Korean Proverbs & World Proverbs 72

Korean Proverb : Well Begun Is Half Done

Korean Proverb Series 12Well Begun Is Half Done"시작이 반이다"(Sijak-i ban-ida)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “시작이 반이다” literally translates to:“Starting is half of the task.”It captures the essential truth that taking the first step toward any goal is often the hardest — and most crucial — part of the entire journey. Once the inertia of hesitation is broken, momentum naturally be..

Korean Proverb : A Frog in a Well

Korean Proverb Series 11A Frog in a Well"우물 안 개구리"(Umul an gaeguri)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “우물 안 개구리” literally translates to:“A frog in a well.”It describes a person with limited experience or perspective who mistakenly believes their small, familiar world represents the whole of reality.Just as a frog confined within a well sees only a small circle of sky and assume..

Korean Proverb : Trust the Axe, and It Strikes Your Foot

Korean Proverb Series 10Trust the Axe, and It Strikes Your Foot"믿는 도끼에 발등 찍힌다"(Mitneun dokkie baldung jjikinda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “믿는 도끼에 발등 찍힌다” literally translates to:“You get your foot cut by the axe you trust.”It conveys the idea that betrayal or harm often comes from those you trust the most. The proverb serves as a warning to remain cautious even in close..

Korean Proverb : Old Habits Die Hard

Korean Proverb Series 9Old Habits Die Hard"세 살 버릇 여든까지 간다"(Se-sal beoreut yeodeun-kka-ji ganda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “세 살 버릇 여든까지 간다” literally translates to:“A habit formed at age three lasts until eighty.”It expresses the profound idea that the behaviors and habits developed early in life tend to remain deeply ingrained, shaping one’s actions and character through..

Korean Proverb : A Hoe Could Have Stopped It, but Now It Takes a Spade

Korean Proverb Series 8A Hoe Could Have Stopped It, but Now It Takes a Spade"호미로 막을 것을 가래로 막는다"(Homi-ro mageul geoseul garae-ro makneunda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “호미로 막을 것을 가래로 막는다” literally translates to:“What could have been stopped with a hoe must now be stopped with a spade.”This conveys the crucial lesson that neglecting small problems or mistakes early on allow..

Korean Proverb: Heaven Helps Those Who Help Themselves

Korean Proverb Series 7Heaven Helps Those Who Help Themselves"하늘은 스스로 돕는 자를 돕는다"(Haneul-eun seuseuro dopneun jareul dopneunda)🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core MeaningThe Korean proverb “하늘은 스스로 돕는 자를 돕는다” literally translates to:“Heaven helps those who help themselves.”It conveys the powerful idea that divine assistance, fortune, or natural support comes not to those who passively wait, but to those wh..

Korean Proverb : It Is Dark Under the Lamp

Korean Proverb Series 6It Is Dark Under the Lamp(Deungjan mit-i eodupda · 등잔 밑이 어둡다)🕰️ 1. The ProverbThe Korean proverb “등잔 밑이 어둡다” literally means,“It is dark under the lamp.”It conveys the idea that what is closest to us is often the most difficult to notice.🪄 2. Meaning & LessonPeople tend to overlook things that are right before their eyes.The proverb teaches that overfamiliarity can cause..

Korean Proverb : Birds Hear Words by Day, and Mice Hear Words by Night

Korean Proverb Series 5Birds Hear Words by Day, and Mice Hear Words by Night(Natmar-eun saega deutgo bammat-eun jwiga deutneunda · 낮말은 새가 듣고 밤말은 쥐가 듣는다)🕰️ 1. The ProverbThe Korean proverb “낮말은 새가 듣고 밤말은 쥐가 듣는다” literally means,“Words spoken in the day are heard by birds, and words spoken at night are heard by mice.”It conveys the idea that no matter when or where you speak, your words are bound..

Korean Proverb : Speak of the Tiger and It Appears

Korean Proverb Series 4Speak of the Tiger and It Appears(Horangi-do je mal hamyeon onda · 호랑이도 제 말 하면 온다)🕰️ 1. The ProverbThe Korean proverb “호랑이도 제 말 하면 온다” literally means,“Even a tiger appears when you speak of it.”It conveys the idea that talking about someone often coincides with their sudden appearance.🪄 2. Meaning & LessonWords have an uncanny way of summoning the subject of discussion...

Korean Proverb : Kind Words Bring Kind Replies

Korean Proverb Series 3Kind Words Bring Kind Replies(Ganeun mal-i gowaya oneun mal-i gobda · 가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다)🕰️ 1. The ProverbThe Korean proverb “가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다” literally means,“Only if outgoing words are kind, will incoming words be kind.”It conveys the idea that the way you speak to others determines how they will respond to you.🪄 2. Meaning & LessonPolite and kind speech creates har..