TOPIK Korean Expressions and Idioms Flashcards

What does the Korean proverb '호랑이도 제 말 하면 온다' mean?

Answer: Speak of the devil (talk about someone and they appear)

'호랑이도 제 말 하면 온다' (even a tiger comes when you talk about it) is the Korean equivalent of 'speak of the devil.'

The proverb '콩 심은 데 콩 나고 팥 심은 데 팥 난다' conveys which life lesson?

Answer: You reap what you sow

The proverb about beans and red beans growing where planted means actions have corresponding consequences — 'you reap what you sow.'

What does '하늘이 무너져도 솟아날 구멍이 있다' mean?

Answer: Every problem has a solution, no matter how severe

Even if the sky falls, there is always a hole to escape through — meaning there is always a way out of any crisis.

Which expression is used in Korean to describe someone who is a know-it-all or overestimates their abilities?

Answer: 우물 안 개구리

'우물 안 개구리' (frog in a well) describes someone with a limited worldview who overestimates their knowledge.

The proverb '가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다' teaches which lesson?

Answer: Treat others the way you want to be treated

This proverb — 'for kind words to come back, kind words must go first' — teaches reciprocity and treating others well.

What does '공든 탑이 무너지랴' mean?

Answer: A tower built with effort will not collapse — hard work pays off

'공든 탑이 무너지랴' means a tower built with great effort will not fall — used to say sincere effort brings lasting results.