Korean Proverb Series 3
Kind Words Bring Kind Replies
(Ganeun mal-i gowaya oneun mal-i gobda · 가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다)
🕰️ 1. The Proverb
The 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 & Lesson
- Polite and kind speech creates harmony in relationships.
- Words have power: harshness breeds conflict, while kindness fosters peace.
- The lesson emphasizes respect and the principle of reciprocity in communication.
👀 3. Example from Life
- A student greets a teacher politely and receives a warm response.
- A customer speaks kindly to a shopkeeper and is rewarded with better service in return.
- In daily life, when family members use gentle words, the home atmosphere becomes warm and pleasant.
🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World
🇺🇸 “What goes around, comes around.” – Your actions (and words) return to you.
🇯🇵 「情けは人の為ならず」 (Nasake wa hito no tame narazu) – Kindness to others ultimately returns to oneself.
🇨🇳 “投我以桃，报之以李” (Tóu wǒ yǐ táo, bào zhī yǐ lǐ) – “If you give me a peach, I will return with a plum.” → Acts of kindness are repaid with kindness.
💬 A Warm Saying
“Words are like echoes—
what you send out is what comes back to you.”
📌 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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