개같이 벌어서 정승같이 쓴다.
gaegachi beoreoseo jeongseunggachi sseunda.
Earn like a dog, spend like a minister.
Signification
Working extremely hard to earn money but spending it lavishly.
Contexte culturel
The 'Jeongseung' were the top three officials in the State Council (Uijeongbu). They represented the pinnacle of success and moral authority in Joseon society. In modern Korea, this proverb is often used to combat the 'shame' of working in 3D (Dirty, Dangerous, Difficult) jobs. Confucianism values 'Righteous Wealth' ({義利|의리}). This proverb aligns with the idea that wealth is only good if used for 'Right' ({義|의}). The proverb resonates with the 'Work Hard, Play Hard' culture but adds a layer of social responsibility that is uniquely East Asian.
Use it for Motivation
When you're tired of your job, say this to yourself to remember the 'why' behind your work.
Don't use with Bosses
Telling your boss you are 'working like a dog' might sound like you're complaining about the company, even if you use the proverb.
Signification
Working extremely hard to earn money but spending it lavishly.
Use it for Motivation
When you're tired of your job, say this to yourself to remember the 'why' behind your work.
Don't use with Bosses
Telling your boss you are 'working like a dog' might sound like you're complaining about the company, even if you use the proverb.
The 'Spending' is Key
Koreans value the 'spending' part more. It's not an excuse to be a miser; it's an excuse to be a philanthropist.
Hanja Roots
Remembering that {政丞|정승} is a high official helps you visualize the 'noble' part of the proverb.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blanks to complete the proverb.
____같이 벌어서 ____같이 쓴다.
The standard proverb uses '개' (dog) for earning and '정승' (minister) for spending.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
민수는 밤낮으로 공장에서 일해서 모은 돈으로 고향에 도서관을 지었습니다.
Minsu worked a humble job (factory) and spent it on a noble cause (library).
Complete the dialogue naturally.
가: 이번에 비싼 차 샀다며? 돈 좀 아껴 쓰지. 나: 아니야, 이건 내가 3년 동안 고생해서 번 돈으로 산 거야. ________________.
The speaker is justifying a large purchase based on their hard work.
Choose the sentence that uses the proverb INCORRECTLY.
다음 중 속담의 사용이 어색한 것은?
The proverb's order and nouns are fixed; swapping them makes no sense in this context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
The Contrast of the Proverb
Banque d exercices
4 exercices____같이 벌어서 ____같이 쓴다.
The standard proverb uses '개' (dog) for earning and '정승' (minister) for spending.
민수는 밤낮으로 공장에서 일해서 모은 돈으로 고향에 도서관을 지었습니다.
Minsu worked a humble job (factory) and spent it on a noble cause (library).
가: 이번에 비싼 차 샀다며? 돈 좀 아껴 쓰지. 나: 아니야, 이건 내가 3년 동안 고생해서 번 돈으로 산 거야. ________________.
The speaker is justifying a large purchase based on their hard work.
다음 중 속담의 사용이 어색한 것은?
The proverb's order and nouns are fixed; swapping them makes no sense in this context.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot always. While it can be an insult, as a prefix or in proverbs, it often means 'extreme' or 'humble/tough.'
Usually, it's reserved for significant spending—something that makes you feel proud or helps others.
A Prime Minister or a high-ranking CEO with a good reputation.
Yes, it's one of the most well-known proverbs regarding financial philosophy in Korea.
No, it means when you *do* spend, do it for something that has high value or dignity.
No, the proverb is fixed. Cats don't have the same cultural association with 'lowly labor' in Korea.
It's better to use it in a casual business dinner (회식) rather than a formal board meeting.
Then this proverb doesn't really apply to you! It's specifically for those who struggle to earn.
There isn't a direct negative version, but '정승같이 벌어서 개같이 쓴다' would be a way to describe a 'spoiled brat.'
It's 'Jeong' (like 'young' with a J) and 'Seung' (like 'sung' but with an 'eu' vowel).
Expressions liées
티끌 모아 태산
similarDust gathered makes a mountain.
아끼다 똥 된다
contrastIf you save too much, it becomes poop (useless).
돈은 벌기보다 쓰기가 더 어렵다
builds onSpending money is harder than earning it.
수작 부리다
contrastTo play tricks/scam.
