Korean Dictionary
How to say "Curiosity Killed the Cat" in Korean
“Curiosity Killed the Cat” in Korean is 지나친 호기심은 화를 부른다 (pronounced "Jinachin Hogisimeun Hwaleul Bureunda").
지나친 호기심은 화를 부른다
Jinachin Hogisimeun Hwaleul Bureunda
Usage & Context
This proverb warns against excessive curiosity that can lead to harm. It is used in Korea to caution people about prying into matters that do not concern them.
Example Sentence
지나친 호기심은 화를 부른다고 남의 일에 너무 끼어들지 마세요.
Curiosity killed the cat so do not interfere too much in others' affairs.
How to use 지나친 호기심은 화를 부른다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Curiosity Killed the Cat” is 지나친 호기심은 화를 부른다, romanized as Jinachin Hogisimeun Hwaleul Bureunda.
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 지나친 호기심은 화를 부른다.
Pronunciation Guide
For "Jinachin Hogisimeun Hwaleul Bureunda": "Ji-na-chin" sounds like "jee-nah-chin". "Ho-gi-sim-eun" is like "hoh-gee-seem-eun" (the 'eu' is a short 'uh' sound). "Hwa-leul" is pronounced "hwah-lull". "Bu-reun-da" is like "boo-roon-dah".
More Example Sentences
Warning a friend against prying into someone's personal life.
남의 사생활에 너무 관심 갖지 마. 지나친 호기심은 화를 부른다고 했잖아.
Don't be too interested in others' private lives. I told you curiosity killed the cat.
Advising caution about uncovering potentially dangerous information.
그 비밀을 굳이 알려고 하지 마. 지나친 호기심은 화를 부를 수도 있어.
Don't insist on knowing that secret. Excessive curiosity can bring trouble.
Recalling a common piece of advice received during upbringing.
어릴 때부터 지나친 호기심은 화를 부른다는 말을 귀에 못이 박히도록 들었어요.
Since childhood, I've heard 'curiosity killed the cat' countless times.
Cultural Context
This proverb is a direct translation of 'Curiosity killed the cat,' but its usage in Korea often emphasizes caution against meddling in others' affairs or delving into dangerous knowledge. It reflects a cultural value of respecting boundaries and avoiding unnecessary trouble. It's a common parental warning to children and a general piece of advice among adults. Unlike the English version which can sometimes be playful, the Korean version often carries a more serious tone, implying real potential for harm or conflict.
Editorial note
We review entries like 지나친 호기심은 화를 부른다 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
남의 일에 신경 끄세요
Mind your own business.
괜히 건드리지 마
Don't poke around unnecessarily.
알려고 하지 마
Don't try to know.
Related Expressions
남의 일에 참견하다
namui ire chamgyeonhada
to meddle in others' affairs
긁어 부스럼 만들다
geulgeo buseureom mandeulda
to scratch a sore (make things worse by meddling)
모르는 게 약이다
moreuneun ge yagida
ignorance is bliss (literally, 'not knowing is medicine')
호기심 천국
hogisim cheonguk
curiosity heaven (often used ironically or for children's content)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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