Korean Proverbs
Gaecheoneseo yong nanda (개천에서 용 난다)
gaecheoneseo yong nanda
Word for word
“A dragon rises out of a little stream.”
What it means
Someone from humble beginnings achieves something remarkable.
When you'd say it
Talking about a self-made success — or debating whether it's still possible today.
Closest English saying
From rags to riches.
Example
시골 작은 학교에서 국가대표가 나왔대. 개천에서 용 났네.A tiny country school produced a national team player. A dragon from a stream.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Korean proverb “개천에서 용 난다” mean?
“개천에서 용 난다” (gaecheoneseo yong nanda) is a Korean proverb: someone from humble beginnings achieves something remarkable.
What is the literal translation of “개천에서 용 난다”?
Word for word, it says: “A dragon rises out of a little stream.”
When do Koreans say “개천에서 용 난다”?
Typical use: talking about a self-made success — or debating whether it's still possible today.
Is there an English saying like “개천에서 용 난다”?
Yes — the English saying “From rags to riches” is close in meaning.
How do you use “개천에서 용 난다” in a sentence?
“시골 작은 학교에서 국가대표가 나왔대. 개천에서 용 났네.” means “A tiny country school produced a national team player. A dragon from a stream.”