Korean Proverb : A Puppy Born Yesterday Fears No Tiger

Korean Proverb Series 14

A Puppy Born Yesterday Fears No Tiger

"하룻강아지 범 무서운 줄 모른다"
(Harut-ganaji beom museoun jul moreunda)

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🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning

The Korean proverb “하룻강아지 범 무서운 줄 모른다” literally translates to:
“A puppy born yesterday doesn’t know the tiger’s power.”

It describes someone who, due to inexperience or ignorance, acts fearlessly in a dangerous situation. The proverb warns that courage without understanding is not bravery, but recklessness.

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🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson

• True courage is grounded in wisdom, not ignorance.
• The proverb teaches that those lacking experience often underestimate danger or complexity.
• It emphasizes the importance of humility and learning before acting — knowing fear is part of true wisdom.

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👀 3. Real-Life Applications

• A new employee criticizes company policies without understanding their purpose or background.
• A beginner investor rushes into risky ventures without researching the market.
• A young person challenges authority out of overconfidence rather than knowledge.

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🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World

CountryProverb / SayingInterpretation

 

United States	“Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.”	The reckless act without understanding the risks.
United Kingdom	“Ignorance is bold.”	Lack of awareness often leads to overconfidence.
China	“初生牛犊不怕虎” (Chū shēng niú dú bù pà hǔ)	“A newborn calf is not afraid of a tiger.” — almost identical in meaning.

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💬 A Warm Saying

“Bravery without wisdom
is merely a louder form of fear.”

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📌 Note

This is a creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).

Please do not copy without permission.
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