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có công mài sắt có ngày nên kim
/kɔ́ː kə̂wŋ ma᷉ːj sǎːt kɔ̂ː ŋa᷉j nə́j kim/◆proverb
perseverance pays off
Nếu có công mài sắt, có ngày nên kim, anh ấy nhất định sẽ thành công trong sự nghiệp.
If you persevere, like grinding an iron bar into a needle, he will surely succeed in his career.
literary
Success comes to those who persistently work toward their goals despite difficulties.
Dù gặp nhiều thất bại, cô ấy vẫn có công mài sắt có ngày nên kim.
Despite many failures, she kept at it, and perseverance paid off.
Often used to encourage someone to keep trying or to acknowledge someone's long-term effort.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Cultural Insight
This proverb reflects the Vietnamese cultural value of perseverance and long-term effort, often taught to children as a moral lesson.
Gold Rule
Usage Rule
Use this proverb when someone has shown consistent effort over time, even if results are not yet visible.
Word Origin
Originates from an ancient Vietnamese story about a person who persisted in grinding an iron bar until it became a needle, symbolizing the power of perseverance.
Usage Notes
Used in both spoken and written Vietnamese to motivate or reflect on the value of persistence. Often appears in proverbial contexts or advice.
Word Breakdown
có công
if one works diligently
phrasemài sắt
grind iron
phrasecó ngày
one day
phrasenên kim
will become a needle
phraseTừ Điển Việt Anh