Meaning
Even if something seems safe, it's wise to be cautious and check carefully before proceeding.
Cultural Background
Stone bridges (Doldari) were often community projects in ancient Korea. Tapping them wasn't just for personal safety, but a way to monitor the infrastructure for the whole village. In Samsung or Hyundai, this proverb is often invoked during 'Quality Control' meetings. It's a way to justify the high cost of testing and inspection. Teachers use this phrase constantly during exam periods to prevent students from making 'sil-su' (careless mistakes) on easy questions. With the rise of 'fake news,' this proverb is making a comeback online, encouraging netizens to check sources before sharing a post.
Use it as a soft suggestion
If you want to tell a boss or senior to check something without being rude, use the phrase '돌다리도 두들겨 보고 건너는 셈 치고...' (As if tapping a stone bridge...).
Don't over-tap
In modern Korean, if you are *too* slow, people might jokingly say you are 'tapping the bridge until it breaks' (돌다리를 두들기다 부수겠다).
Meaning
Even if something seems safe, it's wise to be cautious and check carefully before proceeding.
Use it as a soft suggestion
If you want to tell a boss or senior to check something without being rude, use the phrase '돌다리도 두들겨 보고 건너는 셈 치고...' (As if tapping a stone bridge...).
Don't over-tap
In modern Korean, if you are *too* slow, people might jokingly say you are 'tapping the bridge until it breaks' (돌다리를 두들기다 부수겠다).
The 'Do' is key
Always remember the '-도'. It's the difference between 'Check a bridge' and 'Check even the strongest bridge in the world'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing particle to complete the proverb.
돌다리__ 두들겨 보고 건너라.
The particle '도' means 'even,' which is essential to the meaning: even a strong bridge needs checking.
Which situation best fits the proverb '돌다리도 두들겨 보고 건너라'?
Choose the best situation:
This shows the caution and double-checking that the proverb advocates.
Complete the dialogue using the correct form of the proverb.
가: 이 보고서 바로 제출할까요? 나: 아니요, ___________________. 오타가 있는지 한 번 더 보세요.
Both '돌다리도 두들겨 보고 건너라' and '아는 길도 물어가라' fit perfectly as advice to double-check work.
What is the literal meaning of '두들겨 보고'?
Select the correct literal translation:
-아/어 보다 means 'to try doing' and -고 means 'and then.'
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises돌다리__ 두들겨 보고 건너라.
The particle '도' means 'even,' which is essential to the meaning: even a strong bridge needs checking.
Choose the best situation:
This shows the caution and double-checking that the proverb advocates.
가: 이 보고서 바로 제출할까요? 나: 아니요, ___________________. 오타가 있는지 한 번 더 보세요.
Both '돌다리도 두들겨 보고 건너라' and '아는 길도 물어가라' fit perfectly as advice to double-check work.
Select the correct literal translation:
-아/어 보다 means 'to try doing' and -고 means 'and then.'
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but often in a slightly ironic or self-deprecating way when they are being overly anxious about something small.
Absolutely. It's common to text '돌다리도 두들겨 보고 건너자!' to a friend before a big trip or purchase.
They are essentially the same. '두들기다' implies a slightly stronger or more repetitive hitting than '두드리다', but in this proverb, they are interchangeable.
It can be if said directly as a command. Use the '...라는 말이 있잖아요' (As the saying goes...) ending to make it polite.
Related Phrases
아는 길도 물어가라
synonymEven if you know the way, ask for directions.
설마가 사람 잡는다
similarThe thought 'it couldn't be' kills people.
천 리 길도 한 걸음부터
builds onA journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
꺼진 불도 다시 보자
synonymLet's check the extinguished fire again.
