मतलब
It's never too late to start something; the best time to begin is now, even if you feel delayed.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
The 'Pali-pali' (hurry-hurry) culture usually demands speed, but this proverb provides a rare moment of grace, allowing people to start late without shame. Netizens often use the 'Park Myung-soo' version to mock the toxic positivity of self-help culture, preferring 'realistic' urgency. The value of lifelong learning is deeply rooted in Korean history. Scholars were expected to study until their final days, making 'lateness' a non-factor in education. In business, this is used to pivot from 'blame' to 'solution' during post-mortem meetings.
Use for Comfort
This is the best phrase to use when someone is sighing about their age. It's an instant mood lifter.
Avoid Sarcasm
Be careful with your tone. If said flatly, it can sound like you're mocking someone's delay.
मतलब
It's never too late to start something; the best time to begin is now, even if you feel delayed.
Use for Comfort
This is the best phrase to use when someone is sighing about their age. It's an instant mood lifter.
Avoid Sarcasm
Be careful with your tone. If said flatly, it can sound like you're mocking someone's delay.
The 'Park Myung-soo' Card
If you want to make Korean friends laugh, use the subverted version when you're all running late for a movie.
Age Matters
In Korea, age is a sensitive topic. This phrase helps bridge the gap between 'too old' and 'still capable'.
खुद को परखो
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
늦었다고 생각할 때가 가장 (______).
The proverb specifically uses '빠르다' (fast/early) to emphasize that the moment of realization is the best time.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
Which scenario fits the proverb?
The proverb is used for life goals and overcoming the feeling of being 'too old' or 'too late' for a new start.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
A: 이제 와서 사과하면 그 친구가 받아줄까요? 너무 늦은 것 같아요. B: (______)
Speaker B should encourage Speaker A using the proverb to show that it's never too late to apologize.
Match the phrase parts to form the full proverb.
Match Left to Right
The full phrase is '늦었다고' + '생각할 때가' + '가장 빠르다'.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
अभ्यास बैंक
4 अभ्यास늦었다고 생각할 때가 가장 (______).
The proverb specifically uses '빠르다' (fast/early) to emphasize that the moment of realization is the best time.
Which scenario fits the proverb?
The proverb is used for life goals and overcoming the feeling of being 'too old' or 'too late' for a new start.
A: 이제 와서 사과하면 그 친구가 받아줄까요? 너무 늦은 것 같아요. B: (______)
Speaker B should encourage Speaker A using the proverb to show that it's never too late to apologize.
बाईं ओर के प्रत्येक आइटम को दाईं ओर के उसके जोड़े से मिलाएं:
The full phrase is '늦었다고' + '생각할 때가' + '가장 빠르다'.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालNo, just change the ending to '빠른 거야' or '빨라' to make it perfect for friends.
Better not. It sounds like you're making light of a serious business error.
It means 'the most' or 'the very'. It emphasizes that this specific moment is the peak opportunity.
A famous Korean comedian known for his 'angry' and 'realistic' persona who famously subverted this proverb.
Not a direct one, but it relates to the concept of '晩成' (Man-seong), meaning 'late bloomer'.
Yes! It's often used to encourage someone to confess their feelings or apologize late.
In this context, it means 'early' (이르다). It's a common overlap in Korean.
You can say '이미 늦었어요' (It's already late).
Yes, it often appears in TOPIK listening or reading sections about proverbs.
It's usually for adults. For kids, we just say '지금 바로 해!' (Do it right now!).
संबंधित मुहावरे
시작이 반이다
similarStarting is half the battle.
배움에는 나이가 없다
specialized formThere is no age in learning.
쇠뿔도 단김에 빼라
builds onStrike while the iron is hot.
이미 버스는 떠났다
contrastThe bus has already left.
