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

Korean Proverb Series 5

Birds Hear Words by Day, and Mice Hear Words by Night

(Natmar-eun saega deutgo bammat-eun jwiga deutneunda · 낮말은 새가 듣고 밤말은 쥐가 듣는다)

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🕰️ 1. The Proverb

The 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 to be overheard.

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🪄 2. Meaning & Lesson

• No secret remains safe; careless words are easily spread.
• The proverb warns us to exercise discretion with speech, for words once spoken cannot be taken back.
• At a deeper level, it reflects traditional Korean values of discretion, self-restraint, and the belief that unseen forces witness human actions.

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👀 3. Example from Life

• An employee criticizes their boss in private, only to discover later that their words reached the boss through others.
• Children overhear their parents’ arguments and repeat them innocently, causing embarrassment.
• A rumor whispered at night soon circulates widely the next day.

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🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World

🇺🇸 “Walls have ears.” – Secrets are often overheard.

🇯🇵 「壁に耳あり障子に目あり」 (Kabe ni mimi ari shōji ni me ari) – “The walls have ears, the sliding doors have eyes.”

🇨🇳 “隔墙有耳” (Gé qiáng yǒu ěr) – “There are ears behind the wall.”

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💬 A Warm Saying

“Words fly farther than wings—
once spoken, they may reach where you least expect.”

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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.
Sharing is welcome with proper source citation.