Korean Dictionary
How to say "A Leopard Cannot Change Its Spots" in Korean
“A Leopard Cannot Change Its Spots” in Korean is 세 살 버릇 여든까지 간다 (pronounced "Se Sal Beoreut Yeodeunkkaji Ganda").
세 살 버릇 여든까지 간다
Se Sal Beoreut Yeodeunkkaji Ganda
Usage & Context
This Korean proverb literally means habits from age three last until eighty. It expresses the idea that deeply ingrained habits formed in childhood are very hard to change.
Example Sentence
세 살 버릇 여든까지 간다는 말처럼 어릴 때 좋은 습관을 들이는 게 중요해요.
As they say habits from childhood last a lifetime, forming good habits early is important.
How to use 세 살 버릇 여든까지 간다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “A Leopard Cannot Change Its Spots” is 세 살 버릇 여든까지 간다, romanized as Se Sal Beoreut Yeodeunkkaji Ganda.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 세 살 버릇 여든까지 간다.
Pronunciation Guide
세 살 (Se sal) sounds like 'say sahl'. 버릇 (beo-reut) is like 'buh-root' with a soft 't'. 여든까지 (yeo-deun-kka-ji) is 'yaw-doon-kkah-jee', with a strong 'kkah' sound. 간다 (gan-da) is 'gahn-dah'. The 'kka' part is pronounced with more force than a regular 'ka'.
More Example Sentences
Someone observing a friend's unchanging habit.
어릴 때부터 정리 정돈을 안 하던 친구는 지금도 마찬가지예요. 세 살 버릇 여든까지 간다는 말이 딱 맞죠.
My friend who never tidied up since childhood is still the same now. The saying 'habits from age three last until eighty' perfectly fits.
A parent discussing child-rearing philosophy.
아이가 어릴 때부터 좋은 독서 습관을 길러주는 게 중요해요. 세 살 버릇 여든까지 간다고 하잖아요.
It's important to foster good reading habits in children from a young age. They say habits from age three last until eighty.
Someone commenting on another person's ingrained negative trait.
그 사람은 거짓말하는 버릇을 못 고쳐요. 세 살 버릇 여든까지 간다고, 정말 고치기 힘든가 봐요.
That person can't fix their habit of lying. As they say, habits from age three last until eighty, it must be really hard to change.
Cultural Context
This proverb is deeply ingrained in Korean culture, often used by elders to emphasize the importance of early education and habit formation. It's a common phrase parents use to encourage good behavior in children or to lament persistent bad habits in adults. It reflects a belief in the enduring nature of character and habits formed in formative years. You'll hear it in family settings, educational contexts, and even in K-dramas when characters reflect on their past or someone else's unchanging personality. It underscores the idea that fundamental changes become increasingly difficult with age.
Editorial note
We review entries like 세 살 버릇 여든까지 간다 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
세 살 버릇 여든까지 간다고 하죠.
They say habits from age three last until eighty.
세 살 버릇 여든까지 간다는 말이 딱 맞아요.
The saying 'habits from age three last until eighty' is perfectly true.
어릴 때부터 습관을 잘 들여야 해요, 세 살 버릇 여든까지 가니까요.
You should form good habits from a young age, because habits from age three last until eighty.
Related Expressions
제 버릇 개 못 준다
Je beoreut gae mot junda
You can't give your habit to a dog (Similar, implying a habit is hard to break)
습관은 제2의 천성이다
Seupgwaneun je-iui cheonseongida
Habit is second nature (Similar meaning)
늦게 배운 도둑질 날 새는 줄 모른다
Neutge baeun dodukjil nal saeneun jul moreunda
A thief who learned late doesn't know when dawn breaks (Implies someone who starts something late becomes overly engrossed, often negatively, but can imply a strong, hard-to-break habit)
고치다
gochida
To fix, to change (Antonym concept, the act of changing a habit)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice A Leopard Cannot Change Its Spots and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
