Korean Proverb : There’s Always Someone Better

Korean Proverb Series 64

There’s Always Someone Better

“뛰는 놈 위에 나는 놈 있다”
(Ttwineun nom wie naneun nom itda)

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🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning

The Korean proverb “뛰는 놈 위에 나는 놈 있다” literally means
“There’s someone flying above the one who’s running.”

It teaches that no matter how skilled or capable one is,
there is always someone greater, faster, or wiser.
This saying encourages humility — reminding us not to become arrogant
and to keep improving ourselves without complacency.

It is both a lesson in modesty and a motivation for continuous growth.

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🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson

▪️ No one is the best forever — there’s always someone ahead.
▪️ Humility keeps us growing; arrogance halts progress.
▪️ True strength lies in knowing your limits and striving beyond them.

The proverb inspires lifelong learning and respectful competition —
because every “runner” eventually meets a “flyer.”

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👀 3. Real-Life Applications

▪️ A top student who stops studying soon falls behind others who persist.
▪️ A successful business may fail if it ignores innovation and new challengers.
▪️ A skilled athlete knows there’s always a younger rival training harder.

This proverb reminds us to stay humble and open-minded —
growth never ends as long as we keep learning.

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🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World

▪️ United States / United Kingdom — “There’s always a bigger fish.”
　→ No matter how great you are, someone greater exists.

▪️ China — “强中自有强中手 (Qiáng zhōng zì yǒu qiáng zhōng shǒu).”
　→ Among the strong, there’s always someone stronger.

▪️ Japan — “上には上がある (Ue ni wa ue ga aru).”
　→ Above the top, there’s still someone higher.

▪️ France — “Il y a toujours plus fort que soi.”
　→ There is always someone stronger than oneself.

Across cultures, this truth echoes everywhere —
greatness without humility leads to downfall.

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💬 A Warm Saying

“Stay humble while you rise,
for the sky above is endless.”

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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.
Sharing is welcome with proper source citation.