Korean Dictionary
How to say "Early Bird Catches the Worm" in Korean
“Early Bird Catches the Worm” in Korean is 일찍 일어나는 새가 벌레를 잡는다 (pronounced "Iljjik Ireonana Saega Bolleureul Japneunda").
일찍 일어나는 새가 벌레를 잡는다
Iljjik Ireonana Saega Bolleureul Japneunda
Usage & Context
This proverb is also used in Korea to encourage waking up early and being proactive. Early risers are believed to gain advantages in life and work.
Example Sentence
일찍 일어나는 새가 벌레를 잡는다는 말처럼 아침 일찍 시작해요.
As they say the early bird catches the worm, I start early in the morning.
How to use 일찍 일어나는 새가 벌레를 잡는다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Early Bird Catches the Worm” is 일찍 일어나는 새가 벌레를 잡는다, romanized as Iljjik Ireonana Saega Bolleureul Japneunda.
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 일찍 일어나는 새가 벌레를 잡는다.
Pronunciation Guide
'일찍' (iljjik) sounds like 'ill-jeek' (like 'ill' then 'jeep' but with a 'k' at the end). '일어나는' (ireonaneun) is 'ee-ruh-nah-noon'. '새가' (saega) is 'say-gah'. '벌레를' (beollereul) is 'burl-leh-rool'. '잡는다' (japneunda) is 'jahm-noon-dah'. Pay attention to the linked sounds, especially '일찍 일어나는'.
More Example Sentences
A student explaining their diligent study habits.
일찍 일어나는 새가 벌레를 잡는다고, 아침 일찍부터 공부 시작했어.
As the early bird catches the worm, I started studying early in the morning.
A team leader motivating their team for a new project.
이번 프로젝트는 일찍 일어나는 새가 벌레를 잡는다는 마음으로 준비해야 해요.
For this project, we need to prepare with the mindset that the early bird catches the worm.
Someone advising a friend to wake up earlier.
아침형 인간이 성공한다는 말이 괜히 있는 게 아니야. 일찍 일어나는 새가 벌레를 잡는 법이지.
There's a reason they say morning people succeed. It's the early bird that catches the worm.
Cultural Context
This proverb is very common in Korea, reflecting the cultural emphasis on diligence, hard work, and seizing opportunities. It's often used to encourage students to study early, employees to be proactive, or generally to highlight the benefits of starting tasks ahead of others. You'll hear it in educational settings, workplaces, and among elders advising younger generations, reinforcing the value of '부지런함' (bujireonham - diligence).
Editorial note
We review entries like 일찍 일어나는 새가 벌레를 잡는다 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
일찍 일어나는 새가 벌레를 잡는다고 하잖아.
They say the early bird catches the worm, you know.
일찍 일어나는 새가 벌레를 잡는 법이지.
That's just how it is, the early bird catches the worm.
일찍 일어나는 새가 벌레를 잡는다는 말처럼 행동해.
Act as if the early bird catches the worm.
Related Expressions
시간은 금이다
Siganeun geumida
Time is gold (Time is money)
늦었다고 생각할 때가 가장 빠르다
Neujeotdago saenggakhal ttaega gajang ppareuda
The fastest time is when you think it's too late (It's never too late)
오늘 할 일을 내일로 미루지 마라
Oneul hal ireul naeillo miruji mara
Don't put off today's work until tomorrow
부지런하면 성공한다
Bujireonhamyeon seonggonghanda
If you are diligent, you will succeed
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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