Korean Dictionary
How to say "When in Rome Do as the Romans Do" in Korean
“When in Rome Do as the Romans Do” in Korean is 로마에 가면 로마법을 따르라 (pronounced "Romae Gamyeon Romain-beul Ttareura").
로마에 가면 로마법을 따르라
Romae Gamyeon Romain-beul Ttareura
Usage & Context
This universal proverb is also used in Korea to encourage adapting to local customs and rules when in a foreign environment.
Example Sentence
로마에 가면 로마법을 따르라는 말처럼 새로운 환경에서는 그곳 규칙을 따르세요.
As they say when in Rome do as the Romans do, follow the local rules in a new environment.
How to use 로마에 가면 로마법을 따르라 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “When in Rome Do as the Romans Do” is 로마에 가면 로마법을 따르라, romanized as Romae Gamyeon Romain-beul Ttareura.
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 로마에 가면 로마법을 따르라.
Pronunciation Guide
For '로마에' (Romae), 'Ro' sounds like 'row' (as in a boat), 'ma' like 'ma' in 'mama', and 'e' like 'eh' in 'bed'. '가면' (gamyeon) has 'ga' like 'gah' in 'garage' and 'myeon' like 'myun' (rhymes with 'fun' but with a 'y' sound). '로마법을' (Romabeobeul) repeats 'Ro-ma', then 'beo' like 'buh' in 'butter', and 'beul' like 'bul' in 'bull'. Finally, '따르라' (ttareura) has a tense 'tta' sound (like a harder 'da'), 'reu' like 'roo' in 'kangaroo' but shorter, and 'ra' like 'rah' in 'hurrah'. Stress is generally even across syllables.
More Example Sentences
Discussing travel etiquette with a friend.
해외여행 가면 로마에 가면 로마법을 따르라고 하잖아요. 현지 문화를 존중해야죠.
When you travel abroad, they say 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do,' right? You have to respect the local culture.
Giving advice to someone who just moved.
새로 이사 간 동네에서는 로마에 가면 로마법을 따르라고, 그 동네 규칙을 잘 지켜야 해.
In the new neighborhood you moved to, 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do,' so you have to follow the local rules well.
A senior colleague advising a new employee.
회사마다 문화가 다르니, 로마에 가면 로마법을 따르듯이 새로운 회사에선 적응하는 게 중요해요.
Every company has a different culture, so just like 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do,' it's important to adapt in a new company.
Cultural Context
This proverb is widely understood and used in Korea, much like in English-speaking cultures. It emphasizes the importance of adapting to local customs and rules, whether it's in a foreign country, a new workplace, or even a new social group. Koreans often value harmony and fitting in, so this proverb resonates well with the cultural emphasis on group cohesion and respect for established norms. It's a common phrase you'd hear in discussions about travel, relocation, or starting a new job.
Editorial note
We review entries like 로마에 가면 로마법을 따르라 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
로마법을 따르세요.
Please follow the Roman law (i.e., local customs).
현지 문화를 존중해야죠.
We should respect the local culture.
그곳 방식대로 하는 게 좋아요.
It's good to do it their way.
Related Expressions
현지 문화 존중
Hyeonji munhwa jonjung
Respect local culture
적응하다
Jeogeunghada
To adapt
융통성 있게 행동하다
Yungtongseong itge haengdonghada
To act flexibly
고집을 부리다
Gojibeul burida
To be stubborn (antonym concept)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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