Korean Proverb : 발 없는 말이 천 리 간다

 

 

The Korean proverb “발 없는 말이 천 리 간다” (bal eomneun mal-i cheon-ri ganda) translates to “Words without feet travel a thousand miles.” This proverb captures the idea that words, especially rumors or gossip, spread quickly and often uncontrollably. It reminds people to be mindful of what they say, as spoken words can easily travel far and reach unintended ears, sometimes causing unintended consequences. In English, similar phrases are “Bad news travels fast” or “Loose lips sink ships.”

 

Example Sentence

1. 내가 한 말이 이렇게 멀리 퍼질 줄 몰랐어. 발 없는 말이 천리 간다고 하더니 정말이야.
   "I didn’t realize my words would spread so far. It’s true when they say that words without feet travel a thousand miles."
2. 비밀이라고 말했는데 벌써 여러 사람에게 전해졌어. 발 없는 말이 천리 간다니까!
   "I said it was a secret, but it’s already been passed around to several people. Words without feet really do travel a thousand miles!"