가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다

ga-neun ma-ri go-wo-ya o-neun ma-ri gob-daproverb
Your words should be kind so that your responses will be pleasant

선생님은 항상 학생들에게 친절하게 말해서 학생들도 선생님께 예의 바르게 답변합니다.

The teacher always speaks kindly to students, so the students respond politely.


What It Really Means
The way you speak to others will determine how they respond to you. If you speak kindly and respectfully, you will receive kind and respectful replies.
Literal Meaning
The words you say should be kind so that the words you receive will be pleasant.
Literal Breakdown
가는 말이the words you say+고와야should be kind+오는 말이the words you receive+곱다are pleasant
Mental Image
The proverb paints a picture of a cycle of communication where the quality of the words you say directly affects the quality of the words you receive.
When to Use
A teacher advises students to speak kindly to each other to foster a positive and respectful classroom environment.
Cultural Note
This proverb reflects the importance of polite and respectful communication in Korean culture, where harmony and mutual respect are highly valued.
formal

This proverb emphasizes that the way you speak to others will determine how they respond to you. If you speak kindly and respectfully, you will receive kind and respectful replies.

친구에게 실수했을 때 사과할 때는 겸손한 태도로 말해야 한다. 가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다.

When apologizing to a friend for a mistake, you should speak with a humble attitude. Your words should be kind so that your responses will be pleasant.

고객에게 불친절한 말투로 대하면 고객도 불친절하게 반응할 수 있다. 가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다.

If you speak rudely to a customer, they may respond rudely as well. Your words should be kind so that your responses will be pleasant.

This proverb is often used to encourage polite and respectful communication in both personal and professional settings.

Related Phrases

말이 고와야 답이 곱다proverb
Your words should be kind so that your responses will be pleasant
말이 고와도 답이 고르지 않다proverb
Even if your words are kind, the response may not be kind

Pro Tip

Usage in Formal Settings

This proverb is often used in formal settings, such as business meetings or customer service, to emphasize the importance of polite and respectful communication.

Gold Rule

Politeness in Communication

Always speak kindly and respectfully to others, as your words will determine how they respond to you.

Word Origin

This proverb originates from traditional Korean wisdom, emphasizing the importance of polite and respectful communication.

Usage Notes

This proverb is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to encourage polite and respectful communication. It is often used to advise someone to speak kindly to others, especially in situations where conflict or misunderstanding may arise.

Word Breakdown

가는 말이
the words you say
phrase
+
고와야
should be kind
phrase
+
오는 말이
the words you receive
phrase
+
곱다
are pleasant
phrase
한영사전