개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다.
Gaeguri olchaengi jeok saenggak mot handa.
A frog forgets its tadpole days.
Signification
People often forget their humble beginnings once they achieve success.
Contexte culturel
In the workplace, the 'Kkondae' (꼰대 - condescending older person) is often criticized using this proverb. It reflects the tension between traditional hierarchy and the modern desire for empathetic leadership. The proverb aligns with the Confucian value of 'Self-Cultivation.' One must constantly reflect on their past to maintain a virtuous character in the present. Idols who become world-famous are often praised if they 'don't forget their tadpole days' by visiting their old training rooms or thanking early staff members. Korean teachers often use this to encourage students who are struggling, telling them that even the smartest person was once an '올챙이' who knew nothing.
Don't use with elders
Even if an older person is being arrogant, using this proverb directly to them is considered very rude in Korea's hierarchical culture.
Use '시절' for variety
Replacing '적' with '시절' (era/days) makes the sentence sound a bit more descriptive and natural in modern conversation.
Signification
People often forget their humble beginnings once they achieve success.
Don't use with elders
Even if an older person is being arrogant, using this proverb directly to them is considered very rude in Korea's hierarchical culture.
Use '시절' for variety
Replacing '적' with '시절' (era/days) makes the sentence sound a bit more descriptive and natural in modern conversation.
The 'Chosim' connection
If you want to sound more sophisticated, link this proverb to the concept of 'Chosim' (초심 - original intention).
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing animal names.
( ) 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다.
The proverb specifically uses the frog (개구리) and its larval stage, the tadpole (올챙이).
Which situation best fits this proverb?
A manager is yelling at a new employee for a small mistake, even though the manager made the same mistake last year.
This proverb is used to criticize someone who forgets their own past struggles and is harsh to beginners.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
가: 저 선배는 왜 저렇게 신입 사원들을 무시해? 나: 그러게 말이야. 본인도 처음엔 아무것도 몰랐으면서 ( ).
The context is criticizing a senior who ignores their own past as a beginner.
Match the proverb to the correct meaning.
개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다
The proverb serves as a warning against arrogance after achieving success.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices( ) 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다.
The proverb specifically uses the frog (개구리) and its larval stage, the tadpole (올챙이).
A manager is yelling at a new employee for a small mistake, even though the manager made the same mistake last year.
This proverb is used to criticize someone who forgets their own past struggles and is harsh to beginners.
가: 저 선배는 왜 저렇게 신입 사원들을 무시해? 나: 그러게 말이야. 본인도 처음엔 아무것도 몰랐으면서 ( ).
The context is criticizing a senior who ignores their own past as a beginner.
개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다
The proverb serves as a warning against arrogance after achieving success.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it can be used for anyone who gains a skill, a higher position at work, or even just becomes more popular and starts acting arrogant.
Usually, no. It's a criticism. If you want to say you are staying humble, say '초심을 잃지 않으려고 노력해요' (I try not to lose my original heart).
The '못' (cannot) implies that the person's current ego is so big that they are literally incapable of relating to their past self. It's a stronger insult.
The closest positive version is '벼는 익을수록 고개를 숙인다' (The more rice ripens, the lower it bows), which praises humility in success.
Only if you are writing to a very close colleague or if you are a senior giving a life lesson. It's generally too informal and critical for standard business emails.
'적' {적|時} is a bound noun meaning 'the time when something happened.' It's similar to '때'.
Yes, it's very common in K-dramas, variety shows, and daily office life. It's a 'classic' that never goes out of style.
You would say '개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 하면 안 돼' or '올챙이 시절을 잊지 마세요'.
In this proverb, it's not particularly cute; it represents a weak and unrefined state. However, in other contexts, tadpoles can be seen as cute.
Yes, this is a traditional proverb used across the entire Korean peninsula.
Expressions liées
초심을 잃지 말자
similarLet's not lose our original heart/intention.
화장실 들어갈 때와 나올 때 다르다
similarOne's attitude is different when entering and leaving the bathroom.
벼는 익을수록 고개를 숙인다
contrastThe more the rice ripens, the lower it bows its head.
안하무인
specialized formActing as if there is no one else around (extreme arrogance).
