Korean Proverb Series 13
Many Dusts Make a Great Mountain
"티끌 모아 태산"
(Tikkeul moa taesan)
🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning
The Korean proverb “티끌 모아 태산” literally translates to:
“Dust gathered together becomes a great mountain.”
It conveys the idea that even the smallest efforts, savings, or actions, when accumulated over time, can lead to something vast and significant. The proverb celebrates patience, persistence, and the power of consistency in achieving long-term success.
🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson
- Small, steady efforts create great achievements.
- The proverb reminds us that consistency is often more powerful than intensity.
- It teaches the importance of patience and perseverance — that greatness is built not in a single moment, but through countless small steps.
👀 3. Real-Life Applications
- Saving a small amount of money regularly can eventually grow into substantial wealth.
- Practicing a musical instrument or language every day leads to mastery over time.
- A student who studies a little each day eventually surpasses those who study only in short bursts before exams.
🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World
CountryProverb / SayingInterpretation
United States | “Little by little, a little becomes a lot.” | Small efforts accumulate into something great. |
United Kingdom | “Many a little makes a mickle.” | Consistent small gains lead to abundance. |
China | “积少成多” (Jī shǎo chéng duō) | “Accumulating small things leads to much.” — the same moral of gradual effort. |
💬 A Warm Saying
“Great things are built
from countless small beginnings.”
📌 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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