구르는 돌은 이끼가 끼지 않는다
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A rolling stone gathers no moss
Phrase in 30 Seconds
Stay active and keep learning to remain fresh and successful in life.
- Means: Constant activity prevents stagnation and keeps your mind and skills sharp.
- Used in: Encouraging someone to keep trying new things or working hard.
- Don't confuse: It doesn't mean you should never rest; it's about long-term growth.
Explanation at your level:
Significado
A person who keeps moving or changing does not become stagnant; constant activity keeps one fresh.
Contexto cultural
In Korea, this proverb is often used to justify the 'Pali-pali' (hurry-hurry) culture. It suggests that constant motion is the natural and healthy state of a successful person. The proverb aligns with the Confucian idea of 'Self-Cultivation' (修身 - Susin). One must never stop 'polishing' their character and mind. In the modern Korean tech industry, this phrase is used to encourage 'Lifelong Learning' (평생 학습) as technology changes rapidly. Older generations use this to encourage hard work, while younger generations sometimes use it ironically to comment on how busy they are forced to be.
Use it as a compliment
If you see an older person learning something new, this is one of the highest compliments you can give them in Korean.
Don't use it for 'moving house'
In English, 'rolling stone' can mean someone who moves a lot. In Korean, it almost never refers to physical moving/relocating, only to personal growth.
Significado
A person who keeps moving or changing does not become stagnant; constant activity keeps one fresh.
Use it as a compliment
If you see an older person learning something new, this is one of the highest compliments you can give them in Korean.
Don't use it for 'moving house'
In English, 'rolling stone' can mean someone who moves a lot. In Korean, it almost never refers to physical moving/relocating, only to personal growth.
Combine with '고인 물'
To sound like a pro, use it alongside '고인 물은 썩는다' to show you understand both the positive and negative sides of the concept.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
구르는 {돌|石}은 _____가 끼지 않는다.
'이끼' (moss) is the thing that doesn't grow on a rolling stone.
Which situation best fits this proverb?
When should you say '구르는 {돌|石}은 {이끼|苔}가 끼지 않는다'?
The proverb praises continuous learning and activity.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
가: 요즘 너무 바빠서 힘들어요. 나: 그래도 힘내세요! ____________________.
This is a common way to encourage someone who is busy but productive.
Match the proverb to its meaning.
What is the figurative meaning of 'moss' (이끼) in this proverb?
Moss represents the negative things that happen when you stop moving or growing.
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Ayudas visuales
Preguntas frecuentes
7 preguntasNot at all! While it's a proverb, it's used daily in business, education, and self-improvement contexts.
Yes, many Korean startups and companies use this imagery to emphasize innovation.
In this specific proverb, yes. It represents stagnation, rust, or outdated ideas.
The Hanja is 石 (석), as in '석재' (stone material) or '암석' (rock).
There isn't a direct slang proverb, but people use '갓생 살기' (living a God-life) to mean the same thing.
Yes, if you are talking about the company's growth or your own commitment to learning.
'끼다' specifically describes how moss or dirt forms a layer on a surface. It's more descriptive than just saying it 'isn't there'.
Frases relacionadas
고인 물은 썩는다
contrastStagnant water rots.
천 리 길도 한 걸음부터
similarA journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
부지런한 새가 벌레를 잡는다
similarThe early bird catches the worm.
쇠뿔도 단김에 빼라
builds onPull out the bull's horn while it's hot (Strike while the iron is hot).
Dónde usarla
Job Interview
Interviewer: 우리 회사는 변화가 빠른데 괜찮으시겠어요? (Our company changes fast, will you be okay?)
Applicant: 네, 구르는 {돌|石}은 {이끼|苔}가 끼지 않는다고 생각합니다. 항상 배우겠습니다. (Yes, I believe a rolling stone gathers no moss. I will always be learning.)
Encouraging a Friend
Friend A: 요즘 새로운 운동 시작했는데 너무 힘들어. (I started a new workout lately and it's so hard.)
Friend B: 그래도 계속해봐. 구르는 {돌|石}은 {이끼|苔}가 끼지 않잖아! (Keep going anyway. You know, a rolling stone gathers no moss!)
