Korean Proverbs
콩 심은 데 콩 나고 팥 심은 데 팥 난다
kong simeun de kong nago pat simeun de pat nanda
Word for word
“Where you plant soybeans, soybeans grow; where you plant red beans, red beans grow.”
What it means
Every result comes from its own cause.
When you'd say it
When an outcome is exactly what someone's actions set up — good or bad.
Closest English saying
You reap what you sow.
Example
매일 연습하더니 결국 붙었네. 콩 심은 데 콩 난다더니.You practiced every day and finally made it. Plant beans, get beans.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Korean proverb “콩 심은 데 콩 나고 팥 심은 데 팥 난다” mean?
“콩 심은 데 콩 나고 팥 심은 데 팥 난다” (kong simeun de kong nago pat simeun de pat nanda) is a Korean proverb: every result comes from its own cause.
What is the literal translation of “콩 심은 데 콩 나고 팥 심은 데 팥 난다”?
Word for word, it says: “Where you plant soybeans, soybeans grow; where you plant red beans, red beans grow.”
When do Koreans say “콩 심은 데 콩 나고 팥 심은 데 팥 난다”?
Typical use: when an outcome is exactly what someone's actions set up — good or bad.
Is there an English saying like “콩 심은 데 콩 나고 팥 심은 데 팥 난다”?
Yes — the English saying “You reap what you sow” is close in meaning.
How do you use “콩 심은 데 콩 나고 팥 심은 데 팥 난다” in a sentence?
“매일 연습하더니 결국 붙었네. 콩 심은 데 콩 난다더니.” means “You practiced every day and finally made it. Plant beans, get beans.”