Korean Proverb Series 69
A Protruding Stone Gets Hammered First
“모난 돌이 정 맞는다”
(Monan dor-i jeong matneunda)
🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning
The Korean proverb “모난 돌이 정 맞는다” literally means
“A stone that sticks out gets struck by the chisel first.”
It teaches that those who stand out too much —
whether by stubbornness, nonconformity, or sharp behavior —
may attract criticism, conflict, or unwanted attention.
The proverb cautions against unnecessarily causing friction,
reminding us that kindness, flexibility, and social awareness
often lead to smoother relationships.
🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson
▪️ Excessive stubbornness invites trouble.
▪️ Harmony often requires soft edges.
▪️ Those who provoke conflict may be the first to face consequences.
The lesson is not to suppress individuality,
but to understand that how we interact with others matters deeply.
Being sharp without reason harms both oneself and the community.
👀 3. Real-Life Applications
▪️ A coworker who insists on their way every time
may face backlash from the team.
▪️ A student who behaves aggressively
often receives disciplinary action sooner than others.
▪️ In daily life, someone who complains constantly
may be avoided or confronted first.
This proverb encourages a balanced personality —
assertive when needed, gentle when possible.
🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World
▪️ Japan — “出る杭は打たれる (Deru kui wa utareru).”
→ The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.
▪️ United States / United Kingdom — “The tall poppy gets cut down.”
→ Those who stand out may be targeted.
▪️ China — “枪打出头鸟 (Qiāng dǎ chū tóu niǎo).”
→ The bird that sticks its head out gets shot.
▪️ France — “Celui qui dépasse attire les coups.”
→ He who stands out attracts the blows.
Across cultures, societies warn that
being sharp without wisdom invites trouble.
💬 A Warm Saying
“Shine brightly —
but smooth your edges so your light doesn’t hurt others.”
📌 Note
This is a creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).
Please do not copy without permission.
Sharing is welcome with proper source citation.
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