Korean word

타산지석

Pronunciation

Romanizationtasanjiseok

Meaning

  • nounlesson from others

Example

다른 사람의 경험도 타산지석이 될 수 있다.ta reun sa ra mui kyeong heom do ta san ji seo gi toel ssu it tta

Other people's experiences can also be lessons for us.

Illustration for 타산지석 (lesson from others)

More examples

그의 실패는 타산지석으로 삼아야 한다.keu ui sil pae neun ta san ji seo geu ro sa ma ya han da

His failure should serve as a lesson for us.

Core concept

Another person's example, whether good or bad, can help shape wiser judgment and conduct.

Common phrases

  • 타산지석으로 삼다ta san ji seo geu ro sam da

    take as a lesson from others

  • 타산지석이 되다ta san ji seo gi toe da

    be a lesson from others

Similar words

반면교사panmyeongyosa: A negative example that provides a warning for future actions.
교훈kyohun: A lesson or teaching taken from events, stories, or everyday life.
거울keoul: A reflection of one's behavior that encourages careful self-examination.

Definition in Korean

다른 사람의 말이나 경험에서 교훈을 얻어 자신의 판단이나 태도를 바로잡는 데 쓰이는 명사.ta reun sa ra mui ma ri na kyeong heo me seo kyo hu neul eo deo cha si nui pan da ni na tae do reul pa ro jam neun te sseu i neun myeong sa

Word origin

This Sino-Korean term derives from a classical Chinese phrase where a stone from another mountain is useful for working jade, creating the image of learning from others.

Usage tips

  • 타산지석 (tasanjiseok, "lesson from others") is useful in writing and careful speech, but a simpler expression may sound more natural in casual conversation.

Other meanings

  • negative examplenoun

Word lists with this word