Korean Proverb Series 60
Small Peppers Are Spicy
“작은 고추가 맵다”
(Jageun gochuga maepda)
🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning
The Korean proverb “작은 고추가 맵다” literally means
“Small peppers are the spiciest.”
It expresses that even someone small or seemingly insignificant
can possess great power, talent, or influence.
Size or appearance does not determine strength —
sometimes the strongest impact comes from the smallest form.
This proverb celebrates hidden potential, inner strength, and self-confidence.
🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson
▪️ Don’t underestimate those who seem small or quiet.
▪️ True strength comes from spirit, not size.
▪️ Great energy can dwell in the humblest form.
It reminds us that value isn’t measured by appearance or position —
what matters is courage, heart, and effort.
👀 3. Real-Life Applications
▪️ A small company with creativity can outperform big corporations.
▪️ A quiet student may surprise everyone with insight and leadership.
▪️ A physically small person may have an unshakable willpower.
This proverb encourages us to see potential, not limitation —
to respect every individual’s unique strength.
🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World
▪️ United States / United Kingdom — “Good things come in small packages.”
→ Great value often hides in small things.
▪️ China — “麻雀虽小，五脏俱全 (Máquè suī xiǎo, wǔzàng jùquán).”
→ Though the sparrow is small, it has all five organs. (Even the small are complete.)
▪️ Japan — “小粒でもぴりりと辛い (Kotsubu demo piriri to karai).”
→ Even a small grain can be sharply spicy.
Across cultures, people admire those who achieve greatness
despite humble size or beginnings.
💬 A Warm Saying
“Don’t judge by size —
even the smallest flame can light the darkest night.”
📌 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.
'Korean Proverbs & World Proverbs' 카테고리의 다른 글
| Korean Proverb : The Upper Water Must Be Clear for the Lower to Be Clean (1) | 2025.11.08 |
|---|---|
| Korean Proverb : Too Much Patience Can Make You Sick (0) | 2025.11.07 |
| Korean Proverb : Stretch Your Legs According to Your Bed (0) | 2025.11.07 |
| Korean Proverb : A Needle Thief Becomes a Cow Thief (0) | 2025.11.06 |
| Korean Proverb : You Don’t Notice Your Clothes Getting Wet in a Drizzle (0) | 2025.11.06 |
| Korean Proverb : Give a Peck and Receive a Bushel (0) | 2025.11.05 |
| Korean Proverb : The Crayfish Sides with the Crab (0) | 2025.11.05 |
| Korean Proverb : He Who Farts Gets Angry First (0) | 2025.11.04 |