떡 본 김에 제사 지낸다.
Tteok bone gime jesa jinaenda.
While seeing rice cakes, perform ancestral rites.
意思
Taking advantage of an opportunity to do something else that needs to be done.
文化背景
The {祭祀|제사} (Jesa) is a ceremony to honor ancestors. It is a time of family gathering and requires specific foods, with {떡|餠} (rice cakes) being a centerpiece. This proverb shows how central these rituals were to Korean life. In fast-paced cities like Seoul, this proverb is a badge of honor for 'Pali-pali' (hurry-hurry) culture. It's seen as smart and resourceful to 'batch' tasks together. In meetings, saying '떡 본 김에 제사 지낸다고...' is a polite way to bring up an unrelated but important topic without sounding disorganized. Rice cakes were historically a luxury. They weren't everyday food. This is why 'seeing a rice cake' was such a significant event that it could trigger a whole religious ceremony.
The Short Version
In casual chat, just say '떡 본 김에...' and then do the action. Everyone will understand the proverb is implied.
Don't over-ritualize
Don't use this for very small things like 'I saw a pen so I picked it up.' It should be a task that requires some effort.
意思
Taking advantage of an opportunity to do something else that needs to be done.
The Short Version
In casual chat, just say '떡 본 김에...' and then do the action. Everyone will understand the proverb is implied.
Don't over-ritualize
Don't use this for very small things like 'I saw a pen so I picked it up.' It should be a task that requires some effort.
The 'Jesa' Nuance
Remember that 'Jesa' is a serious thing. Using it for a mundane task adds a bit of self-deprecating humor about how 'serious' your errand is.
Grammar Link
Master the '-(으)ㄴ 김에' grammar first. It's the most useful part of this proverb for daily life.
自我测试
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the proverb.
백화점에 구두를 사러 갔다가 세일을 하길래, (______) 동생 선물도 샀어요.
The full proverb is used here to justify the spontaneous purchase of a gift.
Which situation best fits the proverb '떡 본 김에 제사 지낸다'?
Which of these is the best use of the proverb?
This involves taking an opportunity (being at the library) to finish a pending task (returning books).
Complete the dialogue.
A: 주방 청소 다 했네? 힘들었지? B: 아니야, 설거지 시작한 김에 (______).
B is explaining that since they started the dishes, they just finished the whole kitchen.
🎉 得分： /3
视觉学习工具
练习题库
3 练习백화점에 구두를 사러 갔다가 세일을 하길래, (______) 동생 선물도 샀어요.
The full proverb is used here to justify the spontaneous purchase of a gift.
Which of these is the best use of the proverb?
This involves taking an opportunity (being at the library) to finish a pending task (returning books).
A: 주방 청소 다 했네? 힘들었지? B: 아니야, 설거지 시작한 김에 (______).
B is explaining that since they started the dishes, they just finished the whole kitchen.
🎉 得分： /3
常见问题
14 个问题Yes, very much so! It's one of the most common proverbs in modern daily life.
Yes, it's neutral enough. It shows you are being efficient.
'Il-seok-i-jo' is more formal and focuses on the result. 'Tteok...' is more about the opportunity.
Literally yes, but figuratively it means 'any unexpected resource or opportunity'.
Yes, it's used when you get something done. It's a positive take on productivity.
Yes, that is the past tense form used after you finished the task.
Because in old Korea, Jesa was the most important and difficult task to prepare for.
Not really, but people might say '개이득' (big gain) if the opportunity was really good.
Perfect for travel! 'Since I'm in Paris, I'll see the Eiffel Tower.'
No, it's a very common grammar point used in thousands of sentences.
The proverb still works! It's just a metaphor.
No, it's a respected tradition. It's not offensive.
It sounds like 'Je' (as in jet) and 'Sa' (as in saw).
Usually no. It's a pragmatic and somewhat cheerful expression.
相关表达
꿩 먹고 알 먹고
similarEat the pheasant and its egg.
일석이조
synonymOne stone, two birds.
금상첨화
builds onAdding flowers to silk.
마당 쓸고 돈 줍고
similarSweeping the yard and finding money.
