Meaning
It is difficult to be angry or offensive towards someone who is friendly.
Cultural Background
Smiling is often used as a social lubricant to maintain harmony. The equivalent '伸手不打笑脸人' is very common in business. High-context cultures value non-verbal cues like smiling to manage conflict. Directness is often preferred over conflict avoidance, but the sentiment is understood.
Practice
Use this when you want to explain why you were nice to someone rude.
Meaning
It is difficult to be angry or offensive towards someone who is friendly.
Practice
Use this when you want to explain why you were nice to someone rude.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb.
웃는 얼굴에 침 ____ 뱉는다.
The proverb uses '못' to indicate impossibility.
🎉 Score: /1
Practice Bank
1 exercises웃는 얼굴에 침 ____ 뱉는다.
The proverb uses '못' to indicate impossibility.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it is a common proverb.
Related Phrases
가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다
similarIf you are nice, people are nice back.
