Korean Proverbs
달면 삼키고 쓰면 뱉는다
dalmyeon samkigo sseumyeon baenneunda
Word for word
“Swallow it if it's sweet, spit it out if it's bitter.”
What it means
Sticking around only while it benefits you.
When you'd say it
Calling out a friend who only shows up when things are going well.
Closest English saying
A fair-weather friend.
Example
회사 어려워지니까 다 떠나네. 달면 삼키고 쓰면 뱉는구나.The moment the company struggled, everyone left. Sweet, swallow; bitter, spit.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Korean proverb “달면 삼키고 쓰면 뱉는다” mean?
“달면 삼키고 쓰면 뱉는다” (dalmyeon samkigo sseumyeon baenneunda) is a Korean proverb: sticking around only while it benefits you.
What is the literal translation of “달면 삼키고 쓰면 뱉는다”?
Word for word, it says: “Swallow it if it's sweet, spit it out if it's bitter.”
When do Koreans say “달면 삼키고 쓰면 뱉는다”?
Typical use: calling out a friend who only shows up when things are going well.
Is there an English saying like “달면 삼키고 쓰면 뱉는다”?
Yes — the English saying “A fair-weather friend” is close in meaning.
How do you use “달면 삼키고 쓰면 뱉는다” in a sentence?
“회사 어려워지니까 다 떠나네. 달면 삼키고 쓰면 뱉는구나.” means “The moment the company struggled, everyone left. Sweet, swallow; bitter, spit.”