to someone who forgets their difficult times and fails to understand the hardships of others.

 

5) 고래 싸움에 새우 등 터진다

Direct English Translation: A shrimp's back breaks in a whale fight.

한국어 풀이: 강한 자들끼리 싸우는데 약한 자가 피해를 본다.

English Explanation: The weak suffer when the strong fight among themselves.

 

6) 공든 탑이 무너지랴

Direct English Translation: A carefully built tower won’t collapse.

한국어 풀이: 정성을 다해 노력한 일은 헛되지 않는다.

English Explanation: Efforts made with sincerity and dedication are never in vain.

 

7) 구슬이 서 말이라도 꿰어야 보배

Direct English Translation: Even three bushels of pearls must be strung to become a treasure.

한국어 풀이: 아무리 좋은 것도 정성을 들여 가치를 만들어야 쓸모가 있다.

English Explanation: Even valuable things need effort and refinement to become truly useful.


🗣️ Below is the audio file of the example sentences above.



8) 길고 짧은 것은 대봐야 안다

Direct English Translation: You won’t know long or short until you measure.

한국어 풀이: 결과는 직접 확인해 봐야 알 수 있다.

English Explanation: The outcome can only be determined through direct comparison or experience.

 

 

9) 그림의 떡

Direct English Translation: A rice cake in a picture.

한국어 풀이: 바라볼 수만 있을 뿐, 실제로는 가질 수 없는 것.

English Explanation: Something desirable but unattainable.

 

10) 금강산도 식후경

Direct English Translation: Even Mount Geumgang is best enjoyed after a meal.

한국어 풀이: 배가 불러야 아무리 좋은 일도 즐길 수 있다.

English Explanation: You can only enjoy anything when your basic needs are met.

 

11) 꿩 먹고 알 먹기

Direct English Translation: Eat the pheasant and its egg.

한국어 풀이: 한 번에 두 가지 이익을 얻는 것을 말함.

English Explanation: Achieving two benefits at once.

 

12) 누워서 떡 먹기

Direct English Translation: Eating rice cakes while lying down.

한국어 풀이: 매우 쉬운 일을 뜻함.

English Explanation: Refers to something straightforward to do.

 

13) 등잔 밑이 어둡다

Direct English Translation: The darkest place is under the lamp.

한국어 풀이: 가까운 곳의 일을 오히려 잘 모른다.

English Explanation: We often overlook things that are closest to us.

 

14) 뛰는 놈 위에 나는 놈 있다

Direct English Translation: Someone is flying above the one who’s running.

한국어 풀이: 아무리 잘하는 사람 위에도 더 잘하는 사람이 있다.

English Explanation: No matter how good you are, there's always someone better.

 

15) 마른하늘에 날벼락

Direct English Translation: Lightning from a dry sky.

한국어 풀이: 예고 없이 닥친 불행이나 사고를 뜻함.

English Explanation: Sudden misfortune or disaster without warning.

 

16) 말 한마디에 천 냥 빚 갚는다

Direct English Translation: A word can repay a thousand nyang debt.

한국어 풀이: 좋은 말로 큰 문제를 해결할 수 있다.

English Explanation: Kind or wise words can resolve significant issues.


🗣️ Below is the audio file of the example sentences above.


17) 믿는 도끼에 발등 찍힌다

Direct English Translation: Get your foot cut by the axe you trust.

한국어 풀이: 믿었던 사람에게 배신당한다.

English Explanation: Betrayal from someone you trust.

 

18) 바늘 도둑이 소 도둑 된다

Direct English Translation: A needle thief becomes a cow thief.

한국어 풀이: 작은 잘못이 큰 범죄로 이어질 수 있다.

English Explanation: Small wrongdoings can lead to more significant crimes.

 

19) 발 없는 말이 천리 간다

Direct English Translation: Words without feet travel a thousand miles.

한국어 풀이: 소문은 빨리 퍼진다.

English Explanation: Rumors spread quickly.

 

20) 백문이 불여일견

Direct English Translation: Hearing a hundred times isn’t as good as seeing once.

한국어 풀이: 직접 경험이 더 확실하다.

English Explanation: Seeing for yourself is better than hearing often.

 

21) 백지장도 맞들면 낫다

Direct English Translation: Even a sheet of paper is more straightforward to lift when carried together.

한국어 풀이: 아무리 쉬운 일이라도 협력하면 더 수월하다.

English Explanation: Cooperation makes even the most straightforward tasks easier to accomplish.

 

22) 벼룩도 낯짝이 있다

Direct English Translation: Even fleas have a face (shame).

한국어 풀이: 아무리 작은 존재도 부끄러움은 안다.

English Explanation: Even insignificant beings have a sense of shame.

 

23) 사공이 많으면 배가 산으로 올라간다

Direct English Translation: Too many boatmen steer the boat up the mountain.

한국어 풀이: 결정권자가 많으면 일이 제대로 되지 않는다.

