Significado
Be careful what you say, as secrets can easily be overheard by unexpected listeners; walls have ears.
Contexto cultural
Reflects the importance of 'Cheon-myeon' (face) and the collective nature of Korean society where privacy was historically limited. The proverb is now frequently applied to the internet and social media, where 'birds' and 'mice' are replaced by 'screenshots' and 'recordings.' The proverb aligns with Confucian values of self-restraint and the idea that a superior person is careful even when alone (Shin-dok). While the imagery changes (walls vs. animals), the universal human fear of gossip and the loss of secrets is evident across all cultures.
Shorten it for impact
In casual conversation, just saying '낮말은 새가 듣고...' and trailing off is very natural and sounds like a native speaker.
Don't use it for good news
If you use this for a surprise party or a promotion, it might sound like you think the news is 'dirty' or 'shameful.'
Significado
Be careful what you say, as secrets can easily be overheard by unexpected listeners; walls have ears.
Shorten it for impact
In casual conversation, just saying '낮말은 새가 듣고...' and trailing off is very natural and sounds like a native speaker.
Don't use it for good news
If you use this for a surprise party or a promotion, it might sound like you think the news is 'dirty' or 'shameful.'
Nunchi and Proverbs
Using this proverb shows you have 'nunchi' (social wit) and understand the importance of atmosphere and privacy in Korea.
Grammar Check
Remember the nasalization in '듣는다' (deun-neun-da). Pronouncing it 'deut-neun-da' is a common beginner mistake.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing animals in the proverb.
낮말은 ( )가 듣고 밤말은 ( )가 듣는다.
Birds (새) are for the day, and mice (쥐) are for the night.
Which situation is the most appropriate for this proverb?
When should you say '낮말은 새가 듣고 밤말은 쥐가 듣는다'?
The proverb is a warning about being overheard while gossiping or sharing secrets.
Complete the dialogue using the proverb.
A: 이 비밀 꼭 지켜줘. 아무도 모르게. B: 걱정 마. 하지만 너도 조심해. ( ).
The context of keeping a secret requires the proverb about being overheard.
Match the proverb to its English equivalent.
낮말은 새가 듣고 밤말은 쥐가 듣는다
Both proverbs warn that secrets can be overheard by unexpected listeners.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Korean vs English Imagery
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejercicios낮말은 ( )가 듣고 밤말은 ( )가 듣는다.
Birds (새) are for the day, and mice (쥐) are for the night.
When should you say '낮말은 새가 듣고 밤말은 쥐가 듣는다'?
The proverb is a warning about being overheard while gossiping or sharing secrets.
A: 이 비밀 꼭 지켜줘. 아무도 모르게. B: 걱정 마. 하지만 너도 조심해. ( ).
The context of keeping a secret requires the proverb about being overheard.
낮말은 새가 듣고 밤말은 쥐가 듣는다
Both proverbs warn that secrets can be overheard by unexpected listeners.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it's very common. Even though it's an old saying, young people use it ironically or seriously when talking about office drama or social media leaks.
Yes, but use the formal version: '낮말은 새가 듣고 밤말은 쥐가 듣는다고 하니 조심하겠습니다.' It shows you are respectful and wise.
They were the most common animals found around traditional Korean homes—birds in the trees/roof and mice in the walls/floor.
Absolutely. In fact, it's often more effective. '낮말은 새가 듣고...' is enough for most Koreans to understand the warning.
Yes, the core meaning is identical. The only difference is the imagery used to convey the idea of eavesdropping.
Not a direct one, but people might say '다 보고 있다' (Everyone is watching) or '조심해, 다 들려' (Careful, everything is heard).
It's the 'plain form,' which is used in proverbs, books, and when talking to yourself. It's neutral in this context.
No, proverbs are fixed. If you say '낮말은 고양이가 듣고,' people will think you are making a joke or don't know the phrase.
Yes, this is a traditional Korean proverb that predates the division and is used throughout the peninsula.
Swapping the animals or the times (e.g., saying 'night-birds'). Just remember: Birds = Sky/Day, Mice = Floor/Night.
Frases relacionadas
발 없는 말이 천 리 간다
similarWords without feet travel a thousand ri.
입은 비뚤어져도 말은 바로 해라
builds onEven if your mouth is crooked, speak straight.
말 한마디에 천 냥 빚도 갚는다
contrastA single word can repay a debt of a thousand nyang.
벽에도 귀가 있다
synonymEven walls have ears.
