Meaning
Truth or advice that is unpleasant to hear can ultimately be beneficial or necessary.
Cultural Background
Traditional Korean medicine (Hanbang) is often served as a dark, bitter liquid. Many Koreans grew up being told this proverb while being forced to drink it. The proverb aligns with the Confucian value of 'Ganjeing' (remonstrance), where a loyal subordinate must tell the king the bitter truth to save the country. In the workplace, 'bitter sound' (쓴 소리) is seen as a sign of a true mentor who cares about your growth rather than just being nice. Korea's high-pressure education system uses this logic to justify long hours of study—the 'bitterness' of study leads to the 'health' of a good career.
Use it to show maturity
Using this phrase when receiving criticism shows you are emotionally mature and willing to grow.
Don't be too preachy
If you say this too often to others, you might sound like a 'Kkondae' (an old-fashioned, preachy person).
Meaning
Truth or advice that is unpleasant to hear can ultimately be beneficial or necessary.
Use it to show maturity
Using this phrase when receiving criticism shows you are emotionally mature and willing to grow.
Don't be too preachy
If you say this too often to others, you might sound like a 'Kkondae' (an old-fashioned, preachy person).
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
입에 ___ 약이 병에는 좋다.
'쓴' (bitter) is the correct adjective for this proverb.
Which situation best fits this proverb?
When should you say '입에 쓴 약이 병에는 좋다'?
The proverb is used to show that harsh truths are beneficial.
Complete the dialogue.
가: 부장님께 혼나서 너무 기분이 안 좋아. 나: 너무 낙심하지 마. ____________________.
The proverb fits as a way to comfort someone after receiving criticism.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises입에 ___ 약이 병에는 좋다.
'쓴' (bitter) is the correct adjective for this proverb.
When should you say '입에 쓴 약이 병에는 좋다'?
The proverb is used to show that harsh truths are beneficial.
가: 부장님께 혼나서 너무 기분이 안 좋아. 나: 너무 낙심하지 마. ____________________.
The proverb fits as a way to comfort someone after receiving criticism.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, but often with a bit of irony or when they are being serious about self-improvement.
Absolutely. It is the most common thing to say to someone complaining about the taste of medicine.
'달면 삼키고 쓰면 뱉는다' (Swallow the sweet, spit the bitter) is the negative opposite.
Related Phrases
쓴 소리
similarBitter sound (harsh advice)
몸에 좋은 약이 입에 쓰다
synonymMedicine good for the body is bitter to the mouth
충언은 귀에 거슬린다
similarLoyal advice grates on the ears
달면 삼키고 쓰면 뱉는다
contrastSwallow what is sweet and spit out what is bitter
