Korean Dictionary
How to say "Look Before You Leap" in Korean
“Look Before You Leap” in Korean is 돌다리도 두드려 보고 건너라 (pronounced "Doldarigodo Dudeuryeo Bogo Geonneora").
돌다리도 두드려 보고 건너라
Doldarigodo Dudeuryeo Bogo Geonneora
Usage & Context
This Korean proverb literally means test even a stone bridge before crossing it. It advises careful consideration before taking action.
Example Sentence
돌다리도 두드려 보고 건너라는 말처럼 신중하게 결정하세요.
As they say look before you leap, make decisions carefully.
How to use 돌다리도 두드려 보고 건너라 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Look Before You Leap” is 돌다리도 두드려 보고 건너라, romanized as Doldarigodo Dudeuryeo Bogo Geonneora.
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 돌다리도 두드려 보고 건너라.
Pronunciation Guide
This proverb is pronounced 'Dohl-dah-ree-goh-doh Doo-deu-ryeo Boh-goh Geon-neo-rah'. 'Dohl-dah-ree-goh-doh' sounds like 'doll-dah-ree-go-dough'. 'Doo-deu-ryeo' is like 'doo-duh-ryo' (as in 'Tokyo'). 'Boh-goh' is like 'bow-go' (bow and arrow). 'Geon-neo-rah' sounds like 'gun-no-rah'.
More Example Sentences
Advising caution before a new business venture.
새로운 사업을 시작하기 전에 돌다리도 두드려 보고 건너라는 마음으로 철저히 준비해야 해.
Before starting a new business, you need to prepare thoroughly, with the mindset of 'look before you leap'.
Warning someone against making a quick decision.
급하게 결정하지 말고 돌다리도 두드려 보고 건너라는 옛말을 명심해.
Don't make hasty decisions; remember the old saying, 'look before you leap'.
Reflecting on the balance between caution and seizing opportunities.
돌다리도 두드려 보고 건너라고 했지만, 너무 신중해서 기회를 놓치기도 해.
They say 'look before you leap,' but sometimes being too cautious makes you miss opportunities.
Cultural Context
This proverb is deeply ingrained in Korean culture, emphasizing prudence and careful consideration. It's often heard from elders, parents, or mentors advising younger generations on important life decisions, whether it's choosing a career, making a significant investment, or even selecting a partner. In a society that values stability and minimizing risk, this saying serves as a constant reminder to think twice, or even thrice, before acting. It's a common theme in K-dramas where characters face critical choices.
Editorial note
We review entries like 돌다리도 두드려 보고 건너라 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
돌다리도 두드려 보고 건너라는 말이 있잖아.
There's a saying, 'look before you leap,' isn't there?
돌다리도 두드려 보고 건너는 심정으로.
With the mindset of 'looking before you leap'.
돌다리도 두드려 보고 건너야지.
You should 'look before you leap'.
Related Expressions
신중하게 생각하다
Sinjunghage saenggakada
To think carefully/prudently
섣부른 판단
Seotbureun pandan
Hasty judgment
꼼꼼히 살피다
Kkomkkkomhi salpida
To examine meticulously
돌다리
Doldari
Stone bridge
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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