We all know sayings can be funny in certain ways, but they are also deeper meanings hidden in them. Today we will explain 10 Korean sayings, let’s stop wasting time and start with the real deal
10 낮말은 새가 듣고 밤말은 쥐가 듣는다
Literal translation: Birds hear the words spoken in the day, and mice hear the words spoken at night
English: The walls have ears
It’s better not to discuss it here, The birds and mice might be listening and they will tell others about it!
9 다 된 밥에 재 뿌리지 마라
Literal translation: Don’t spread ashes on cooked rice
English: Don’t rain on someone’s parade
Don´t ruin other peoples happiness
8 가려운 곳을 긁어 주다
Literal translation: Give a scratch to the itchy place
English: You scratch where it itches
You are really thirsty and your friend brings you a drink without you asking for it
7 아는 길도 물어가라
Literal translation: Even if you know the way, ask one more time.
English: Measure twice, cut once.
Don’t be overconfident, Always check things twice even if you are sure of something.
6 콩 심은데 콩나고, 팥 심은데 팥난다
Literal translation: Beans come out from where beans are planted, and padd (red beans) come out from where red beans are planted.
English: The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Kids learn from their parents, they learn through copying them, so they take after their parents.
5 고생 끝에 낙이 온다.
Literal translation: At the end of hardship comes happiness.
English: –
Don’t worry, good times will follow!
4 가는 말이 고와야오는 말이 곱다.
Literal translation: If the outgoing words are beautiful, then the incoming words will be beautiful too.
English: Who does well, meets well
If you are kind to others, others will likely be kind to you too. Do to others what you would like in return.
3 호랑이에게 물려가도 정신만 차리면 산다
Literal translation: Even if you are cornered by a tiger, if you keep your cool you can survive.
English: Stay calm even in dire situations
Keep calm and carry on, carry on, as if nothing really matters!
2 고양이에게 생선을 맡기다
Literal translation: Entrust a cat with a fish
English: –
Don’t entrust someone your golden necklace if you know they might take it for themselves.
1오늘 걷지 않으면 내일은 뛰어야 한다
Literal translation: If you don’t walk today, you will have to run tomorrow
English: You may delay, but time will not.
Procrastination! It never leads to anything good.
Sources:
https://www.90daykorean.com/korean-proverbs-sayings/
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Korean_proverbs
Need Inspiration? 26 Wise Korean Proverbs to Change Yourself
Pictures from: Google, Naver
