Phrase in 30 Seconds
If you speak kindly to others, they will speak kindly to you in return.
- Means: Kindness is reciprocal; your attitude determines how others treat you.
- Used in: Advising someone to be polite, or explaining why someone is being rude.
- Don't confuse: It is not a guarantee of kindness, but a social expectation.
あなたのレベルに合った解説：
意味
Speaking kindly will result in others speaking kindly to you; treat others as you wish to be treated.
文化的背景
This is one of the first proverbs children learn in school. The emphasis on '말' (speech) highlights the importance of harmony in Confucian-influenced societies.
Use it as a soft correction
If a friend is being rude, say this proverb to gently remind them that their behavior is causing the bad response.
Use it as a soft correction
If a friend is being rude, say this proverb to gently remind them that their behavior is causing the bad response.
自分をテスト
Complete the proverb.
가는 말이 ____ 오는 말이 곱다.
The proverb uses '고와야' to mean 'must be kind'.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
練習問題バンク
2 問題가는 말이 ____ 오는 말이 곱다.
The proverb uses '고와야' to mean 'must be kind'.
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よくある質問
1 問No, it's a proverb, not a law of physics. Sometimes people are rude regardless of your kindness.
関連フレーズ
가는 정이 있어야 오는 정이 있다
similarAffection must go out to come back.
どこで使う？
Giving advice to a friend
Friend A: 걔가 나한테 너무 무례하게 굴어!
Friend B: 가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다잖아. 너도 먼저 예쁘게 말해봐.
Workplace conflict
Manager: 팀원들과 대화할 때 주의하세요. 가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱습니다.
Employee: 네, 명심하겠습니다.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Think of a 'Go' (Go-wa-ya) and 'Come' (O-neun) ball. If you throw a soft, beautiful ball, it bounces back to you.
視覚的連想
Imagine throwing a soft, glowing ball to a friend, and they catch it and throw a similar glowing ball back to you.
Rhyme
가는 말이 고와야, 오는 말이 곱다.
Story
Min-su was always grumpy. One day, he decided to try being nice. He said 'Hello' with a smile to his neighbor. The neighbor smiled back and gave him a cookie. Min-su realized: '가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다!'
In Other Languages
It is the Korean version of the Golden Rule. Similar to 'What goes around, comes around' or 'You reap what you sow'.
Word Web
チャレンジ
For one day, consciously use polite language with everyone and observe how their tone changes toward you.
Review in 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, and 1 month.
発音
Pronounced clearly with a soft 'w' sound.
フォーマル度スペクトル
가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱습니다. (General advice)
가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱아요. (General advice)
가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다. (General advice)
말 예쁘게 해야 예쁘게 돌아와. (General advice)
The proverb has existed for centuries in Korea, rooted in the oral tradition of moral instruction. It evolved from the general understanding that human relationships are reciprocal.
豆知識
It is so common that it is often shortened to just '가는 말이 고와야...' in casual conversation.
文化メモ
This is one of the first proverbs children learn in school.
“Teacher: '가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다, 알겠지?'”
The emphasis on '말' (speech) highlights the importance of harmony in Confucian-influenced societies.
“It is often cited in family settings to maintain peace.”
会話のきっかけ
Do you think people are generally kind if you are kind to them?
よくある間違い
가는 말이 예뻐야 오는 말이 예쁘다.
가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다.
L1 Interference
In Other Languages
Trata a los demás como quieres ser tratado.
The Korean version is specifically about verbal communication.
On récolte ce que l'on sème.
The French version is broader, applying to all actions, not just speech.
Wie man in den Wald hineinruft, so schallt es heraus.
The German version uses a nature metaphor, while the Korean uses a speech metaphor.
情けは人のためならず (Nasake wa hito no tame narazu).
The Japanese version focuses on the benefit to the self.
كما تدين تدان (Kama tadeen tudaan).
The Arabic version has a stronger moral/judgmental connotation.
Spotted in the Real World
“가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱지.”
A mother teaching her child about neighborhood etiquette.
間違えやすい
Both involve '말' (speech).
This one is about the power of a single word; the other is about reciprocity.
よくある質問 (1)
No, it's a proverb, not a law of physics. Sometimes people are rude regardless of your kindness.
basic understanding
