돌담도 쌓아야 무너지지 않는다.
doldamdo ssahaya muneojiji anneunda.
Even stone walls must be built not to collapse.
Meaning
Emphasizes the importance of diligent effort and careful construction for lasting results.
Cultural Background
Reflects the importance of '공' (devotion/effort) in traditional Korean society. Shares the Confucian value of patience and long-term planning. Common in cultures where building structures was a community effort. Used as a critique of the '빨리빨리' (hurry-hurry) culture.
Focus on the '도'
The '도' (even) emphasizes that *even* something as simple as a stone wall needs care.
Use it as advice
This is a very 'wise' sounding phrase. Use it when you want to sound experienced.
Meaning
Emphasizes the importance of diligent effort and careful construction for lasting results.
Focus on the '도'
The '도' (even) emphasizes that *even* something as simple as a stone wall needs care.
Use it as advice
This is a very 'wise' sounding phrase. Use it when you want to sound experienced.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word.
돌담도 ( ) 무너지지 않는다.
The proverb requires the verb 'to stack' (쌓다) in the conditional form.
Which situation is best for this proverb?
When is it appropriate to use this proverb?
The proverb is a warning against haste and a reminder of the importance of quality.
Match the Korean word with its meaning.
Match: 1. 돌담, 2. 쌓다, 3. 무너지다
Basic vocabulary check.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises돌담도 ( ) 무너지지 않는다.
The proverb requires the verb 'to stack' (쌓다) in the conditional form.
When is it appropriate to use this proverb?
The proverb is a warning against haste and a reminder of the importance of quality.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Basic vocabulary check.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, but mostly when giving advice or reflecting on work.
Yes, it shows you value quality and process.
Related Phrases
천 리 길도 한 걸음부터
similarA journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
공든 탑이 무너지랴
contrastA tower built with effort will not collapse.
시작이 반이다
similarStarting is half the battle.
급할수록 돌아가라
similarThe more you are in a hurry, the more you should take the long way.
