말이 앞서면 몸이 고생한다.
Mari apseomyeon momi gosaenghanda.
If words go first, the body suffers.
Phrase in 30 Seconds
A warning that bragging or making big promises without a plan leads to physical or mental exhaustion when trying to keep them.
- Means: If you talk big, you'll have to work twice as hard to catch up.
- Used in: Workplaces, fitness goals, or when someone brags about their skills.
- Don't confuse: It's not about lying, but about over-committing impulsively.
Explanation at your level:
Significado
Acting impulsively or speaking without thinking often leads to difficulties later.
Contexto cultural
Confucian values prioritize 'Eon-haeng-il-chi' (consistency in speech and action). Boasting is seen as a sign of a shallow character. In corporate Korea, promising more than you can deliver to a boss is a common trap that leads to 'Gwasaro' (death by overwork). Parents often use this proverb to teach children modesty and the importance of realistic goal-setting. Characters who are 'Heo-se' (bluffing) are often the comic relief, and this proverb is frequently applied to them.
Use it for yourself
It's a great way to show humility when you realize you've taken on too much work.
Don't over-use
If you say this to others too often, you might sound like a pessimist or someone who discourages big dreams.
Significado
Acting impulsively or speaking without thinking often leads to difficulties later.
Use it for yourself
It's a great way to show humility when you realize you've taken on too much work.
Don't over-use
If you say this to others too often, you might sound like a pessimist or someone who discourages big dreams.
The 'Body' focus
Remember that '몸' (body) emphasizes the physical reality of life, which is a very grounded, practical way of thinking.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
말이 앞서면 ____ 고생한다.
The proverb specifically uses '몸' (body) to show physical hardship.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Which person would hear '말이 앞서면 몸이 고생한다'?
This person has 'talked ahead' of their ability, leading to a struggle.
Complete the dialogue.
가: 나 이번 달에 책 50권 읽을 거야! 나: 50권? ________.
The speaker is making an unrealistic promise, so the proverb fits as a warning.
Choose the correct meaning of the proverb.
이 속담의 의미는 무엇인가요?
It means if you say things you can't do, you'll have a hard time later.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt can be if used to mock someone's failure. Use it as a gentle warning or for self-reflection.
It's a bit informal for an official email, but okay in a casual Slack message to a close colleague.
It means 'to go ahead' or 'to precede'. In this context, your words are ahead of your actions.
People often just say '말만 앞선다' (Words only go ahead) to describe the situation.
It is 苦生 (Bitter Life).
Yes, although it says 'body', it implies overall hardship including mental exhaustion.
Very common, especially when a character is bragging about their skills.
말이 앞서서 몸이 고생하고 있어요.
The grammar is A2, but the cultural depth is B1/B2.
말보다 행동 (Action over words).
Frases relacionadas
말보다 행동
similarActions over words.
입만 살았다
specialized formOnly the mouth is alive.
언행일치
builds onConsistency of words and actions.
말이 씨가 된다
contrastWords become seeds.
Dónde usarla
Job Interview
Interviewer: 이 프로젝트를 일주일 안에 끝낼 수 있나요?
Applicant: 네, 가능합니다! (속마음: 말이 앞서면 몸이 고생할 텐데 걱정이네...)
Gym with Friends
Friend A: 나 오늘 스쿼트 100kg 할 수 있어!
Friend B: 말이 앞서면 몸이 고생한다. 조심해.
Spicy Food Challenge
Me: 이 정도 매운 건 아무것도 아니지!
Brother: 말이 앞서면 몸이 고생해. 내일 화장실에서 울지 마.
New Year's Resolution
Daughter: 엄마, 나 올해는 매일 새벽 5시에 일어날 거야!
Mother: 말이 앞서면 몸이 고생한다. 일단 일주일에 세 번부터 해 봐.
Group Project
Student A: 제가 발표 자료 다 만들게요!
Student B: 진짜요? 말이 앞서면 몸이 고생할 텐데 같이 해요.
Dating
Boyfriend: 내가 매일 너 집까지 데려다줄게!
Girlfriend: 말이 앞서면 몸이 고생해. 피곤할 때는 그냥 가.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of your mouth as a runner who starts the race too early, leaving your slow body to chase after it until it collapses.
Visual Association
Imagine a giant cartoon mouth with legs running far ahead of a sweating, exhausted person carrying a heavy bag labeled 'PROMISES'.
Rhyme
말이 앞서면 (Mal-i ap-seo-myeon), 몸이 고생 (Mom-i go-saeng).
Story
Min-su told everyone he could hike the mountain in 1 hour. He started running (words ahead). Halfway up, he was gasping for air and his legs were shaking (body suffering). He realized he should have just hiked quietly.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to find one situation today where you are tempted to say 'I'll do it!' and instead say 'I'll try my best' to avoid letting your words go ahead.
In Other Languages
Don't let your mouth write a check your ass can't cash.
The English version uses a financial metaphor (checks), while the Korean one uses a general labor metaphor (hardship).
口는 災いの元 (Kuchi wa wazawai no moto)
The Japanese version focuses on 'disaster' (social/legal), while the Korean one focuses on 'physical toil'.
Por la boca muere el pez.
The Spanish idiom suggests a fatal or final consequence, whereas the Korean one suggests a period of hard work.
Il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l'ours avant de l'avoir tué.
The French version focuses on the 'result/profit', while the Korean one focuses on the 'effort/labor'.
Große Klappe, nichts dahinter.
The German version is a description of a person's character, while the Korean one is a warning about the consequence.
言多必失 (Yán duō bì shī)
The Chinese version focuses on 'mistakes' (errors in judgment), while the Korean one focuses on 'physical suffering'.
الكلمة إذا خرجت من فمك ملكتك
The Arabic version uses the metaphor of 'ownership/slavery', while the Korean one uses 'hardship'.
Quem muito fala, pouco acerta.
The Portuguese version focuses on 'accuracy/success', while the Korean one focuses on 'effort/toil'.
Easily Confused
Both involve '말' (speech) and its consequences.
This one is about the *power* of kind words, while our proverb is about the *burden* of boastful words.
Both are common proverbs starting with '말'.
This one is about 'give and take' in kindness, not about over-promising.
Preguntas frecuentes (10)
It can be if used to mock someone's failure. Use it as a gentle warning or for self-reflection.
It's a bit informal for an official email, but okay in a casual Slack message to a close colleague.
It means 'to go ahead' or 'to precede'. In this context, your words are ahead of your actions.
People often just say '말만 앞선다' (Words only go ahead) to describe the situation.
It is 苦生 (Bitter Life).
Yes, although it says 'body', it implies overall hardship including mental exhaustion.
Very common, especially when a character is bragging about their skills.
말이 앞서서 몸이 고생하고 있어요.
The grammar is A2, but the cultural depth is B1/B2.
말보다 행동 (Action over words).
