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말이 거칠면 답이 거칠다

mari geochilmyeon dabi geochilda
proverb★Intermediate— your response will match the tone of the other person's speech◆proverb
◆ What It Really Means
People tend to respond in the same tone or manner as they are spoken to, reflecting the natural human tendency to mirror communication styles.
¶ Literal Meaning
If the speech is harsh, the response will be harsh
Literal Breakdown
말이 거칠면if the speech is harsh+답이 거칠다the response is harsh
◇ Mental Image
The mental image of a mirror reflecting the tone and manner of communication, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of human interaction.
◈ When to Use
A manager explains to a team that if they speak respectfully to clients, they are more likely to receive respectful responses, but if they are rude, they may also receive rude responses.
◉ Cultural Note
This proverb reflects the Korean cultural value of respect and harmony in communication, emphasizing the importance of polite and considerate speech in social interactions.
informal

A proverb meaning that the tone or manner of one's response will mirror the tone or manner of the initial communication. It emphasizes that people tend to respond in kind to how they are spoken to.

친구가 화를 내며 말하면 나도 모르게 답이 거칠어질 때가 있다.

When a friend speaks angrily, I sometimes unconsciously respond in a harsh tone as well.

고객이 무례하게 말하면 직원도 답이 거칠어질 수 있다.

If a customer speaks rudely, the employee may also respond rudely.

💡

This proverb is often used to explain why people respond in kind to the tone of others, whether positive or negative.

Synonyms

Related Phrases

말이 고우면 답이 고운다proverb
If you speak politely, you will receive a polite response
말이 부드럽으면 답이 부드럽다proverb
If you speak softly, you will receive a soft response

💡Pro Tip

Usage in Positive Contexts

This proverb can be used to encourage polite and respectful communication, emphasizing that kindness and politeness often lead to similar responses.

⚡Gold Rule

Reciprocal Communication

This proverb highlights the principle of reciprocal communication, where the tone and manner of one's response often mirror the tone and manner of the initial communication.

📖Word Origin

The phrase comes from the observation that people tend to respond in the same tone or manner as they are spoken to, reflecting the natural human tendency to mirror communication styles.

📝Usage Notes

This proverb is commonly used in both positive and negative contexts to explain why people respond in kind to the tone of others. It can be used to encourage polite communication or to criticize rude behavior.

Word Breakdown

말이 거칠면
if the speech is harsh
phrase
+
답이 거칠다
the response is harsh
phrase
한영사전

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