구르는 돌에는 이끼가 끼지 않는다.
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A rolling stone gathers no moss
Phrase in 30 Seconds
Stay active and keep improving to avoid becoming stagnant or 'rusty' in life and work.
- Means: Constant effort and movement prevent you from falling behind or becoming outdated.
- Used in: Encouraging someone to keep learning, working, or staying physically active.
- Don't confuse: In Korean, this is almost always positive, unlike the ambiguous English version.
Explanation at your level:
Significado
A person who is always moving or changing doesn't become stagnant.
Contexto cultural
In Korea, 'moss' (이끼) on a person is a metaphor for being 'rusty' or 'outdated'. It is a common theme in 'K-Diligence' culture. The idea of 'daily renewal' (일신우일신) is a core Confucian value that aligns with this proverb. Companies use this to encourage 'Lifelong Learning' (평생 학습) among employees. While the proverb is global, the Korean focus on 'not gathering moss' as a purely positive thing is distinct from the Western 'rolling stone' (nomad) archetype.
Use it in Interviews
This is a 'safe' and impressive proverb to use in Korean job interviews to show you are hardworking.
Don't Overuse
Since it's a proverb, using it too often in casual talk can make you sound like a 'Kkondae' (preachy older person).
Significado
A person who is always moving or changing doesn't become stagnant.
Use it in Interviews
This is a 'safe' and impressive proverb to use in Korean job interviews to show you are hardworking.
Don't Overuse
Since it's a proverb, using it too often in casual talk can make you sound like a 'Kkondae' (preachy older person).
Hanja Connection
Remember the Hanja {활동|活動} (activity) to help you remember the 'rolling' part of the proverb.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing verb form to complete the proverb.
구르는 돌에는 이끼가 (______) 않는다.
The verb '끼다' is specifically used for moss (이끼) gathering on a surface.
Which situation best fits the proverb '구르는 돌에는 이끼가 끼지 않는다'?
어떤 상황에서 이 속담을 쓸까요?
The proverb is used to praise diligence and continuous self-improvement.
Match the Korean word to its English literal meaning.
단어를 연결하세요.
These are the core components of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue using the proverb.
가: 할아버지는 연세가 많으신데 아직도 컴퓨터를 배우세요? 나: 그럼요. (________________________)고 하잖아요.
The context of an elderly person learning new things perfectly matches this proverb.
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Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt's very common in formal writing, speeches, and educational contexts, but less so in casual hanging out.
No, in Korean that would be confusing. Use it for someone who works hard or learns a lot.
It means 'moss', the green plant that grows on damp stones.
Yes, people often just say '구르는 돌은 이끼가 안 낀다'.
It requires understanding the metaphorical use of nature and the '-는' modifier grammar.
Almost never. It is 99% used as a positive encouragement.
The Hanja for moss is {태|苔}, as in '이태(moss)'.
Yes, it's very common to describe an innovative company.
'고인 물은 썩는다' (Stagnant water rots) is the most direct opposite.
It is the standard 'plain style' used in writing and proverbs. In speech, you'd say '않아요'.
Frases relacionadas
流水不腐 (유수불부)
synonymFlowing water does not rot.
일신우일신 (日新又日新)
similarMake it new, and again new, every day.
고인 물은 썩는다
contrastStagnant water rots.
천 리 길도 한 걸음부터
builds onA journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Dónde usarla
Job Interview
Interviewer: 본인의 가장 큰 장점은 무엇인가요?
Applicant: 저는 구르는 돌에는 이끼가 끼지 않는다는 마음으로 항상 새로운 기술을 배웁니다.
Encouraging a Friend
Friend A: 요즘 공부하기 너무 힘들고 지쳐.
Friend B: 조금만 더 힘내! 구르는 돌에는 이끼가 끼지 않는다고 하잖아.
Business Meeting
Manager: 우리 회사는 왜 계속 변화해야 합니까?
CEO: 구르는 돌에는 이끼가 끼지 않기 때문입니다. 멈추면 도태됩니다.
Self-Reflection
Me: 오늘도 운동 가기 싫다... 아니야, 구르는 돌에는 이끼가 끼지 않지. 가자!
Teacher to Student
Teacher: 방학 동안에도 책을 읽으세요. 구르는 돌에는 이끼가 끼지 않습니다.
Retirement Speech
Retiree: 은퇴 후에도 구르는 돌처럼 계속 활동하며 살겠습니다.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Rolling Stone' (like the band) always on tour and never getting 'rusty' or 'mossy'.
Visual Association
Imagine a bright, shiny stone rolling down a mountain, bumping into things and staying clean, while a sad, stationary stone nearby is covered in fuzzy green slime.
Rhyme
구르는 돌 (Gureuneun dol), 이끼는 No (Ikki-neun No)!
Story
Once there was a stone named 'Dori'. Dori loved to roll down hills every morning. His friend, 'Sik-i', preferred to sleep in the shade. After a year, Dori was smooth and sparkling, but Sik-i was so covered in green moss that no one could even see his face. Dori stayed young because he never stopped moving.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to use this phrase in a sentence describing your Korean language learning journey today.
In Other Languages
A rolling stone gathers no moss.
English can be negative; Korean is purely positive.
Piedra que rueda no cría moho.
Uses 'mold' (moho) instead of 'moss' (musgo) in some regional variations.
Pierre qui roule n'amasse pas mousse.
Often carries the negative connotation of lack of wealth accumulation.
Wer rastet, der rostet.
Uses the metaphor of 'rust' instead of 'moss'.
転がる石に苔むさず (Korogaru ishi ni koke musazu)
Grammatically uses the archaic '-zu' negation for a proverb feel.
الحركة بركة (Al-haraka baraka)
Focuses on 'blessing' rather than 'moss'.
流水不腐，户枢不蠹 (Liúshuǐ bù fǔ, hùshū bù dù)
Uses two metaphors (water and hinges) for emphasis.
Pedra que rola não cria limo.
Uses 'limo' (slime/silt) which is slightly more disgusting than 'moss'.
Easily Confused
Both involve 'stones' (돌).
This one means 'be careful even if things look safe', while the rolling stone is about 'staying active'.
Both involve 'rolling stones' (구르는/굴러온 돌).
This means 'an outsider displaces an insider'. It has nothing to do with diligence.
Preguntas frecuentes (10)
It's very common in formal writing, speeches, and educational contexts, but less so in casual hanging out.
No, in Korean that would be confusing. Use it for someone who works hard or learns a lot.
It means 'moss', the green plant that grows on damp stones.
Yes, people often just say '구르는 돌은 이끼가 안 낀다'.
It requires understanding the metaphorical use of nature and the '-는' modifier grammar.
Almost never. It is 99% used as a positive encouragement.
The Hanja for moss is {태|苔}, as in '이태(moss)'.
Yes, it's very common to describe an innovative company.
'고인 물은 썩는다' (Stagnant water rots) is the most direct opposite.
It is the standard 'plain style' used in writing and proverbs. In speech, you'd say '않아요'.
