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말이 고와야 답이 고와야 한다

mari gowa-yaya dab-i gowa-yaya handa
proverb★Intermediate— The answer must be as good as the question◆proverb
◆ What It Really Means
The quality of an answer is directly influenced by the quality of the question; thoughtful questions lead to thoughtful answers.
¶ Literal Meaning
The question must be good, and the answer must be good.
Literal Breakdown
말이 고와야the question must be good+답이 고와야the answer must be good+한다must be
◇ Mental Image
A balanced scale where the weight of the question and answer must be equal for harmony and truth.
◈ When to Use
A teacher explaining to students that to receive a good answer, they must first ask a good question.
◉ Cultural Note
This proverb reflects the Confucian emphasis on careful, respectful, and precise communication in Korean culture, where the way something is said is often as important as what is said.
formal

This proverb emphasizes that the quality of an answer depends on the quality of the question. It suggests that thoughtful, well-formed questions lead to thoughtful, well-formed answers, and that one should strive for clarity and precision in both.

이 연구를 위해 명확한 가설을 세우는 것이 중요하다. 말이 고와야 답이 고와야 한다.

It's important to establish a clear hypothesis for this research. The answer must be as good as the question.

학생들이 복잡한 문제를 해결하려면 먼저 문제를 정확히 이해해야 한다. 말이 고와야 답이 고와야 한다.

For students to solve complex problems, they first need to understand the problem precisely. The answer must be as good as the question.

💡

This proverb is often used in academic, professional, or intellectual contexts to stress the importance of careful formulation in communication.

Synonyms

Related Phrases

질문은 답의 반proverb
The question is half the answer
말이 씨가 된다proverb
Words become reality

💡Pro Tip

Academic and Professional Use

This proverb is particularly valuable in academic and professional settings where clear communication is crucial. Use it when emphasizing the importance of well-structured questions leading to precise answers.

⚡Gold Rule

Precision in Communication

Always strive for clarity and precision in both asking questions and providing answers. This proverb highlights that the quality of the answer is directly influenced by the quality of the question.

📖Word Origin

This proverb originates from traditional Korean wisdom, emphasizing the interconnectedness of questions and answers in effective communication.

📝Usage Notes

This expression is often used to encourage careful thought and precision in both asking questions and providing answers. It can apply to academic work, professional communication, or everyday problem-solving.

Word Breakdown

말이 고와야
the question must be good
phrase
+
답이 고와야
the answer must be good
phrase
+
한다
must be
verb
한영사전

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