Korean Proverbs & World Proverbs 72

Korean Proverb : He Who Farts Gets Angry First

Korean Proverb Series 52He Who Farts Gets Angry First“방귀 뀐 놈이 성낸다”(Bang-gwi kkin nom-i seongnaenda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “방귀 뀐 놈이 성낸다” literally means“The one who farted gets angry first.”It humorously describes someone who makes a mistakebut becomes defensive or angry to cover it up.By acting offended, they try to shift suspicion away from themselves.At its heart, ..

Korean Proverb : Pouring Water into a Bottomless Jar

Korean Proverb Series 51Pouring Water into a Bottomless Jar“밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기”(Mit ppajin dok-e mul butgi)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기” literally means“Pouring water into a jar with no bottom.”It describes a situation where no matter how much effort you invest,nothing is achieved — because the foundation itself is flawed or missing.This saying warns against wastin..

Korean Proverb : Even If You Know the Road, Ask the Way

Korean Proverb Series 50Even If You Know the Road, Ask the Way“아는 길도 물어 가라”(Aneun gil-do mureo gara)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “아는 길도 물어 가라” literally means“Even if you know the road, ask the way.”It teaches that confidence should never replace caution.No matter how experienced or knowledgeable we are,there is wisdom in seeking advice and confirming what we think we know..

Korean Proverb : Even When Crossing a Stone Bridge, Tap It First

Korean Proverb Series 49Even When Crossing a Stone Bridge, Tap It First“돌다리도 두들겨 보고 건너라”(Doldarido dudeul-gyeo bogo geonneora)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “돌다리도 두들겨 보고 건너라” literally means“Even when crossing a stone bridge, tap it first.”It teaches that no matter how safe or certain something appears,one should always proceed carefully and verify before acting.The saying v..

Korean Proverb : You Have to Measure to Know Which Is Longer

Korean Proverb Series 48You Have to Measure to Know Which Is Longer“길고 짧은 건 대봐야 안다”(Gilgo jjalbeun geon daebwaya anda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “길고 짧은 건 대봐야 안다” literally means“You can’t know what’s long or short until you measure it.”It teaches that one should not judge too quickly —true ability, strength, or value can only be revealed through fair comparison and time...

Korean Proverb : The One with Nine Mocks the One with One

Korean Proverb Series 47The One with Nine Mocks the One with One“아홉 가진 놈이 하나 가진 놈을 놀린다”(Ahop gajin nom-i hana gajin nom-eul nollinda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “아홉 가진 놈이 하나 가진 놈을 놀린다” literally means“A man with nine things mocks the one with one.”It reflects a sharp truth about human nature —those who have a little more often look down on those who have less,forgetting h..

Korean Proverb : Hiding a Duck’s Foot After Eating the Chicken

Korean Proverb Series 46Hiding a Duck’s Foot After Eating the Chicken“닭 잡아먹고 오리발 내민다”(Dak jabameokgo oribal naeminda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “닭 잡아먹고 오리발 내민다” literally means“After eating the chicken, one shows a duck’s foot.”It describes someone who commits a wrongdoing but pretends to be innocent, offering an unconvincing excuse instead.The image is comical — as if s..

Korean Proverb : Measuring the Height of Acorns

Korean Proverb Series 45Measuring the Height of Acorns“도토리 키 재기”(Dotori ki jaegi)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “도토리 키 재기” literally means“Measuring the height of acorns.”It describes a situation where differences are so smallthat comparing them is meaningless.Just as all acorns are nearly the same size, some comparisons in life bring no real insight — only pride or frustrat..

Korean Proverb : A Chicken Instead of a Pheasant

Korean Proverb Series 44A Chicken Instead of a Pheasant“꿩 대신 닭”(Kkwong daesin dak)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “꿩 대신 닭” literally means“A chicken instead of a pheasant.”It teaches the wisdom of accepting alternatives when the ideal is out of reach.Rather than clinging to what’s lost, it’s better to make the best of what’s available.The proverb reflects Korean practicality ..

Korean Proverb : Can a Sparrow Just Pass by a Mill?

Korean Proverb Series 43Can a Sparrow Just Pass by a Mill?“참새가 방앗간을 그냥 지나랴”(Chamsaega bangatgan-eul geunyang jinarya)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “참새가 방앗간을 그냥 지나랴” literally means“Can a sparrow just pass by a mill?”It humorously describes how people can’t resist temptation —especially when something they love or desire is right in front of them.Just as a sparrow can’t help..