Meaning
If you haven't heard anything, it usually means nothing bad has happened.
Cultural Background
In Korea, military service is mandatory for men. During this time, communication is limited. Families often use this proverb to cope with the long periods of silence from their sons. Historically, news was carried by foot or horse. 'No news' literally meant no one had died or been arrested, which were the main reasons to send a messenger. Despite the proverb, 'Ghosting' (잠수 타다) is a major social issue. Younger generations might find this proverb frustrating if used to excuse a lack of text replies. In a 'Pali-pali' (fast-fast) work culture, this proverb is almost never used. Silence from a subordinate is usually seen as a sign of a problem being hidden.
Use for Reassurance
This is best used when someone else is worrying. It shows you are a calm and supportive friend.
Not for Business
Never use this to justify why you haven't sent a report to your boss. It will be taken as a lack of responsibility.
Meaning
If you haven't heard anything, it usually means nothing bad has happened.
Use for Reassurance
This is best used when someone else is worrying. It shows you are a calm and supportive friend.
Not for Business
Never use this to justify why you haven't sent a report to your boss. It will be taken as a lack of responsibility.
The 'Army' Context
If you have a Korean friend with a brother or boyfriend in the army, this phrase is very culturally appropriate to use.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blanks to complete the proverb.
무소식이 ( ).
'희소식' (Hee-so-sik) means 'happy/good news' and is the standard second half of this proverb.
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to use this phrase?
Which situation fits '무소식이 희소식'?
This is a classic case of routine absence where silence implies safety.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
가: 아들이 군대 가서 연락이 없네요. 걱정돼요. 나: ( ). 너무 걱정 마세요.
The context of worrying about a lack of contact from a son in the army perfectly matches this proverb.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly in a formal context.
Which is the correct formal usage?
'-입니다' is the formal polite ending.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises무소식이 ( ).
'희소식' (Hee-so-sik) means 'happy/good news' and is the standard second half of this proverb.
Which situation fits '무소식이 희소식'?
This is a classic case of routine absence where silence implies safety.
가: 아들이 군대 가서 연락이 없네요. 걱정돼요. 나: ( ). 너무 걱정 마세요.
The context of worrying about a lack of contact from a son in the army perfectly matches this proverb.
Which is the correct formal usage?
'-입니다' is the formal polite ending.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! While it's an old proverb, it's used daily in modern Korea to handle the stress of constant connectivity.
Yes, you can say it jokingly if a friend asks why you haven't called: '무소식이 희소식이지!'
There isn't a direct proverb opposite, but '비보' (sad news) is what people fear when there is no news.
Yes, 'Hee' ({喜|희}) specifically means joy or happiness.
Absolutely. It's very common to text this to a worried friend.
Both are okay, but '무소식이' is the standard idiomatic form.
Use '무소식이 희소식입니다'.
Yes, this is a traditional Korean proverb used across the entire peninsula.
Then the proverb was wrong! It's an optimistic assumption, not a guarantee.
Yes, if the results are delayed, you can use it to stay positive.
Related Phrases
무소식이 상팔자
similarNo news is the best luck.
잠수 타다
contrastTo go underwater (to ghost someone).
안부를 묻다
builds onTo ask after someone's well-being.
소식이 끊기다
similarTo lose touch.
