Korean Proverbs: 5. 작은 고추가 맵다

Introduction

Literal Translation

Figurative Interpretation

English Equivalent

Synonyms

• "작은 병이 몸을 죽인다" (A small illness kills the body)

• "작은 구멍이 배를 침몰시킨다" (A small hole sinks a big ship)

Antonyms

• "큰 것만 중요하다" (Only big things are important)

• "외모가 중요하다" (Appearance is important)

Usage Examples

1. In Sports:
   A smaller, less physically imposing athlete outperforms larger competitors. A spectator comments, “그 선수 작지만 정말 강해. 작은 고추가 맵다는 말이 딱 맞아.” (Translation: "That player is small but very strong. It's true that 'small peppers are spicy.'")

2. Business Meeting:
   A young, seemingly inexperienced entrepreneur impresses in a meeting with a brilliant proposal. An attendee remarks, “그 젊은 사람이 이렇게 대단할 줄 몰랐어. 진짜 작은 고추가 맵다는 말이 맞네.” (Translation: "I didn’t expect that young person to be so impressive. It really is true that 'small peppers are spicy.'")

3. Academic Performance:
   A quiet, unassuming student tops the class in exam results. A classmate says, “그 친구가 이렇게 공부를 잘할 줄은 몰랐어. 작은 고추가 맵다니까.” (Translation: "I didn't know that friend was so good at studying. It’s like 'small peppers are spicy.'")

4. In a Debate:
   A new, less experienced team member makes a significant contribution in a critical discussion. A colleague notes, “그 새 팀원이 이런 중요한 의견을 낼 줄은 몰랐네. 역시 작은 고추가 맵다.” (Translation: "I didn’t expect the new team member to contribute such important ideas. Indeed, 'small peppers are spicy.'")

Simple Dialogues

1. In a Music Talent Show:
   가: "저 어린 학생이 오늘의 별이 될 줄 몰랐어."
   나: "정말 뛰어난 연주였어. 작은 고추가 맵다는 말이 딱이야."
   (Translation: 가: "I didn't expect that young student to be the star of today." 나: "It was an exceptional performance. It really is 'small peppers are spicy.'")

2. During a Chess Tournament:
   가: "그 어린 체스 선수가 챔피언을 이겼다고?"
   나: "응, 전략적 사고가 대단해. 작은 고추가 맵다고, 외모에 속지 말아야 해."
   (Translation: 가: "The young chess player beat the champion?" 나: "Yes, their strategic thinking is amazing. 'Small peppers are spicy' – don't be fooled by appearances.")

3. In a Group Project:
   가: "이 프로젝트의 성공은 새로 온 인턴 덕분이야."
   나: "정말? 그렇게 어려운 일을 해냈다니, 작은 고추가 맵다는 말이 맞네."
   (Translation: 가: "The success of this project is thanks to the new intern." 나: "Really? Managing such a difficult task, it's true that 'small peppers are spicy.'")

4. At a Startup Pitch:
   가: "그 작은 스타트업이 큰 투자를 받았어."
   나: "놀랍네. 아이디어가 정말 독특하고 혁신적이야. 작은 고추가 맵다는 말이 여기에 딱 맞아."
   (Translation: 가: "That small startup received a large investment." 나: "That's impressive. Their ideas are really unique and innovative. 'Small peppers are spicy' fits perfectly here.")

Dialogue

Conclusion