말이 앞서면 몸이 고생한다.
Mari apseomyeon momi gosaenghanda.
If words go first, the body suffers.
Signification
Acting impulsively or speaking without thinking often leads to difficulties later.
Contexte culturel
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.
Signification
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.
Teste-toi
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.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices말이 앞서면 ____ 고생한다.
The proverb specifically uses '몸' (body) to show physical hardship.
Which person would hear '말이 앞서면 몸이 고생한다'?
This person has 'talked ahead' of their ability, leading to a struggle.
가: 나 이번 달에 책 50권 읽을 거야! 나: 50권? ________.
The speaker is making an unrealistic promise, so the proverb fits as a warning.
이 속담의 의미는 무엇인가요?
It means if you say things you can't do, you'll have a hard time later.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt 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).
Expressions liées
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.
