Korean Dictionary
How to say "Fortune Favors the Brave" in Korean
“Fortune Favors the Brave” in Korean is 하늘은 스스로 돕는 자를 돕는다 (pronounced "Haneureun Seuseo Doneun Jareul Donneunda").
하늘은 스스로 돕는 자를 돕는다
Haneureun Seuseo Doneun Jareul Donneunda
Usage & Context
This Korean proverb means that heaven helps those who help themselves. It encourages self-reliance, effort, and boldness in pursuing one's goals.
Example Sentence
하늘은 스스로 돕는 자를 돕는다고 했으니 스스로 노력하세요.
As they say fortune favors the brave, make efforts yourself.
How to use 하늘은 스스로 돕는 자를 돕는다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Fortune Favors the Brave” is 하늘은 스스로 돕는 자를 돕는다, romanized as Haneureun Seuseo Doneun Jareul Donneunda.
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 하늘은 스스로 돕는 자를 돕는다.
Pronunciation Guide
'하늘은' (haneureun) is 'hah-noo-roon'. '스스로' (seuseuro) is 'soo-soo-roh'. '돕는' (domneun) is 'dome-noon'. '자를' (jareul) is 'jah-rool'. '돕는다' (domneunda) is 'dome-noon-dah'. Pay attention to the 'eu' vowel sound in '스스로' and the 'm' sound in '돕는' and '돕는다'.
More Example Sentences
Someone expressing determination in a difficult situation.
하늘은 스스로 돕는 자를 돕는다고, 포기하지 않고 끝까지 노력할 거야.
As they say, heaven helps those who help themselves, so I won't give up and will try until the end.
An entrepreneur discussing their new venture.
새로운 사업을 시작하는 건 두렵지만, 하늘은 스스로 돕는 자를 돕는다고 믿고 도전해 보려고요.
Starting a new business is scary, but I believe heaven helps those who help themselves, so I'm going to give it a try.
Comforting a friend who failed an exam.
시험에 떨어졌다고 좌절하지 마. 하늘은 스스로 돕는 자를 돕는 법이야. 다음엔 더 열심히 하면 돼.
Don't be frustrated just because you failed the exam. Heaven helps those who help themselves. Just study harder next time.
Cultural Context
This proverb, '하늘은 스스로 돕는 자를 돕는다' (Haneureun seuseuro domneun jareul domneunda), is deeply ingrained in Korean culture, emphasizing self-reliance, effort, and personal responsibility. It reflects a belief that divine or cosmic help is granted to those who actively work towards their goals, rather than passively waiting for luck. It's a common motivational phrase used by parents, teachers, and mentors to encourage perseverance and initiative.
Editorial note
We review entries like 하늘은 스스로 돕는 자를 돕는다 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
하늘은 스스로 돕는 자를 돕는다고 했어.
They said heaven helps those who help themselves.
하늘은 스스로 돕는 자를 돕는 법이야.
That's just how it is, heaven helps those who help themselves.
하늘은 스스로 돕는 자를 돕는다는 믿음으로.
With the belief that heaven helps those who help themselves.
Related Expressions
노력은 배신하지 않는다
Noryeogeun baesinhaji anneunda
Effort does not betray (Hard work pays off)
뿌린 대로 거둔다
Ppurin daero geodunda
You reap what you sow
자수성가
Jasuseongga
Self-made (building one's fortune by one's own efforts)
지성이면 감천
Jiseongimyeon gamcheon
Sincerity moves heaven (If you are truly sincere, heaven will respond)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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