얌전한 고양이 부뚜막에 먼저 올라간다
yam-jeon-han go-yang-i bu-ttu-mag-e go-dae-ro ol-a-gan-da
Quiet cat on stove first
Phrase in 30 Seconds
This proverb warns that people who appear quiet or innocent may actually be the most mischievous or ambitious.
- Means: Appearances can be deceiving; quiet people may surprise you with bold actions.
- Used in: Describing someone who acts unexpectedly, or warning against underestimating quiet people.
- Don't confuse: It is not about being 'shy'; it is about hidden intent or hidden capability.
Explication à ton niveau :
Signification
Those who seem innocent may be the first to do something mischievous.
Contexte culturel
The '부뚜막' was a sacred space in the kitchen, often associated with the kitchen deity. Cats were seen as pests in this area. The proverb is now used in office settings to describe colleagues who are quiet but highly effective.
Context is key
Always use this with a smile or a light tone so it doesn't sound like you're criticizing someone.
Nunchi
Understanding this proverb helps you understand the Korean concept of 'nunchi'—reading the room.
Context is key
Always use this with a smile or a light tone so it doesn't sound like you're criticizing someone.
Nunchi
Understanding this proverb helps you understand the Korean concept of 'nunchi'—reading the room.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb.
얌전한 고양이 ________에 먼저 올라간다.
The proverb specifically mentions the kitchen stove (부뚜막).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
When is it appropriate to use this proverb?
The proverb describes the contrast between quiet behavior and surprising actions.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercices얌전한 고양이 ________에 먼저 올라간다.
The proverb specifically mentions the kitchen stove (부뚜막).
When is it appropriate to use this proverb?
The proverb describes the contrast between quiet behavior and surprising actions.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsNo, it's usually used in a lighthearted, observational way.
Yes, if you want to say you are quiet but capable.
Expressions liées
겉 다르고 속 다르다
similarAppearances are deceiving.
열 길 물속은 알아도 한 길 사람 속은 모른다
similarYou can't know a person's heart.
Où l'utiliser
Surprise Promotion
A: 김 대리가 이번에 팀장이 됐대.
B: 정말? 얌전한 고양이 부뚜막에 먼저 올라간다더니, 대단하네.
Unexpected Prank
A: 민수가 우리 몰래 파티를 준비했어!
B: 와, 얌전한 고양이 부뚜막에 먼저 올라간다더니!
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a cat wearing a tuxedo (quiet/polite) suddenly jumping onto a hot stove to steal a fish.
Association visuelle
A kitchen scene where a cat is sitting politely, then suddenly jumps onto the stove when the cook turns around.
Rhyme
얌전한 고양이, 부뚜막에 올라가니.
Story
Min-su was the quietest student in class. Everyone thought he was shy. But during the school festival, he was the first to organize a huge surprise party. We all laughed and said, '얌전한 고양이 부뚜막에 먼저 올라간다!'
In Other Languages
English: 'Still waters run deep.' (Though this implies depth of character, not necessarily mischief).
Word Web
Défi
Observe a quiet person in your life for one week and see if they surprise you with a bold action.
Review this phrase every 3 days for the first week, then once a month.
Prononciation
Standard Korean pronunciation.
Double consonant 'ㄸ' is important.
Spectre de formalité
얌전한 고양이 부뚜막에 먼저 올라간다는 말이 있습니다. (General observation)
얌전한 고양이 부뚜막에 먼저 올라간다더니 정말이네요. (General observation)
얌전한 고양이 부뚜막에 먼저 올라간다더니, 대박! (General observation)
얌고부먼! (Abbreviated slang, rare) (General observation)
The proverb comes from the observation of domestic cats in traditional Korean homes. Cats were known to be stealthy and would wait for the owner to leave the kitchen before climbing onto the warm stove.
Le savais-tu ?
In some regions, the proverb is slightly varied, but the '부뚜막' version is the standard.
Notes culturelles
The '부뚜막' was a sacred space in the kitchen, often associated with the kitchen deity. Cats were seen as pests in this area.
“옛날 부엌에서는 부뚜막에 고양이가 올라가는 것을 금기시했습니다.”
The proverb is now used in office settings to describe colleagues who are quiet but highly effective.
“조용한 김 대리가 프로젝트를 성공시켰을 때 이 속담을 씁니다.”
Amorces de conversation
Do you know any quiet people who surprised you?
Is it better to be loud or quiet in a team?
Erreurs courantes
얌전한 고양이가 부뚜막을 올라간다
얌전한 고양이 부뚜막에 먼저 올라간다
L1 Interference
In Other Languages
En boca cerrada no entran moscas.
The Korean proverb focuses on hidden action, while the Spanish one focuses on caution.
Il n'y a pas pire eau que l'eau qui dort.
The French version uses water as a metaphor, while the Korean one uses a cat.
Stille Wasser sind tief.
The German version is more about depth of character than the act of mischief.
能ある鷹は爪を隠す (Nou aru taka wa tsume o kakusu).
The Japanese proverb is about humility/skill, whereas the Korean one is about surprise/mischief.
اتق شر الحليم إذا غضب.
The Arabic version is specifically about anger, while the Korean one is broader.
人不可貌相 (Rén bù kě mào xiàng).
The Chinese version is a direct statement, while the Korean one is a metaphorical story.
겉 다르고 속 다르다.
This is a general statement, whereas the cat proverb is specific to actions.
Águas paradas são profundas.
Focuses on depth rather than the act of climbing the stove.
Spotted in the Real World
“얌전한 고양이 부뚜막에 먼저 올라간다더니...”
Often used when a quiet character reveals a secret or makes a move.
Facile à confondre
Both describe hidden character.
Use the cat proverb for surprising actions; use this one for general hidden character.
Questions fréquentes (2)
No, it's usually used in a lighthearted, observational way.
usage contextsYes, if you want to say you are quiet but capable.
practical tips