Grandparent's Advice
Grandfather: 얘야, 나이가 들어도 계속 움직여야 한다. (Child, you must keep moving even as you get older.)
Grandchild: 맞아요, 할아버지. 구르는 {돌|石}은 {이끼|苔}가 끼지 않죠. (You're right, Grandpa. A rolling stone gathers no moss.)
Business Meeting
CEO: 우리는 시장의 선두주자가 되기 위해 혁신해야 합니다. (We must innovate to become market leaders.)
Manager: 맞습니다. 구르는 {돌|石}은 {이끼|苔}가 끼지 않듯이 우리도 멈추지 말아야 합니다. (Correct. Just as a rolling stone gathers no moss, we must not stop.)
Learning a Language
Teacher: 한국어 공부가 어렵죠? 하지만 매일 조금씩 하세요. (Korean is hard, right? But do a little every day.)
Student: 네, 구르는 {돌|石}은 {이끼|苔}가 끼지 않으니까 포기하지 않을게요. (Yes, since a rolling stone gathers no moss, I won't give up.)
Retirement Party
Colleague: 은퇴 후에는 뭐 하실 거예요? (What will you do after retirement?)
Retiree: 여행도 다니고 요리도 배울 거예요. 구르는 {돌|石}은 {이끼|苔}가 끼지 않으니까요. (I'll travel and learn cooking. Because a rolling stone gathers no moss.)
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Rolling Stone' rock star—they never get old or 'mossy' because they are always on tour!
Visual Association
Imagine a bright, shiny pebble tumbling down a sparkling blue mountain stream. It looks polished and clean, while the still rocks at the edge are covered in fuzzy, green, slimy moss.
Rhyme
구르는 돌 (Gureuneun dol), 이끼는 No! (Ikkineun No!)
Story
A little stone wanted to be beautiful. It saw a big, still rock covered in soft green moss and thought it looked nice. But soon, the moss got itchy and smelly. The little stone decided to jump into the river and roll every day. It stayed shiny and smooth forever.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to use this phrase today when you see someone working hard or when you finish a study session. Say to yourself: '나는 구르는 {돌|石}이다!' (I am a rolling stone!)
In Other Languages
A rolling stone gathers no moss.
Korean usage is strictly positive (praising diligence), while English can be ambiguous.
転がる石に苔むさず (Korogaru ishi ni koke musazu)
The Japanese version uses a slightly more archaic verb form (musazu).
流水不腐，户枢不蠹 (Liúshuǐ bù fǔ, hùshū bù dù)
Uses different natural metaphors (water/hinges) instead of a stone.
Piedra que rueda no cría moho.
Uses 'mold' (moho) instead of 'moss' (이끼).
Pierre qui roule n'amasse pas mousse.
More likely to carry the negative connotation of 'not getting rich'.
Wer rastet, der rostet.
Focuses on 'rust' rather than 'moss'.
في الحركة بركة (Fil haraka baraka)
Focuses on 'blessing' (baraka) rather than the absence of moss.
Pedra que rola não cria limo.
Uses 'limo' which can mean moss or slippery silt.
Easily Confused
Both involve 'stones' (돌) and advice.
This one means 'Look before you leap' (be careful), while the rolling stone means 'Keep moving' (be active).
Both use the verb '구르다' (to roll) and '돌' (stone).
This means an outsider replaces an insider. It has nothing to do with diligence.
Preguntas frecuentes (7)
Not at all! While it's a proverb, it's used daily in business, education, and self-improvement contexts.
Yes, many Korean startups and companies use this imagery to emphasize innovation.
In this specific proverb, yes. It represents stagnation, rust, or outdated ideas.
The Hanja is 石 (석), as in '석재' (stone material) or '암석' (rock).
There isn't a direct slang proverb, but people use '갓생 살기' (living a God-life) to mean the same thing.
Yes, if you are talking about the company's growth or your own commitment to learning.
'끼다' specifically describes how moss or dirt forms a layer on a surface. It's more descriptive than just saying it 'isn't there'.
