Korean Dictionary
How to say "Slow and Steady Wins the Race" in Korean
“Slow and Steady Wins the Race” in Korean is 천천히 가는 자가 이긴다 (pronounced "Cheoncheoni Ganeun Jaga Iginda").
천천히 가는 자가 이긴다
Cheoncheoni Ganeun Jaga Iginda
Usage & Context
This proverb expresses that patience and consistency lead to success. It is used to encourage steady effort over hasty action.
Example Sentence
천천히 가는 자가 이긴다는 말처럼 서두르지 않고 꾸준히 노력해요.
As they say slow and steady wins the race, I make steady effort without rushing.
How to use 천천히 가는 자가 이긴다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Slow and Steady Wins the Race” is 천천히 가는 자가 이긴다, romanized as Cheoncheoni Ganeun Jaga Iginda.
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 천천히 가는 자가 이긴다.
Pronunciation Guide
The phrase "천천히 가는 자가 이긴다" is pronounced: "Cheon-cheon-hi" sounds like "chun-chun-hee" (like 'chun' in 'lunch'). "Ga-neun" is "gah-noon". "Ja-ga" is "jah-gah". "I-gin-da" is "ee-gin-dah". The emphasis is on "cheon-cheon-hi" and "i-gin-da", giving it a steady, deliberate feel.
More Example Sentences
Advising a student on effective study habits.
시험 준비는 천천히 가는 자가 이긴다는 마음으로 꾸준히 하는 게 중요해.
For exam prep, it's important to study consistently with the mindset that slow and steady wins the race.
Giving advice on healthy weight loss.
다이어트도 마찬가지예요. 천천히 가는 자가 이긴다고, 급하게 빼려고 하지 마세요.
Dieting is the same. Slow and steady wins the race, so don't try to lose weight too quickly.
Encouraging a new entrepreneur to maintain a long-term perspective.
사업은 마라톤과 같아요. 천천히 가는 자가 이긴다는 걸 잊지 마세요.
Business is like a marathon. Don't forget that slow and steady wins the race.
Cultural Context
This proverb, like its English counterpart, emphasizes the value of patience, consistency, and perseverance over haste. It aligns with the Korean cultural values of '성실함' (seongsilham, sincerity/diligence) and '꾸준함' (kkujunham, steadiness). You'll often hear this in advice given to students, young professionals, or anyone embarking on a long-term goal, reinforcing the idea that consistent effort, even if slow, ultimately leads to success. It's a common theme in motivational speeches or parental advice.
Editorial note
We review entries like 천천히 가는 자가 이긴다 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
천천히 가는 자가 이긴다잖아.
They say slow and steady wins the race.
너무 서두르지 마. 천천히 가는 자가 이기는 법이야.
Don't rush too much. Slow and steady is the way to win.
꾸준함이 중요해. 천천히 가는 자가 이긴다고.
Consistency is important. Slow and steady wins the race, you know.
Related Expressions
급할수록 돌아가라
Geuphalsurok doragara
The more you rush, the more you should go the long way (similar to 'haste makes waste').
늦더라도 꾸준히
Neutdeorado kkujunhi
Even if late, consistently (emphasizes consistency over speed).
시작이 반이다
Sijagi banida
Starting is half the battle (focuses on the importance of beginning, but also implies the rest takes effort).
끈기가 성공의 열쇠다
Kkeungiga seonggongui yeolsoeda
Perseverance is the key to success.
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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