Korean Dictionary
How to say "Every Cloud has a Silver Lining" in Korean
“Every Cloud has a Silver Lining” in Korean is 새옹지마 (pronounced "Saeongjima").
새옹지마
Saeongjima
Usage & Context
Saeongjima is a Chinese-origin Korean proverb about the unpredictability of fortune. What seems like misfortune may become good luck, and vice versa.
Example Sentence
실패했다고 너무 낙담하지 마세요, 새옹지마라는 말이 있잖아요.
Do not be too discouraged by failure, there is a saying that every cloud has a silver lining.
How to use 새옹지마 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Every Cloud has a Silver Lining” is 새옹지마, romanized as Saeongjima.
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 새옹지마.
Pronunciation Guide
"Sae" sounds like "say." "Ong" is pronounced like "ohng" in "song." "Ji" is like "jee" in "jeep." "Ma" is like "mah" in "mama." The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
More Example Sentences
Reflecting on a past misfortune that unexpectedly led to a better situation.
회사에서 해고당해서 절망했는데, 덕분에 더 좋은 직장을 찾았어요. 정말 새옹지마예요.
I was devastated when I got fired from my company, but thanks to that, I found a better job. It's truly a blessing in disguise.
Finding an unexpected positive outcome from a seemingly negative event.
비행기를 놓쳐서 속상했는데, 그 덕분에 우연히 옛 친구를 만났어요. 새옹지마인가 봐요.
I was upset about missing my flight, but thanks to that, I coincidentally met an old friend. I guess it's a blessing in disguise.
Seeing a setback or failure as an opportunity for growth and strengthening.
이번 프로젝트 실패가 오히려 우리 팀을 더 단단하게 만들었어요. 새옹지마라고 할 수 있죠.
This project failure actually made our team stronger. You could say it's a blessing in disguise.
Cultural Context
"Saeongjima" is a classic four-character idiom (사자성어, sajaseongeo) of Chinese origin, deeply embedded in Korean thought. It refers to the unpredictable nature of fortune, where good luck can turn into bad luck, and vice versa. It's often used to provide comfort or perspective during difficult times, reminding people that current misfortunes might lead to future blessings, and current blessings might contain hidden risks. It's a common philosophical concept in K-dramas and daily life, encouraging a balanced view of life's ups and downs.
Editorial note
We review entries like 새옹지마 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
새옹지마라고 하잖아요
They say it's Saeongjima, don't they? (reminding someone of the proverb)
인생은 새옹지마야
Life is Saeongjima (casual, philosophical statement)
이것도 새옹지마일지도 몰라
This might also be a blessing in disguise.
Related Expressions
인생사 새옹지마
Insaengsa Saeongjima
Life is like Saeongjima (Life's fortunes are unpredictable)
전화위복
Jeonhwawibok
Turning misfortune into a blessing
일장춘몽
Iljangchunmong
A spring dream (short-lived prosperity, fleeting nature of life)
흥망성쇠
Heungmangseongsoe
Rise and fall (cycles of prosperity and decline)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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