낮 말은 새가 듣고 밤 말은 쥐가 듣는다

nat mar-eul sae-ga deureu-go bam mar-eul jwi-ga deureundaproverb
be careful what you say, as others may overhear

회의실에서 비밀을 말하지 마라. 낮 말은 새가 듣고 밤 말은 쥐가 듣는다.

Don't talk about secrets in the meeting room. Be careful what you say, as others may overhear.


What It Really Means
A warning to be cautious about what you say, as your words may be overheard by others who could misuse them.
Literal Meaning
Daytime words are heard by birds, and nighttime words are heard by mice.
Literal Breakdown
daytime+words+birds+듣는다listen+nighttime+mice
Mental Image
The image of birds and mice overhearing human conversations, symbolizing how words can spread quickly and unintentionally.
When to Use
A parent advising their child not to share personal information with strangers, saying '낮 말은 새가 듣고 밤 말은 쥐가 듣는다.'
Cultural Note
This proverb reflects the Korean cultural value of discretion and the importance of being mindful of one's words in public.
informal

A warning to be cautious about what you say in public, as your words may be overheard by others who could misuse them.

친구에게 비밀을 말하지 마. 낮 말은 새가 듣고 밤 말은 쥐가 듣는다.

Don't tell your friend secrets. Be careful what you say, as others may overhear.

회사에서 중요한 정보를 공개적으로 논의하지 마라. 낮 말은 새가 듣고 밤 말은 쥐가 듣는다.

Don't discuss important company information in public. Be careful what you say, as others may overhear.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of discretion in speech, as words can spread quickly and unintentionally.

Related Phrases

입조심phrase
be careful what you say
비밀은 비밀로phrase
keep secrets secret

Pro Tip

Usage Context

This proverb is often used in informal settings to advise someone to be cautious about their words.

Gold Rule

Discretion in Speech

Always be mindful of what you say, as words can have unintended consequences.

Word Origin

This proverb originates from Korean folklore, where birds and mice are often depicted as symbols of gossip and eavesdropping.

Usage Notes

This proverb is often used to advise someone to be careful about what they say, especially in public or around people who may not be trustworthy.

Word Breakdown

daytime
root
+
words
root
+
birds
root
+
듣는다
listen
root
+
nighttime
root
+
mice
root
한영사전