意味
When someone appears just as you're talking about them.
文化的背景
Tigers are considered the national animal of Korea and appear in the foundation myth (Dangun). They are respected as 'Mountain Gods' ({산신|山神}). The belief that 'words have power' (Kotodama in Japan, Eon-ryeong in Korea) is widespread. Naming something is seen as a way to exert control or summon it. In the digital age, this idiom is frequently used when someone 'likes' a social media post or sends a KakaoTalk message just as they are mentioned. During the Joseon era, 'Tiger Hunters' ({착호갑사|捉虎甲士}) were elite soldiers, showing how serious the tiger threat was.
Use the '-더니' ending
Instead of just saying the proverb, say '호랑이도 제 말 하면 온다더니!' It sounds much more natural and native-like.
Don't use for objects
If you find your lost keys, don't use this. It's only for people or things with 'ears' to hear you.
意味
When someone appears just as you're talking about them.
Use the '-더니' ending
Instead of just saying the proverb, say '호랑이도 제 말 하면 온다더니!' It sounds much more natural and native-like.
Don't use for objects
If you find your lost keys, don't use this. It's only for people or things with 'ears' to hear you.
The 'Yangban' alternative
If you want to sound more traditional or humorous, try '양반은 못 되시네요' when a friend arrives.
Positive vs Negative
This can be used for both good and bad talk. It's a neutral observation of timing.
自分をテスト
Complete the idiom with the correct words.
호랑이도 __ 말 하면 __.
'제 말' (talk about oneself) and '온다' (comes) are the fixed components of this proverb.
In which situation is this idiom MOST appropriate?
You are talking about your friend Min-su, and suddenly Min-su calls your phone.
This idiom is used specifically for coincidental appearances or contact.
Choose the most natural response for Speaker B.
A: 지수 씨가 보고 싶네요. 요즘 뭐 하고 지낼까요? B: (지수가 문을 열고 들어온다) 어! 지수 씨! ________.
Speaker B is reacting to the coincidental arrival of the person they were just discussing.
Match the language to its equivalent 'Speak of the devil' figure.
1. Korean, 2. French, 3. Chinese, 4. Arabic
Each culture uses a different symbolic figure for the same social phenomenon.
🎉 スコア： /4
ビジュアル学習ツール
練習問題バンク
4 問題호랑이도 __ 말 하면 __.
'제 말' (talk about oneself) and '온다' (comes) are the fixed components of this proverb.
You are talking about your friend Min-su, and suddenly Min-su calls your phone.
This idiom is used specifically for coincidental appearances or contact.
A: 지수 씨가 보고 싶네요. 요즘 뭐 하고 지낼까요? B: (지수가 문을 열고 들어온다) 어! 지수 씨! ________.
Speaker B is reacting to the coincidental arrival of the person they were just discussing.
左の各項目を右のペアと一致させてください:
Each culture uses a different symbolic figure for the same social phenomenon.
🎉 スコア： /4
よくある質問
10 問No, it's not rude at all. You aren't calling the person a tiger; you are referring to the proverb. It's a very common and friendly expression.
Yes! In modern Korean, it's very common to use this for phone calls, texts, or any form of sudden contact.
'제' is a reflexive pronoun here meaning 'its own.' '내 말' would mean 'my words,' which changes the meaning of the idiom.
Yes, you can just say '제 말 하면 온다더니' and people will understand perfectly.
Yes, but use the polite form: '호랑이도 제 말 하면 온다더니 마침 오셨네요.' It can be a good way to lighten the mood.
Tigers were real threats in Korean mountains, whereas dragons were mythical. The idiom comes from a real fear of predators.
It's usually used for coincidences within a few minutes of the conversation.
In terms of usage, yes. In terms of imagery, no. The 'devil' is much more negative than the 'tiger.'
Yes, if you were talking about a group and they all show up, it still works!
Absolutely. It's one of the most 'alive' proverbs in modern Korean daily life.
関連フレーズ
양반은 못 되다
synonymYou can't be a nobleman.
발 없는 말이 천 리 간다
similarWords without feet travel a thousand miles.
가는 날이 장날이다
similarThe day you go is market day.
낮말은 새가 듣고 밤말은 쥐가 듣는다
builds onBirds hear daytime talk, and mice hear nighttime talk.
