개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다
Forget humble beginnings
Literalmente: Frog tadpole time think cannot
Use this to describe someone who has forgotten their humble beginnings and now acts arrogant toward beginners.
Em 15 segundos
- Used for people who act superior after becoming successful.
- A frog forgetting it was once a small tadpole.
- A reminder to stay humble and remember your roots.
- Commonly used to criticize arrogance in social or work settings.
Significado
This phrase describes someone who has become successful or experienced and now looks down on beginners. It's like a frog forgetting that it was once a tiny, vulnerable tadpole swimming in the same pond.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Venting about a bossy senior colleague
부장님은 정말 개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 하시는 것 같아.
I think the manager really forgets his humble beginnings.
Talking about a friend who got famous and changed
그 친구 유명해지더니 개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 하네.
Since he got famous, he's forgotten where he came from.
A professional commentary on a harsh mentor
개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다는 말처럼, 초보자의 마음을 이해 못 하네요.
Like the saying goes, they can't understand a beginner's heart.
Contexto cultural
This proverb is deeply rooted in Korea's history of rapid social and economic mobility. As the country modernized, many people moved from poverty to wealth quickly, leading to this phrase being used as a social critique of those who abandoned their humble origins. It emphasizes the Confucian value of 'In-jeong' or human feeling and empathy for those still struggling.
The 'Tadpole' Perspective
If you want to sound more humble yourself, you can say '저는 항상 제 올챙이 시절을 기억하려고 해요' (I always try to remember my tadpole days).
Direct Confrontation
Avoid saying this directly to someone you aren't close with. It's a very strong accusation of being 'arrogant' or 'fake'.
Em 15 segundos
- Used for people who act superior after becoming successful.
- A frog forgetting it was once a small tadpole.
- A reminder to stay humble and remember your roots.
- Commonly used to criticize arrogance in social or work settings.
What It Means
Imagine a CEO who yells at an intern for a tiny mistake. That CEO was once an intern too, right? This idiom is about losing your humility. It points out people who act superior after they've 'made it.' In Korean, 개구리 is the frog and 올챙이 is the tadpole. It’s a vivid way to say someone has a short memory for their own struggles.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase to criticize someone behind their back. It’s a bit sharp, so be careful. You can say it when a friend gets a promotion and suddenly stops hanging out with the 'old crew.' Or when a pro gamer mocks a 'noob' for missing a shot. It’s a reminder to stay grounded. Just add ~라더니 to the end to say 'Like the saying goes...'
When To Use It
Use it when you see someone being arrogant about their current status. It works great in a casual vent session with friends. For example, if a senior student is being unnecessarily bossy to freshmen. You might whisper this to your classmate. It’s also common in K-Dramas when a rich character forgets their poor roots. It’s the ultimate 'stay humble' check.
When NOT To Use It
Never say this directly to your boss or someone much older. Even if they are being a total frog, it’s very rude. It sounds like you are calling them arrogant to their face. Also, don't use it for someone who is genuinely proud of their progress. There is a fine line between being proud and being a jerk. Only use it when the 'frog' is actually being mean to the 'tadpoles.'
Cultural Background
Korea has a very hierarchical society. Respect for seniority is huge, but so is the responsibility of the senior. A good leader should remember their own 'tadpole' days to help others. This proverb has been around for centuries. It reflects the value of empathy and remembering your roots. It’s a warning against the 'nouveau riche' attitude that can sometimes pop up in fast-growing societies.
Common Variations
You might hear people just say 올챙이 적 생각 (thinking of tadpole times). This is a shorthand version. Sometimes people use it as a self-reflection too. You can say, 'I need to remember my tadpole days' to stay humble. It’s a versatile metaphor that every Korean person knows by heart. Just don't actually call someone a frog unless you want a fight!
Notas de uso
This is a neutral-level idiom but carries a critical tone. Use it with caution in social circles to avoid sounding like a gossip.
The 'Tadpole' Perspective
If you want to sound more humble yourself, you can say '저는 항상 제 올챙이 시절을 기억하려고 해요' (I always try to remember my tadpole days).
Direct Confrontation
Avoid saying this directly to someone you aren't close with. It's a very strong accusation of being 'arrogant' or 'fake'.
The 'Kkondae' Connection
This phrase is often used to describe a 'Kkondae' (꼰대) — an older person who lectures others while forgetting they were once young and messy too.
Exemplos
6부장님은 정말 개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 하시는 것 같아.
I think the manager really forgets his humble beginnings.
Using the honorific form while still being critical.
그 친구 유명해지더니 개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 하네.
Since he got famous, he's forgotten where he came from.
Expressing disappointment in a friend's change of attitude.
개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다는 말처럼, 초보자의 마음을 이해 못 하네요.
Like the saying goes, they can't understand a beginner's heart.
A more structured way to use the idiom in a discussion.
걔 진짜 개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다 ㅋㅋㅋ 어이없어.
She really forgot she was a tadpole lol. Unbelievable.
Using 'ㅋㅋㅋ' to show a mix of humor and annoyance.
저도 개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 하고 후배한테 잔소리했네요.
I forgot my own tadpole days and lectured my junior.
Using the phrase to admit one's own arrogance playfully.
리더는 개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 하는 우를 범해서는 안 됩니다.
A leader must not make the mistake of forgetting their humble beginnings.
Using formal vocabulary like '우를 범하다' (make a mistake).
Teste-se
Choose the correct word to complete the idiom.
개구리 ___ 적 생각 못 한다.
The idiom specifically uses '올챙이' (tadpole) to represent the early stage of a frog.
Select the best ending for a casual conversation.
그 선배는 정말 개구리 올챙이 적 ___.
The full phrase is '생각 못 한다', which means 'cannot think/remember'.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality & Usage Spectrum
Gossiping with friends about a snobby person.
걔 진짜 개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 해.
General observation about someone's behavior.
개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다더니 딱 그 꼴이네.
In a book or a formal lecture about humility.
개구리 올챙이 적 생각 못 한다는 속담이 있습니다.
When to use this phrase
Workplace
Senior mocking a new hire's mistake.
Social Media
Influencer acting like they were always rich.
Sports
Pro athlete being mean to a rookie.
School
Upperclassman bullying freshmen.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt's not a swear word, but the meaning is critical. It's usually used to talk about someone rather than to them.
Yes! It shows great character to say you don't want to be like the frog in the proverb.
In this context, 적 means 'the time when' or 'the occasion of.' So 올챙이 적 means 'when I was a tadpole.'
People often just say 올챙이 시절 (tadpole days) to refer to the concept of humble beginnings.
Only if you are discussing general values or literature. Don't use it to describe a specific client or colleague in the room!
No, it's for any skill or status. It could be about speaking a language, playing a sport, or even gaming.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 초심을 잃지 않다 (not losing one's original intention) is the positive version.
Because the transformation is so dramatic. A tadpole looks nothing like a frog, just like a beginner looks nothing like a master.
Absolutely. It's a classic proverb that everyone from Gen Z to grandparents uses and understands.
Usually, yes. You can change the tense to 못 했다 or 못 하더라, but the core verb is always 생각 못 하다.
Frases relacionadas
초심을 잃지 말자 (Let's not lose our original resolution)
벼는 익을수록 고개를 숙인다 (The more the rice ripens, the lower it bows its head)
화장실 들어갈 때와 나올 때 다르다 (People change their minds before and after using the bathroom)
권불십년 (Power does not last ten years)
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