English Explanation: Too many decision-makers spoil the outcome.

 

24) 소 잃고 외양간 고친다

Direct English Translation: Fixing the barn after losing the cow.

한국어 풀이: 일이 이미 잘못된 뒤에 해결책을 찾는다.

English Explanation: Seeking a solution after the damage is done.

 

25) 수박 겉 핥기

Direct English Translation: Licking the surface of a watermelon.

한국어 풀이: 겉만 보고 본질을 알지 못한다.

English Explanation: Judging or understanding only superficially.


🗣️ Below is the audio file of the example sentences above.



26) 식은 죽 먹기

Direct English Translation: Eating cold porridge.

한국어 풀이: 매우 쉬운 일을 뜻함.

English Explanation: Refers to something straightforward to do.

 

27) 십시일반

Direct English Translation: Ten spoons make a meal.

한국어 풀이: 여러 사람이 조금씩 힘을 보태면 큰 도움을 줄 수 있다.

English Explanation: Many people who contribute a little can provide significant help.

 

28) 우물 안 개구리

Direct English Translation: A frog in a well.

한국어 풀이: 세상 경험이 적어 좁은 시야를 가진 사람을 뜻함.

English Explanation: Refers to someone with a limited perspective or experience.

 

29) 윗물이 맑아야 아랫물이 맑다

Direct English Translation: The upper stream must be clean for the lower stream to be clean.

한국어 풀이: 윗사람이 바르게 행동해야 아랫사람도 바르게 된다.

English Explanation: Leaders must act appropriately for others to follow suit.

 

30) 원수는 외나무다리에서 만난다

Direct English Translation: Enemies meet on a single-log bridge.

한국어 풀이: 싫어하는 사람과는 언젠가 꼭 마주칠 수밖에 없다.

English Explanation: You’re bound to encounter your enemies eventually.

 

31) 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다

Direct English Translation: Even monkeys fall from trees.

한국어 풀이: 아무리 능숙한 사람도 실수할 때가 있다.

English Explanation: Even experts make mistakes sometimes.

 

32) 유유상종

Direct English Translation: Like attracts like.

한국어 풀이: 비슷한 사람들끼리 서로 어울린다.

English Explanation: Similar people tend to associate with one another.

 

33) 이심전심

Direct English Translation: Telepathy between hearts.

한국어 풀이: 말하지 않아도 서로의 마음을 이해한다.

English Explanation: Understanding each other without speaking.

 

34) 일석이조

Direct English Translation: Killing two birds with one stone.

한국어 풀이: 한 번의 노력으로 두 가지 성과를 얻는다.

English Explanation: Achieving two goals with one action.


🗣️ Below is the audio file of the example sentences above.


35) 입에 쓴 약이 병에는 좋다

Direct English Translation: Bitter medicine is good for the illness.

한국어 풀이: 듣기 싫은 충고가 오히려 도움이 된다.

English Explanation: Unpleasant advice is often the most helpful.

 

36) 자라 보고 놀란 가슴 솥뚜껑 보고 놀란다

Direct English Translation: A heart startled by a turtle gets surprised by a pot lid.

한국어 풀이: 한 번 겁을 먹은 사람이 비슷한 상황에서 계속 두려워한다.

English Explanation: Someone frightened once remains scared of similar situations.

 

37) 재주는 곰이 부리고 돈은 주인이 챙긴다

Direct English Translation: The bear performs the tricks, but the owner takes the money.

한국어 풀이: 일을 한 사람보다 그 일을 시킨 사람이 이익을 본다.

English Explanation: The one who gives the orders benefits more than the one who does the work.

 

38) 쥐구멍에도 볕 들 날 있다

Direct English Translation: Even a mouse hole sees sunlight someday.

한국어 풀이: 아무리 어려운 상황이 있어도 언젠가는 좋은 날이 온다.

English Explanation: No matter the difficulty, better days will come eventually.

 

39) 지렁이도 밟으면 꿈틀한다

Direct English Translation: Even a worm wriggles when stepped on.

한국어 풀이: 아무리 약한 사람이라도 계속 괴롭히면 저항한다.

English Explanation: Even the weakest person will resist if continuously oppressed.

 

40) 천 리 길도 한 걸음부터

Direct English Translation: A thousand-mile journey begins with a single step.

한국어 풀이: 큰 일도 작은 것부터 시작해야 한다.

English Explanation: Great achievements start with small beginnings.

 

41) 첫 술에 배부르랴

Direct English Translation: Can you feel full from the first spoonful?

한국어 풀이: 처음부터 큰 성과를 기대할 수 없다.

English Explanation: You can’t expect big results from the start.

 

42) 콩 심은 데 콩 나고 팥 심은 데 팥 난다

Direct English Translation: Beans grow where beans are planted, and red beans grow where red beans are planted.

한국어 풀이: 뿌린 대로 거둔다: 자신이 노력한 만큼 성과를 얻을 수 있다는 것을 의미합니다.

