- 짚신도 짝이 있다.
Jipshindo jjakee itda.
Even the straw shoe has a mate.
- 티끌모아 태산.
Tiggeulmoah taesan.
One can build a mountain by collecting specks of dust.
- 가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다.
Ganeun malee goaya oneun malee gopda.
If the outgoing words are beautiful, the incoming words will be beautiful.
- 평안 감사도 제가 싫으면 그만이다.
Pyeongahn gamsado jega shileumyeon geumaneeda.
A man may lead his horse to water, but cannot make it drink.
- 등잔 밑이 어둡다.
Deungjan meetee uhdoopda.
It’s dark under the oil lamp.
- 서당 개 삼년이면 풍월을 읊는다.
Suhdang gae samneuneemyun poongwoleul eulbneunda.
A dog raised in a private school for three years can recite alphabets.
- 남의 떡이 더 커 보인다.
Namui tteokee duh kuh boinda.
Someone else’s rice cake always looks bigger.
- 시작이 반이다.
Shijakee baneeda.
Starting is half the task.
- 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다.
Wonsoongeedo namooaesuh dduhluhjinda.
Even monkeys fall off trees.
- 호랑이에게 물려가도 정신만 차리면 산다.
Horangeeaegae moollyuhgado jungshinman chalimyun sanda.
Even if you are caught by a tiger, you will survive if you keep your cool.
Hope you enjoyed the featured Korean proverbs. Next time you’re faced with trials in life, may these bits of wisdom be a guide to your health, wealth and happiness. See you on Mondays for more phrase lessons and on KWOW Wednesdays for travel episodes. Anyong!
