Korean Proverb Series 43
Can a Sparrow Just Pass by a Mill?
“참새가 방앗간을 그냥 지나랴”
(Chamsaega bangatgan-eul geunyang jinarya)
🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning
The 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 but stop by a grain mill for food,
humans too are often drawn to their familiar weaknesses or pleasures.
🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson
▪️ It’s hard to resist one’s natural tendencies or desires.
▪️ Everyone has a weakness — acknowledging it is part of wisdom.
▪️ Self-awareness helps us balance desire and discipline.
This proverb reminds us that understanding our nature
is the first step toward mastering it.
👀 3. Real-Life Applications
▪️ A dieter can’t resist dessert when passing a bakery.
▪️ A shopaholic finds it hard to “just look” at a sale window.
▪️ A gossip lover promises silence but joins in when stories start.
We smile because it’s true —
sometimes, resisting temptation is the hardest human challenge.
🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World
▪️ United States / United Kingdom — “Old habits die hard.”
→ It’s hard to overcome familiar urges or behaviors.
▪️ China — “猫见鱼，口流涎 (Māo jiàn yú, kǒu liú xián).”
→ “When a cat sees fish, its mouth waters.”
▪️ Japan — “好きな物に目がない (Suki na mono ni me ga nai).”
→ “One loses their eyes to what they love.”
▪️ France — “Chassez le naturel, il revient au galop.”
→ “Chase away nature, it returns at a gallop.”
Across cultures, people share the same smile —
we all know the feeling of being a “sparrow by the mill.”
💬 A Warm Saying
“Temptation is part of being human —
wisdom is knowing when to fly away.”
📌 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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