मतलब
People judge others based on the company they keep or the leader they follow.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
In Korea, the 'dog' is a complex symbol. While loved as pets today, they historically represented the lowest social rung. Using 'dog' in a proverb about humans is a way to set a 'minimum bar' for human behavior. The proverb reinforces the Five Relationships (오륜), specifically the loyalty between ruler and subject. It suggests that the 'subject' naturally looks to the 'ruler' for guidance. This proverb is often used by older generations (Kkondae) to emphasize that subordinates should be loyal and that managers are responsible for their team's 'spirit.' Fans often use this logic when judging a K-pop group's behavior as a reflection of their entertainment agency's management (e.g., 'The artists are so humble, the CEO must be too').
Use it for compliments
It's a very sophisticated way to compliment a boss by praising their employees.
Careful with 'Dog'
Never use this to someone's face if they are angry; they might think you are calling them a dog.
मतलब
People judge others based on the company they keep or the leader they follow.
Use it for compliments
It's a very sophisticated way to compliment a boss by praising their employees.
Careful with 'Dog'
Never use this to someone's face if they are angry; they might think you are calling them a dog.
The '-더니' connection
Pair it with '-더니' (개도 주인을 본다더니...) to sound like a native speaker who is confirming a known truth.
खुद को परखो
Fill in the missing particle to complete the proverb.
개__ 주인을 본다.
The particle '-도' (even) is essential to convey that even a lowly animal like a dog follows this rule.
Which situation best fits the proverb '개도 주인을 본다'?
A team of researchers is very diligent because their lead professor is a hard worker.
The proverb is used when a subordinate's behavior reflects the leader's character.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
가: 저 회사는 신입사원들도 정말 예의가 바르네요. 나: 그러게요. ____________________.
This response correctly applies the proverb to link the employees' behavior to the CEO.
🎉 स्कोर: /3
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
अभ्यास बैंक
3 अभ्यास개__ 주인을 본다.
The particle '-도' (even) is essential to convey that even a lowly animal like a dog follows this rule.
A team of researchers is very diligent because their lead professor is a hard worker.
The proverb is used when a subordinate's behavior reflects the leader's character.
가: 저 회사는 신입사원들도 정말 예의가 바르네요. 나: 그러게요. ____________________.
This response correctly applies the proverb to link the employees' behavior to the CEO.
🎉 स्कोर: /3
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालIt can be. It's 'folksy' and uses the word 'dog,' so it's best used when talking *about* someone rather than *to* someone of higher status.
No, Korean proverbs are very specific about animals. Cats are seen as independent, so this proverb wouldn't make sense for them.
It means 'owner' or 'master.' In a modern context, it refers to a boss, parent, or mentor.
The grammar is A2, but the cultural nuance is B1/B2. It's a great 'reach' phrase for A2 learners.
You can say '개도 제 주인은 알아본다.' It's a very common variation.
Only if you are talking about how much you respect your previous mentor. 'I learned a lot from my professor; as they say, 개도 주인을 본다는데...'
Looking implies paying attention to the master's will and expressions, which is the first step of loyalty.
Not a direct one, but the concept is related to '견마지로' (犬馬之勞), meaning the 'labor of a dog or horse' (humble loyalty).
Yes, it's very common to use it to say 'The employees are rude because the boss is rude.'
Forgetting the '-도' particle. Without it, you're just talking about a dog looking at a person.
संबंधित मुहावरे
그 나물에 그 밥
similarThe same side dish for the same rice.
부전자전
similarLike father, like son.
윗물이 맑아야 아랫물이 맑다
builds onThe upper stream must be clear for the lower stream to be clear.
은혜를 원수로 갚다
contrastTo repay kindness with enmity.