English Explanation: You reap what you sow. It means you can achieve results in proportion to your effort.

 

43) 티끌 모아 태산

Direct English Translation: Dust gathered makes a great mountain.

한국어 풀이: 작은 것이라도 모이면 큰 것을 이룰 수 있다.

English Explanation: Small efforts add up to achieve something significant.

 

44) 핑계 없는 무덤 없다

Direct English Translation: There’s no grave without an excuse.

한국어 풀이: 모든 일에는 다 이유가 있다.

English Explanation: There’s always a reason behind everything.

 

45) 하늘이 무너져도 솟아날 구멍이 있다

Direct English Translation: Even if the sky collapses, there’s a hole to escape.

한국어 풀이: 아무리 어려운 상황에도 해결책은 있다.

English Explanation: There’s always a way out, even in the worst situations.


🗣️ Below is the audio file of the example sentences above.



46) 한 귀로 듣고 한 귀로 흘린다

Direct English Translation: Hear with one ear and let it out the other.

한국어 풀이: 다른 사람의 말을 주의 깊게 듣지 않고 대충 넘기거나, 들은 척만 하고 전혀 신경 쓰지 않는다.

English Explanation: Not paying close attention to what others say, brushing it off, or pretending to listen without caring.

 

47) 한 번 실수는 병가지상사

Direct English Translation: A single mistake is common in war.

한국어 풀이: 실수는 누구나 할 수 있는 일이다.

English Explanation: Mistakes are a natural part of life.

 

48) 호랑이도 제 말하면 온다

Direct English Translation: Speak of the tiger, and it appears.

한국어 풀이: 누군가에 대해 이야기하면 그 사람이 나타난다.

English Explanation: When you talk about someone, that person appears.

 

49) 호랑이에게 물려가도 정신만 차리면 산다

Direct English Translation: Even if you’re dragged by a tiger, staying alert can save you.

한국어 풀이: 아무리 위험한 상황에서도 침착하면 해결할 수 있다.

English Explanation: No matter how dangerous the situation is, staying calm can lead to a solution.

 

50) 호박에 줄 긋는다고 수박 되나

Direct English Translation: Drawing lines on a pumpkin doesn’t turn it into a watermelon.

한국어 풀이: 본질은 바꿀 수 없다.

English Explanation: You can’t change the essence of something.

 

51) 흥정은 붙이고 싸움은 말려라

Direct English Translation: Encourage bargaining but stop fights.

한국어 풀이: 다툼은 막고 서로 돕게 만든다.

English Explanation: Prevent conflicts and encourage mutual assistance.

 

52) 흘러가는 물도 떠주면 공이다

Direct English Translation: Even flowing water is considered a favor if offered.

한국어 풀이: 작은 도움이라도 베풀면 고마운 일이다.

English Explanation: Even small gestures of help are appreciated.

 

53) 혀 아래 도끼 들었다

Direct English Translation: An axe is hidden under the tongue.

한국어 풀이: 말 한마디가 사람에게 큰 상처를 줄 수 있다.

English Explanation: Words have the power to hurt others deeply.

 

54) 형만한 아우 없다

Direct English Translation: No younger brother is as good as the older brother.

한국어 풀이: 동생이 형보다 나은 경우는 드물다. 일반적으로 형이 아우보다 경험이 많고 지혜롭기 때문에 아우가 형을 능가하기 어렵다.

English Explanation: It is rare for a younger sibling to surpass an older one. Generally, the older sibling has more experience and wisdom, making it difficult for the younger one to excel beyond them.

 

55) 호랑이도 제 새끼는 귀엽다고 한다

Direct English Translation: Even a tiger finds its cubs cute.

한국어 풀이: 부모는 자기 자식을 항상 예뻐한다는 뜻.

English Explanation: Parents always find their children endearing.


🗣️ Below is the audio file of the example sentences above.


4. Tips for Using Proverbs: Enhance Your Korean Skills and Cultural Understanding

Here are some practical tips for learning and using Korean proverbs effectively:


l  Try Using Them in Real Conversations

Don’t just memorize proverbs—incorporate them naturally into conversations with friends or teachers.


l  Play Proverbs Games

Make learning fun by guessing the meanings of proverbs or finding the right proverb for a given situation.


l  Use Them in Journals or on Social Media

Express your thoughts by connecting them to proverbs. This practice enhances both your learning and self-expression.


l  Understand the Cultural Background

Delve into the history and origins of proverbs to gain a deeper appreciation of Korean culture.


5. Conclusion: Proverbs Are Small Sentences with Big Worlds

Korean proverbs may be short and concise, but they carry immense value, reflecting the life philosophies of Koreans. Studying proverbs is more than a language-learning experience for foreign learners—it’s a cultural journey. As the Korean proverb “공든 탑이 무너지랴” ("A carefully built tower won’t collapse") suggests, keep learning and using proverbs consistently to improve your Korean skills and cultural understanding at the same time!