좋은 말을 해야 좋은 말을 듣는다.
joheun mal-eul haeya joheun mal-eul deutneunda.
Speak well to hear well.
Phrase in 30 Seconds
This proverb teaches that your attitude toward others directly determines how they treat you in return.
- Means: Kindness is reciprocal; speak well to receive good words.
- Used in: Advising someone to be polite, resolving conflicts, or teaching social manners.
- Don't confuse: It is not about flattery; it is about mutual respect.
Explanation at your level:
Meaning
You receive kindness and good words in return for speaking kindly.
Cultural Background
This is taught in schools as part of character education.
Use it as a buffer
If someone is being rude, you can say this proverb calmly to signal that you want to reset the tone of the conversation.
Meaning
You receive kindness and good words in return for speaking kindly.
Use it as a buffer
If someone is being rude, you can say this proverb calmly to signal that you want to reset the tone of the conversation.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb.
좋은 말을 해야 좋은 말을 ____.
The proverb literally means 'If you do good speech, you hear good speech'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsIt is neutral. It can be used in formal speeches or casual chats.
Related Phrases
가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다
synonymThe classic version of the same idea.
Where to Use It
Friend arguing with a partner
Friend: 걔가 나한테 너무 화를 내!
You: 너도 걔한테 소리 질렀어? 좋은 말을 해야 좋은 말을 듣는 거야.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a mirror: If you smile at the mirror, the mirror smiles back.
Visual Association
Imagine throwing a ball against a wall. If you throw it gently, it bounces back gently. If you throw it hard, it hits you back hard.
Rhyme
좋은 말, 좋은 말, 서로 주고받는 말.
Story
Min-su was angry at his boss. He wanted to shout. His friend said, 'Wait! 좋은 말을 해야 좋은 말을 듣는다.' Min-su took a breath, spoke calmly, and his boss actually listened and agreed.
Word Web
Challenge
For one full day, consciously use polite language with everyone, even if they are rude. Observe if their tone changes.
In Other Languages
Trata a los demás como quieres ser tratado.
Korean is specific to speech; Spanish is general to behavior.
On récolte ce que l'on sème.
French is broader; Korean is specific to communication.
Wie man in den Wald hineinruft, so schallt es heraus.
German uses a nature metaphor; Korean uses a direct speech metaphor.
情けは人のためならず (Nasake wa hito no tame narazu).
Japanese focuses on the benefit to the self; Korean focuses on the immediate reaction.
كما تدين تدان (Kama tadeenu tudaan).
Arabic is moralistic; Korean is practical/social.
良言一句三冬暖 (Liáng yán yī jù sān dōng nuǎn).
Chinese focuses on the impact of the word; Korean on the return.
가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다.
The provided phrase is more direct; this one is more poetic.
Gentileza gera gentileza.
Portuguese is a direct statement; Korean is a conditional proverb.
Easily Confused
Both involve '말' (speech).
This one is about the *value* of a word; the target phrase is about the *reciprocity* of a word.
FAQ (1)
It is neutral. It can be used in formal speeches or casual chats.
