Korean Proverb Series 51
Pouring Water into a Bottomless Jar
“밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기”
(Mit ppajin dok-e mul butgi)
🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning
The Korean proverb “밑 빠진 독에 물 붓기” literally means
“Pouring water into a jar with no bottom.”
It describes a situation where no matter how much effort you invest,
nothing is achieved — because the foundation itself is flawed or missing.
This saying warns against wasting time, emotion, or energy
on pursuits that lack purpose, structure, or sincerity.
It’s not about giving up — it’s about recognizing where effort truly bears fruit.
🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson
▪️ Hard work without wisdom leads to exhaustion, not success.
▪️ Before acting, check whether your efforts have direction.
▪️ Sustainable results come from balance — effort and insight together.
The proverb reminds us:
effort alone is not enough — it must flow into the right vessel.
👀 3. Real-Life Applications
▪️ Investing time in someone who never listens can leave you drained.
▪️ Working endlessly without improving the process brings no progress.
▪️ In relationships or business, giving without boundaries can become self-loss.
Before you keep pouring, make sure the jar can hold your water.
🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World
▪️ United States / United Kingdom — “Beating a dead horse.”
→ Continuing effort in something that no longer has purpose.
▪️ China — “无底洞 (Wú dǐ dòng).”
→ “A bottomless pit” — endless effort without return.
▪️ Japan — “穴のあいた桶に水を汲む (Ana no aita oke ni mizu o kumu).”
→ “Drawing water into a leaky bucket.”
▪️ France — “Verser de l’eau dans un panier percé.”
→ “Pouring water into a broken basket.”
Across cultures, this wisdom echoes clearly —
direct your energy wisely, not endlessly.
💬 A Warm Saying
“Effort is precious —
but wisdom tells you where to pour it.”
📌 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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