Korean Proverb Series 104
Swallow What Is Sweet and Spit Out What Is Bitter
“달면 삼키고 쓰면 뱉는다”
(Dalmyeon samkigo sseumyeon baetneunda)
🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning
The Korean proverb “달면 삼키고 쓰면 뱉는다” literally means “Swallow what is sweet and spit out what is bitter.”
It describes someone who accepts people, opportunities, or situations when they are beneficial but rejects them as soon as they become inconvenient.
Just as a person enjoys sweet food and spits out something bitter, someone may welcome another person's help when it is useful, only to turn away when that person needs support in return.
This proverb criticizes self-serving behavior and relationships based solely on personal gain.
🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson
▪️ A relationship built only on personal benefit may not last when difficulties arise.
▪️ True loyalty is revealed not only in good times but also in challenging moments.
▪️ Trust grows when people treat one another with fairness and consistency.
The proverb reminds us that people should not be valued only for what they can offer us.
A meaningful relationship requires respect, gratitude, and a willingness to stand by others even when doing so is not immediately rewarding.
👀 3. Real-Life Applications
▪️ Friendship
Someone enjoys spending time with a friend who frequently offers help or gifts but disappears when that friend faces difficulties.
▪️ The Workplace
A person praises a colleague while benefiting from their work but quickly distances themselves when the colleague makes a mistake.
▪️ Business Relationships
A business partner eagerly accepts profits during successful periods but refuses to share responsibility when unexpected problems arise.
▪️ Everyday Life
Someone listens to advice only when it supports their wishes and rejects it whenever it becomes uncomfortable.
In situations like these, Koreans may say:
“달면 삼키고 쓰면 뱉는다.”
The expression reminds us that a person's attitude toward others should not change simply because the circumstances are no longer favorable.
🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World
▪️ United States / United Kingdom — “A fair-weather friend.”
→ Someone who remains friendly when life is pleasant but disappears when difficulties arise.
▪️ China — “过河拆桥 (Guò hé chāi qiáo).”
→ Dismantling the bridge after crossing the river. It describes abandoning someone or something after receiving the benefit they provided.
▪️ Japan — “喉元過ぎれば熱さを忘れる (Nodomoto sugireba atsusa o wasureru).”
→ Once something hot passes the throat, its heat is forgotten. It can describe forgetting past hardship or the help received during difficult times.
▪️ English Saying — “Use someone and throw them away.”
→ Treating another person as useful only while they serve one's interests.
These expressions approach the subject from slightly different angles, but they share a concern about forgetting gratitude, abandoning others, or allowing personal gain to determine how people are treated.
💬 A Warm Saying
“True kindness is not measured by how we treat others when life is sweet, but by whether we continue to care when times turn bitter.”
📌 Note
This is creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).
Please do not copy without permission.
Sharing is welcome with proper source citation.
Explore more traditional Korean sayings here.
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