가지 많은 나무에 바람 잘 날 없다.
Gaji maneun namue baram jal nal eopda.
A tree with many branches has no day without wind.
Meaning
Having many children or affairs brings many worries and troubles.
Cultural Background
Reflects the traditional value of 'Dae-gajok' (large families) and the inherent stress of the Confucian family hierarchy. Used to describe 'Chaebols' (large conglomerates) that have too many subsidiaries to manage effectively. The metaphor comes from rural life where trees were vital for windbreaks and shade, and their health was closely monitored. In a society with the world's lowest birth rate, this proverb is now sometimes used ironically or with a sense of 'humble bragging' by those with 3+ kids.
Use for Empathy
This is a great phrase to use when a Korean friend is complaining about their family. It shows you really understand their culture.
Don't use for 'Windy' Weather
If it's actually a windy day outside, don't use this. People will think you are making a very confusing joke.
Meaning
Having many children or affairs brings many worries and troubles.
Use for Empathy
This is a great phrase to use when a Korean friend is complaining about their family. It shows you really understand their culture.
Don't use for 'Windy' Weather
If it's actually a windy day outside, don't use this. People will think you are making a very confusing joke.
The 'Jal' Secret
Remember that '잘' here isn't 'well' (as in 'doing well'). It's from '자다' (to subside). This is a common test question for advanced learners.
Sighing is Key
When saying this, a small sigh (Aigo...) beforehand makes it sound 100% more native.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
가지 많은 ( )에 ( ) 잘 날 없다.
The proverb uses '나무' (tree) and '바람' (wind) as its core metaphors.
Which situation best fits this proverb?
Which person would most likely say this?
The proverb is used when someone has many 'branches' (like children) causing constant worry.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 요즘 애들 키우기 너무 힘들죠? B: 네, 자식이 넷이다 보니 ( ).
Option 'a' is the only proverb that relates to the stress of raising many children.
Choose the correct meaning of the word '잘' in this proverb.
In '바람 잘 날 없다', what does '잘' mean?
In this specific proverb, '잘' is the modifier form of '자다', meaning to subside or settle down.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Literal vs. Figurative
Practice Bank
4 exercises가지 많은 ( )에 ( ) 잘 날 없다.
The proverb uses '나무' (tree) and '바람' (wind) as its core metaphors.
Which person would most likely say this?
The proverb is used when someone has many 'branches' (like children) causing constant worry.
A: 요즘 애들 키우기 너무 힘들죠? B: 네, 자식이 넷이다 보니 ( ).
Option 'a' is the only proverb that relates to the stress of raising many children.
In '바람 잘 날 없다', what does '잘' mean?
In this specific proverb, '잘' is the modifier form of '자다', meaning to subside or settle down.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! It's very common to use it for having too many tasks or responsibilities, not just children.
It's a classic, but it's still used daily in TV dramas, news, and casual conversation. It's not 'dead' at all.
No, as long as you say it with empathy. It's like saying 'Wow, you have your hands full!'
It means 'branch' of a tree. It can also mean 'eggplant' or 'kind/sort', but here it is definitely 'branch'.
In Korean metaphors, wind often represents external trouble, temptation, or instability that shakes your peace.
Yes, you can just say '가지 많은 나무라...' (Because it's a tree with many branches...) and people will know the rest.
Yes: 多枝木無寧日 (Daji-mok-mu-nyeong-il), but nobody uses the Hanja version in speech.
It can, especially if those friends are all causing drama that you have to deal with.
'무자식 상팔자' (No kids, best fate) is the closest opposite in sentiment.
Usually it's kept in the dictionary form '없다' or '없네요' or '없다더니'.
Related Phrases
무자식 상팔자
similarHaving no children is the best fate.
나무가 크면 바람을 더 많이 받는다
similarA big tree receives more wind.
자식은 평생 웬수
builds onChildren are your enemies for life.
가지가 많아야 열매도 많다
contrastOnly a tree with many branches has much fruit.
