Basic Korean Proverbs

Today we are going to read Korean proverbs and practice how to read Korean sentences. Each proverb will be translated into English.

까마귀 날자 배 떨어진다. The pear falls when the crow flies. Meaning: Two unrelated events happen at the same time causing the two events to be related.

목마른 놈이 우물 판다. The thirsty will dig the well. Meaning: The one who has the need will find a way to solve his own problem.

천리도 한거름 부터. A mile startes at a single step. Meaning: An insurmountable job will be able to overcome if done little by little.

티끌모아 태산. Grains of sand come together to make a mountain. Meaning: Small things such as habits come together to form a large thing such as behavior.

귀에 걸면 귀고리 코에 걸면 코고리. A ring will become earring if put on an ear, a nose ring if put on a nose. Meaning: If something does not have a specific use, people will use it to their own liking.

가는말이 고와야 오는말이 곱다. You need to say sweet words for sweet words to come back. Meaning: One cannot expect people to treat oneself well if he has not treated others well.

누워서 떡 먹기. To eat food while lying down. Meaning: the job or task is very easy.

그림의 떡 A picture of food Meaning: Even if an item or thing is desirable, if you cannot use it you it is worthless.

누워서 침 뱉기. To spit while lying down. Meaning: Whatever you do comes back to you.

발 없는 말이 천리 간다. A horse without legs will go a long way. Meaning: Rumors can spread like wildfire.

Lets review the proverbs and their meanings. Please read over the Korean sentences as practice.