Four Family-Related Korean Proverbs
Korean proverbs are rich with wisdom, humour, and insights about life. Some of the most enduring proverbs are about family, capturing the unique dynamics, joys, and challenges of these close relationships. Family life, after all, is universal, and the wisdom from these proverbs can be applied across cultures. Let’s explore four meaningful Korean proverbs about family and learn what they tell us about love, resilience, and the bonds we hold dear.
1. 가지 많은 나무에 바람 잘 날 없다 (A tree with many branches never has a day without wind)
This Korean proverb compares a large tree with many branches to a person or family with many responsibilities. It mainly refers to parents who have many children, with each child bringing unique needs and worries. Just as a tree with many branches sways constantly in the wind, parents with many children or commitments rarely experience a completely calm day.
Example story: Mr. Kim and his wife have six children, and as much as they love them, it seems like there’s always something happening that keeps them on their toes. Just last week, their eldest son broke his arm playing soccer, requiring daily trips to the hospital. Meanwhile, their teenage daughter got into trouble at school for using her phone during class, and their youngest accidentally flushed a toy down the toilet, flooding the bathroom. Every time they think they’ve caught a break, another problem pops up.
Mr. Kim sighs and says to his wife, “With so many kids, peace is just a dream. It’s like there’s a new storm every day.” Indeed, their lives seem to embody the truth of "가지 많은 나무에 바람 잘 날 없다," as they navigate one unexpected challenge after another with their bustling family
It seems that there is not really same English proverbs since this Korean proverbs is mainly about family life. However, if we expand the scope to an individual with many responsibilities, the English Proverb, “No rest for the weary” might come as the closest. Just as a tree with many branches faces endless wind, a person with numerous responsibilities rarely experiences a break.
2. 고슴도치도 제 자식이 제일 곱다 (Even a hedgehog thinks its baby is the prettiest)
This Korean proverb is a humorous reminder that parents often view their children through rose-coloured glasses. It likens parents to a hedgehog, a prickly animal that might not be everyone’s idea of “cute.” However, even a hedgehog believes its own offspring is beautiful. The saying acknowledges that parents naturally feel pride and affection for their children, no matter what others might think.
Example story: Mrs. Park is convinced her son is a musical prodigy. She proudly records every piano recital, even if he hits a wrong note or two. Her friends, however, know he still has a long way to go before he sounds concert-ready. Mrs. Park brushes off any criticism, saying, “He’s just warming up!” To her, he’s perfect as he is. Her friends smile, knowing she sees him with the love only a parent can have — just like the hedgehog who thinks its own prickly offspring is the cutest in the forest.
A similar English Proverb would be “Love is blind.” This saying reflects a similar idea, suggesting that love (especially parental love) often overlooks flaws or imperfections.
3. 열 손가락 깨물어 안 아픈 손가락 없다 (There’s not a finger that doesn’t hurt when bitten)
This Korean proverb emphasises that all children are equally precious to their parents. No matter how many children a parent has, they cannot choose one over the other; if one child experiences pain, it’s felt deeply.
Example Story: Mr. Choi has three children with very different personalities and paths. His eldest son works as a lawyer, his daughter is a painter, and his youngest has been struggling to find his way after graduation. Despite the differences, Mr. Choi worries about each one equally. When his youngest son finally found a job he loved, Mr. Choi felt as relieved as if he’d received the offer himself and felt happiness as he did when his first son passed the lawyer exam.
A similar English Proverb could be “A parent is only as happy as their saddest child.” This saying reflects the interconnected happiness and pain shared between parents and their children, mirroring the empathy and shared emotions of the Korean proverb. However, there are subtle differences in emphasis and nuance.
Focus on Equality vs. Empathy
The Korean proverb emphasises equal love for all children. It likens each child to a finger—none can be bitten without feeling pain—implying that all children are equally precious, and no child would be preferred over another. This expression highlights a parent’s impartial love and care for each child, even if they might be different in personality or path in life.
The English proverb, on the other hand, highlights a parent’s empathetic connection to their children’s well-being, suggesting that the parent’s own happiness is directly affected by their saddest child. While this shows care for each child’s emotional state, it doesn’t inherently carry the Korean proverb’s message of equality among all children.