Proverb 1 of 6 • Level 3
Có công mài sắt có ngày nên kim
Grind iron long enough, one day it becomes a needle
The most famous Vietnamese proverb about perseverance. With enough effort and patience, anything is possible.
Full Analysis
⚊ Literal Meaning
có công (have effort/work) + mài (grind) + sắt (iron) + có ngày (will have day) + nên (become) + kim (needle). The image: A massive iron rod, ground down patiently until it becomes a tiny, delicate needle.
⚯ Tone & Rhythm
có công mài sắt / có ngày nên kim — The rhythm is perfectly balanced (4 + 4 syllables), making it memorable. The repetition of "có" creates cohesion.
⚘ Cultural Context
This proverb reflects Vietnamese values of hard work, patience, and delayed gratification. It's taught to children, used to encourage students, and cited in speeches. It embodies the cultural belief that effort always pays off.
💬 When It's Used
Học hành khó khăn nhưng có công mài sắt có ngày nên kim.
→ Studying is hard, but with perseverance you'll succeed.
Đừng bỏ cuộc, có công mài sắt có ngày nên kim!
→ Don't give up — persistence pays off!