작은 것도 모이면 커진다.

The proverb '작은 것도 모이면 커진다' (jageun geotdo moimyeon keojinda) is a well-known Korean saying that encapsulates the idea that even small things, when gathered or accumulated, can become significant. While pinpointing an exact single origin date or author for such a traditional proverb is often difficult, its meaning and structure reflect common philosophical and observational themes found across many cultures regarding the power of accumulation and perseverance. The phrase is built from simple, fundamental Korean words, suggesting its organic development within the language rather than a formal coinage at a specific historical moment. Let's break down the components: * **작은 (jageun):** This is the adjectival form of '작다' (jakda), meaning 'small' or 'little.' * **것도 (geotdo):** '것' (geot) means 'thing' or 'object,' and '-도' (-do) is a particle meaning 'also' or 'even.' So, '작은 것도' means 'even small things' or 'even a small thing.' * **모이면 (moimyeon):** This is the conditional form of '모이다' (moida), meaning 'to gather,' 'to collect,' or 'to accumulate.' The '-면' (-myeon) suffix indicates 'if' or 'when.' So, '모이면' means 'if/when gathered' or 'if/when accumulated.' * **커진다 (keojinda):** This is the present tense, declarative form of '커지다' (keojida), meaning 'to grow bigger' or 'to become large.' It's a combination of '크다' (keuda, to be big) and '-지다' (-jida, a suffix indicating becoming a state). So, '커진다' means 'it becomes big' or 'it grows big.' Syntactically, the proverb follows a straightforward conditional structure: 'If X happens, then Y occurs.' This structure is common in Korean proverbs used to express universal truths or consequences. Philosophically, this proverb aligns with concepts of incremental progress, the strength of collective effort, and the idea that persistence in small actions can lead to grand outcomes. It's akin to English proverbs like 'Many a little makes a mickle' or 'Every little bit helps.' The wisdom embodied in such proverbs is often passed down orally through generations, reinforcing cultural values of diligence, patience, and the importance of seemingly minor contributions. It's frequently used to encourage effort, teamwork, and to highlight the impact of sustained small actions, whether in saving money, studying, or working towards a common goal. Its continued use in modern Korean society underscores its enduring relevance and widespread understanding.