Significado
Even a small or light task is easier and better when people work together; two heads are better than one.
Contexto cultural
The proverb reflects the 'Pumasi' culture, where neighbors exchanged labor without money, building deep social trust. Despite the competitive nature of Korean companies, 'team harmony' (Inhwa - {人和|인화}) is highly valued, and this proverb is often cited by managers. Korean students are often encouraged to form study groups (study-moim) based on this principle, sharing notes and teaching each other. Fandoms often use this proverb when organizing large-scale events or charity donations in the name of their idols.
Use it to be polite
When someone offers you help, saying this proverb makes you sound humble and appreciative of their effort.
Spelling Alert
Never write '낳다' (give birth) instead of '낫다' (better). It's a very common mistake that changes the meaning entirely!
Significado
Even a small or light task is easier and better when people work together; two heads are better than one.
Use it to be polite
When someone offers you help, saying this proverb makes you sound humble and appreciative of their effort.
Spelling Alert
Never write '낳다' (give birth) instead of '낫다' (better). It's a very common mistake that changes the meaning entirely!
Conjugation Trick
Remember the 'ㅅ' disappears in '나아요'. If you keep the 'ㅅ', it sounds like you're saying 'it's low' (낮아요).
The 'Paper' Metaphor
Mentioning the 'white paper' (백지장) specifically adds a touch of traditional wisdom to your speech.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
백지장도 (______) 낫다.
'맞들다' means to lift together from both sides, which is the core action of this proverb.
Which situation best fits this proverb?
When should you say '백지장도 맞들면 낫다'?
The proverb is about cooperation and making tasks easier by working together.
Complete the dialogue using the proverb.
가: 이 상자 너무 무거워요. 같이 들어요. 나: 그래요. (____________________).
The context of lifting a heavy box together perfectly matches the proverb.
Match the proverb to its meaning.
백지장도 맞들면 낫다
This is the core figurative meaning of the proverb.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Teamwork vs. Solo
Banco de exercicios
4 exercicios백지장도 (______) 낫다.
'맞들다' means to lift together from both sides, which is the core action of this proverb.
When should you say '백지장도 맞들면 낫다'?
The proverb is about cooperation and making tasks easier by working together.
가: 이 상자 너무 무거워요. 같이 들어요. 나: 그래요. (____________________).
The context of lifting a heavy box together perfectly matches the proverb.
백지장도 맞들면 낫다
This is the core figurative meaning of the proverb.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, it's very common! Even Gen Z uses it, though often in a slightly joking or lighthearted way when asking for help with small things.
Absolutely. It's a great way to emphasize collaboration in a professional yet warm manner.
'좋다' means 'good,' while '낫다' means 'better' (comparative). In this proverb, '낫다' implies that doing it together is *superior* to doing it alone.
Yes, '사공이 많으면 배가 산으로 간다' (Too many sailors lead the boat to the mountain) is used when too many people make a task harder.
White paper represents the lightest, most trivial thing. If even that is better shared, then everything is.
In the dictionary form '낫다', the 'ㅅ' is not pronounced as 's'. It acts as a 't' stop sound.
Yes! Even though the proverb mentions paper, it's most often used for things that are actually difficult.
'백지' is white paper. '장' is a counter for sheets. '백지장' specifically means 'a sheet of white paper'.
It is neutral. You can use it with anyone, but adjust the ending (e.g., '낫습니다' for very formal, '낫지' for friends).
Literally yes, but figuratively it applies to any shared effort, like sharing a secret or a problem.
Frases relacionadas
십시일반
similarTen spoons of rice make one bowl.
구슬이 서 말이라도 꿰어야 보배
builds onEven if you have three bags of beads, they are only jewels if you string them together.
독불장군
contrastA general without an army; someone who acts alone.
손이 많으면 일도 쉽다
synonymIf there are many hands, the work is easy.
