Korean Proverb : The Dog That Chased the Chicken Looks Up at the Roof

Korean Proverb Series 27

The Dog That Chased the Chicken Looks Up at the Roof

"닭 쫓던 개 지붕 쳐다본다"
(Dak jjotdeon gae jibung cheodabonda)

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🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning

The Korean proverb “닭 쫓던 개 지붕 쳐다본다” literally translates to:
“The dog that chased the chicken now looks up at the roof.”

It describes the feeling of helplessness or regret after losing something that was within reach. Just as the dog can only stare at the chicken that flew onto the roof, the proverb warns against acting rashly or missing opportunities due to impatience or lack of foresight.

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🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson

• When we act without planning, we may end up empty-handed.
• The proverb teaches patience, preparation, and acceptance of outcomes.
• It reminds us that once a chance is gone, regret alone cannot bring it back — wisdom lies in learning from that loss.

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👀 3. Real-Life Applications

• A student procrastinates and misses an important deadline, left only with regret.
• An investor hesitates to act on a good opportunity, only to see others succeed.
• A person loses a valuable friendship by taking it for granted, realizing it too late.

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🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World

CountryProverb / SayingInterpretation

 

United States	“You snooze, you lose.”	If you hesitate or delay, you’ll miss your chance.
United Kingdom	“Don’t cry over spilt milk.”	Once something is lost, regret is useless.
China	“机不可失，时不再来” (Jī bù kě shī, shí bù zài lái)	“Opportunity knocks but once.” — seize the moment before it’s gone.

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💬 A Warm Saying

“When chances fly away,
regret can only watch from below.”

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📌 Note
This is a creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).

Please do not copy without permission.
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