Signification
Meaning even the most unfortunate person will eventually have good luck.
Contexte culturel
The 'mouse hole' (쥐구멍) was a real feature in old Korean mud-walled houses. Because these holes were at the very bottom of the wall, they were the last places to receive light, making them the perfect symbol for the 'lowest' point in life. Koreans often use proverbs to balance 'Han' (sorrow) with 'Heung' (joy). This proverb is a psychological tool to prevent despair during national or personal crises. In modern K-dramas, the 'Cinderella' or 'Rags to Riches' story is often described using this proverb. It validates the struggle of the working class. The reliance on '볕' (sunlight) reflects Korea's history as an agricultural society where the sun determined the success of the harvest and, by extension, survival.
Use it with '-다더니'
If you want to sound like a native, use the form '쥐구멍에도 볕 들 날 있다더니...' when something good finally happens. It means 'They said it would happen, and it did!'
Don't over-explain
Since it's a very famous proverb, you don't need to explain what a mouse hole is. Just say the phrase; the listener will immediately get the sentiment.
Signification
Meaning even the most unfortunate person will eventually have good luck.
Use it with '-다더니'
If you want to sound like a native, use the form '쥐구멍에도 볕 들 날 있다더니...' when something good finally happens. It means 'They said it would happen, and it did!'
Don't over-explain
Since it's a very famous proverb, you don't need to explain what a mouse hole is. Just say the phrase; the listener will immediately get the sentiment.
Tone matters
Say it with a warm, gentle voice if comforting someone. If you say it too loudly or quickly, it might sound like you're dismissing their problem.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing particle to complete the proverb.
쥐구멍에___ 볕 들 날 있다.
The particle '-도' means 'even,' which is essential to emphasize that even a lowly mouse hole gets sun.
Which situation is most appropriate for this proverb?
When should you say '쥐구멍에도 볕 들 날 있다'?
The proverb is best used for long-term struggles that finally show a sign of hope.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
가: 나 이번에도 승진에서 누락됐어. 정말 속상해. 나: 너무 기죽지 마. ____________________.
The ending '-잖아' is commonly used when reminding someone of a well-known fact or proverb to comfort them.
Match the Korean proverb with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Both proverbs share the theme of eventual luck for the unfortunate.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices쥐구멍에___ 볕 들 날 있다.
The particle '-도' means 'even,' which is essential to emphasize that even a lowly mouse hole gets sun.
When should you say '쥐구멍에도 볕 들 날 있다'?
The proverb is best used for long-term struggles that finally show a sign of hope.
가: 나 이번에도 승진에서 누락됐어. 정말 속상해. 나: 너무 기죽지 마. ____________________.
The ending '-잖아' is commonly used when reminding someone of a well-known fact or proverb to comfort them.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Both proverbs share the theme of eventual luck for the unfortunate.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, although it's an old proverb, it's still very common in daily conversation, K-dramas, and even webtoons.
It's a bit informal for a standard business email, but it can be used in a 'cheer up' message to a close colleague or in a speech.
'햇빛' is the general word for sunlight. '볕' is a more traditional/poetic word that often implies the warmth or the 'patch' of sun on the ground.
The standard proverb uses '볕 들 날' (future/potential). '볕 드는 날' sounds like a literal description of a sunny day.
Yes! You can say '드디어 나에게도 쥐구멍에도 볕 들 날이 왔어!' (Finally, my day has come!)
Not exactly, but '달도 차면 기운다' (Even the moon fades after it's full) is a proverb used to say that good times don't last forever.
Mice were common in old houses, and their holes represented the smallest, most insignificant, and darkest parts of the home.
While it emphasizes luck, in Korean culture, it's usually said to people who are *already* working hard but not seeing results yet.
It might be a bit too casual. Instead, use '고생 끝에 낙이 온다는 말처럼...' to show your perseverance.
It's better to avoid it unless you are very close. Using proverbs can sometimes sound like you are 'teaching' the other person.
Expressions liées
고생 끝에 낙이 온다
synonymPleasure comes at the end of hardship.
개천에서 용 난다
similarA dragon rises from a small stream.
산 넘어 산
contrastMountains after mountains.
칠전팔기
builds onFall seven times, stand up eight.
