재주는 곰이 부리고 돈은 왕서방이 받는다.
jaeju-neun gom-i burigo don-eun wangseobang-i banneunda.
A bear performs, but the rich man gets paid.
뜻
Refers to situations where someone works hard, but another person takes all the profit.
문화적 배경
The term 'Wang-seobang' (王書房) was a common way to refer to Chinese merchants in Korea during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It reflects the historical economic presence of Chinese traders in Korean markets. In modern Korea, this phrase is often used to criticize 'Gap-jil' (abuse of power by those in superior positions), especially when a 'Gap' (superior) takes the results of an 'Eul' (subordinate). Street performances with bears were a real form of entertainment in Korea until the mid-20th century. This proverb is a direct snapshot of that historical reality. Koreans often use this phrase when discussing international trade where Korean companies provide the technology but foreign brands take the high profit margins.
Use with '-다더니'
It sounds very natural to say '재주는 곰이 부리고 돈은 왕서방이 받는다더니...' when you see a situation that matches the proverb.
Don't use with 'Wang'
If you are talking to someone actually named Wang, avoid this proverb as it might sound like a personal attack or a stereotype.
뜻
Refers to situations where someone works hard, but another person takes all the profit.
Use with '-다더니'
It sounds very natural to say '재주는 곰이 부리고 돈은 왕서방이 받는다더니...' when you see a situation that matches the proverb.
Don't use with 'Wang'
If you are talking to someone actually named Wang, avoid this proverb as it might sound like a personal attack or a stereotype.
Modernize it
You can replace '왕서방' with '사장님' (boss) or '플랫폼' (platform) in casual conversation to make it sound more current.
The 'Bear' Image
In Korea, bears are often seen as honest, hard-working, but a bit slow or 'foolish' (in a sympathetic way). This adds to the sadness of the proverb.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
재주는 ( )이 부리고 돈은 ( )이 받는다.
The standard proverb uses '곰' (bear) and '왕서방' (Mr. Wang).
Which situation best fits this proverb?
어떤 상황에서 이 속담을 쓸까요?
The proverb is used when one person does the work and another takes the credit/reward.
Complete the dialogue using the proverb.
가: 이번 프로젝트, 우리가 밤새워 다 했는데 팀장님만 보너스를 받으셨대. 나: 정말 너무하네요. ( )더니 딱 그 꼴이에요.
The situation describes unfair reward distribution, which is the perfect context for this proverb.
Match the word with its role in the proverb.
단어와 역할을 연결하세요.
곰 (worker), 왕서방 (profit-taker), 재주 (labor), 돈 (reward).
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Who does what?
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제재주는 ( )이 부리고 돈은 ( )이 받는다.
The standard proverb uses '곰' (bear) and '왕서방' (Mr. Wang).
어떤 상황에서 이 속담을 쓸까요?
The proverb is used when one person does the work and another takes the credit/reward.
가: 이번 프로젝트, 우리가 밤새워 다 했는데 팀장님만 보너스를 받으셨대. 나: 정말 너무하네요. ( )더니 딱 그 꼴이에요.
The situation describes unfair reward distribution, which is the perfect context for this proverb.
왼쪽의 각 항목을 오른쪽의 짝과 연결하세요:
곰 (worker), 왕서방 (profit-taker), 재주 (labor), 돈 (reward).
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, it's a generic name for a Chinese merchant, similar to how 'John Doe' is used in English, but with a specific historical occupation implied.
Yes, but be careful. It sounds quite critical. Use it when discussing market unfairness, not when talking to your business partners.
Because of the history of bear circuses in East Asia where bears were trained to perform for human profit.
The term 'Wang-seobang' is generally considered a historical relic rather than a slur, but in a very sensitive modern context, some might find it stereotypical.
There isn't a direct opposite, but '심은 대로 거둔다' (You reap what you sow) represents a fair situation.
부려요 (present), 부렸어요 (past), 부릴 거예요 (future).
It's understandable, but '부리고' is the correct idiomatic verb. Using '하고' sounds like a learner's mistake.
Yes, especially when talking about YouTube algorithms or unfair work environments.
It means talent, skill, or a special trick that someone can do.
People sometimes just say '재주는 곰이 부리고...' and let the listener finish the sentence.
관련 표현
죽 쒀서 개 준다
similarTo cook porridge and give it to the dog.
다 된 밥에 재 뿌리기
contrastTo throw ashes on cooked rice.
남 좋은 일 시키다
synonymTo do something that only benefits others.
어부지리
similarThe fisherman's profit.
