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낮말은 새가 듣고 밤말은 쥐가 듣는다

natmal-eun saega deureugo bammal-eun jwiga deureunda
proverb★Intermediate— be careful what you say, as words can spread quickly◆proverb
◆ What It Really Means
Be careful what you say, as words can spread quickly and have unintended consequences.
¶ Literal Meaning
Words spoken during the day are heard by birds, and words spoken at night are heard by mice.
Literal Breakdown
낮말words spoken during the day+새가 듣고heard by birds+밤말words spoken at night+쥐가 듣는다heard by mice
◇ Mental Image
The proverb uses the imagery of birds (which can fly and spread news widely) and mice (which are small and stay close to the ground) to illustrate how words can spread depending on when and how they are spoken.
◈ When to Use
A friend is about to share a secret with you, but you remind them to be careful because '낮말은 새가 듣고 밤말은 쥐가 듣는다.' You are advising them that their words might spread if they are not careful.
◉ Cultural Note
This proverb reflects the Korean cultural value of discretion and the belief that words have power and consequences. It is often used to remind people to be careful with their words, especially when discussing sensitive or private matters.
informal

A proverb warning that words spoken during the day (when people are active) will be heard by birds (and thus spread widely), while words spoken at night (when only mice are awake) will be heard by mice (and thus spread to fewer people). It emphasizes the importance of discretion in speech.

그 사람은 항상 낮말은 새가 듣고 밤말은 쥐가 듣는다며 비밀을 잘 지킨다.

That person always keeps secrets well, saying that words spoken during the day will be heard by birds and spread widely.

회사에서 중요한 정보를 공유할 때는 낮말은 새가 듣고 밤말은 쥐가 듣는다며 신중해야 한다.

When sharing important information at work, you should be careful because words can spread quickly.

💡

This proverb is often used to advise caution in speaking, especially about sensitive or private matters.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

말은 총보다 강하다proverb
Words are stronger than guns
입이 무겁다phrase
To have a heavy mouth (to be discreet)

💡Pro Tip

Cultural Context

This proverb reflects the Korean cultural value of discretion and the belief that words have power and consequences.

⚡Gold Rule

Usage Rule

This proverb is typically used in informal settings to advise caution in speech, rather than in formal or professional contexts.

📖Word Origin

This proverb originates from traditional Korean wisdom, emphasizing the importance of discretion in speech. The imagery of birds and mice represents how words can spread widely or remain confined depending on when and how they are spoken.

📝Usage Notes

This proverb is commonly used in informal contexts to advise someone to be careful with their words, especially when discussing sensitive or private matters. It can also be used humorously to remind someone that their words may have unintended consequences.

Word Breakdown

낮말
words spoken during the day
phrase
+
새가 듣고
heard by birds
phrase
+
밤말
words spoken at night
phrase
+
쥐가 듣는다
heard by mice
phrase
한영사전

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