溫故知新 Old wisdom, today’s insight — ONGO
결초보은 結草報恩
To never forget a kindness received and to ensure it is repaid, even after death or at any cost.
결초보은 (結草報恩) means "To never forget a kindness received and to ensure it is repaid, even after death or at any cost.". The idiom originates from the Zuo Zhuan, a historical record of ancient China's Spring and Autumn pe
1 Meaning
결초보은 (結草報恩) means “To never forget a kindness received and to ensure it is repaid, even after death or at any cost.”.
Gyeol-cho-bo-eun (結草報恩) translates to 'repaying a kindness by tying grass.' It signifies the noble virtue of remembering a favor until the very end and ensuring it is returned, even from beyond the grave.
The Western Equivalent
No exact match — here's why
No direct English equivalent. The closest is "to repay a kindness," but the Korean idiom — from a tale of a ghost who tied grass to trip an enemy and save his benefactor's son — carries a deeper sense of gratitude that endures even beyond death.
2 Examples
A mentor provided significant financial support and encouragement to a struggling student who is now a successful professional, while the mentor is starting a risky new business after retirement.
The former student uses their savings to provide seed capital and offers free expert marketing consultancy to ensure the mentor's business succeeds.
A junior employee made a critical mistake, but their manager took full responsibility to shield them from being fired.
Years later, when the manager faces political difficulties in a different department, the employee goes above and beyond to provide cross-departmental support and helps restore the manager's reputation.
A child from a low-income family was able to finish their education thanks to an anonymous scholarship donor.
Upon achieving professional success, they establish an anonymous foundation to fund scholarships for children in similar situations, passing the kindness forward.
Which situation fits this idiom?
Pick the everyday scene where “결초보은” fits best.
3 Origin
4 Key Lessons
Gratitude and the act of remembering favors are the fundamental building blocks of lasting trust.
Sincere acts of kindness possess a long-lasting resonance that eventually returns to the giver, often when least expected.
True gratitude goes beyond mere material repayment; it involves a devoted commitment to the well-being and protection of those who helped us.
5 English Expression
English Vocabulary
vow
맹세, 서약
"He made a solemn vow to protect his family."
pay back
보답하다, (돈을) 갚다
"I will pay you back for all the help you gave me."
move on
잊고 나아가다, 넘어가다
"It's time to let go of the past and move on."
rush
전율, 치밀어 오름
"She felt a sudden rush of adrenaline during the race."
6 Learn with Music
Related Idioms
결초보은
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