Nuance Dictionary / Social Situations
시작이 반이다 Sijagi banida
The ultimate internal pep talk when you are procrastinating on a mundane, soul-crushing chore.
What does 시작이 반이다 mean?
시작이 반이다 (Sijagi banida) means: The ultimate internal pep talk when you are procrastinating on a mundane, soul-crushing chore.
Speakers reach for this phrase when motivating themselves to tackle routine, unwanted tasks like cleaning a room or sitting down to study. It is often muttered aloud as a small push of encouragement before beginning a tedious chore. It pairs with everyday actions and tasks that require initial willpower.
When uttered while staring at a messy desk or a stack of laundry, it can sound humorously resigned, acknowledging the immense friction of simply standing up to begin.
When uttered while staring at a messy desk or a stack of laundry, it can sound humorously resigned, acknowledging the immense friction of simply standing up to begin.
🎙️ 시작이 반이다는 표기 그대로 읽지 않아요 — 실제로는 [시자기 바니다]로 소리나요 (연음법칙). 발음 연습하기 →
How it's actually used
- 무슨 일이든지 시작이 반이다.
museun irideunji sijagi banida.
Whatever you do, the start is half the battle.
💡 A general reminder that taking the first step is the most important part of any task. - 청소를 시작하기가 귀찮지만 시작이 반이다.
cheongsoreul sijakagiga gwichanji man sijagi banida.
I don't feel like starting the cleaning, but well, the start is half the battle.
💡 Self-encouragement when facing mundane household chores. - 일단 책을 펴자, 시작이 반이다.
ildan chaegeul pyeoja, sijagi banida.
Let's just open the book; getting started is already halfway there.
💡 A personal pep talk before studying.
Related words in Social Situations
싱겁다 sing-geop-da속이 터지다 Sok-i teo-ji-da손에 쥐다 son-e jwida손에 땀을 쥐다 Son-e ttam-eul jwida손을 놓다 Son-eul noh-da