🟠 Introducing Korean Proverbs and Sayings – Intermediate Level (TOPIK 3–4)

Have you ever heard Koreans say something strange like “When tigers used to smoke”? **Korean proverbs (속담) and sayings (관용어) are cultural gems that make your Korean sound richer and more natural.** In this post, we’ll explore key proverbs, their meanings, and tips to start using them right away.

By the end of this post, you’ll know:

Commonly used Korean proverbs and their meanings
How to apply them naturally in daily conversations
Cultural insights behind these expressions

💬 What Are Korean Proverbs and Sayings?

Korean proverbs (속담) are short, memorable expressions offering wisdom or moral lessons. Sayings (관용어) are figurative phrases that convey meaning beyond literal words. Mastering them will not only boost your vocabulary but also help you understand Korean humor and cultural values.

📝 Popular Examples with Meanings

호랑이 굴에 가야 호랑이 새끼를 잡는다 (You must enter the tiger’s den to catch its cub) → No risk, no reward.
등잔 밑이 어둡다 (It’s dark under the lamp) → You miss what’s right in front of you.
낮말은 새가 듣고 밤말은 쥐가 듣는다 (Birds hear daytime words; mice hear nighttime words) → Be cautious; someone might hear what you say.

🛠 How to Use Them Naturally

Proverbs are typically used to **comment on a situation**, not to start one. For example:

When encouraging someone to take a risk: 호랑이 굴에 가야 호랑이 새끼를 잡지! (“No risk, no reward!”)
When someone overlooks something obvious: 등잔 밑이 어둡네. (“You missed what’s right in front of you.”)

🧩 Teacher’s Tips

When I teach proverbs to students, I notice two common challenges: pronunciation and overuse. **Tip 1: Don’t try to memorize too many at once. Pick 2–3 proverbs and use them repeatedly in daily writing or speaking. Tip 2: Listen to dramas or YouTube channels; many proverbs pop up in emotional scenes, which helps you remember them naturally. Tip 3: Avoid forcing proverbs into every sentence — they should feel natural, like seasoning in a dish.

🗯 Say what?

오늘의 표현 – “호랑이 담배 피던 시절”
Literally “when tigers smoked cigarettes.” Koreans use this humorously to mean “a very long time ago,” like saying “back in the day” in English.

🌏 Did You Know?

This section is designed to keep you curious and reading — even if the fact isn’t directly tied to the main topic. Did you know Korea has over **4,000 documented proverbs**? Many originated during the Joseon Dynasty and were passed down orally before being written in collections like Samguk Yusa. Some even overlap with Chinese and Japanese sayings, reflecting shared East Asian culture.

📦 Final Thoughts

Learning Korean proverbs bridges the gap between language and culture. Try using them in context with friends or in journaling — you’ll sound more authentic and gain deeper cultural understanding.

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📘 More Posts You’ll Find Helpful!

❶ Making Comparisons in Korean – Intermediate Level

❷ Talking About Food You Like – Beginner Level

❸ Analyzing Advertisements in Korean – Advanced Level

Keep exploring more posts like these and grow your Korean skills step by step!

📚 Want to practice using proverbs in real conversations?
Book a lesson with me on italki and learn how to apply them naturally.

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About the Author

I’m an office worker with 20 years of experience who enjoys studying English and Japanese. Through this blog, I share simple guides to help you learn Korean and understand Korean culture better.