성경
seonggyeong[ˈsʰɘ(ː)ŋɡjʌ̹ŋ]
The Korean word for the Bible is 성경 (seonggyeong), and 성서 (seongseo) is also used. If unsure, use 성경.
Meaning: Christian holy book (name)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 성경 | seonggyeong | [ˈsʰɘ(ː)ŋɡjʌ̹ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 성서 | seongseo | [ˈsʰɘ(ː)ŋsʰʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
성경 is the most common word for the Christian holy book. Both 성경 and 성서 can also be used figuratively for the definitive guide to a subject, just as in English.
What does it mean word for word?
성경 is made of 성, meaning holy and 경, meaning scripture or classic.
Which one should you use?
성경 is the term most used by Protestants. 성서 is slightly more formal or academic and is frequently used by Catholics. 바이블 is the English word Bible written in Korean letters.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
성경 is pronounced seonggyeong.
Did you know?
- The word 성경 shares its root 경 with the terms used for the ancient Confucian classics and Buddhist sutras.
- In South Korea, mentioning whether you use 성경 or 성서 can act as a social cue that reveals whether you are Protestant or Catholic.
- Modern Koreans frequently use the English loanword 바이블 (ba-i-beul) to refer to a 'gold-standard' manual for non-religious topics like fashion or business.
Examples in context
- 그것은 성경에서 나왔습니다.It's from the Bible.This sentence says something comes from 성경에서, from the Bible.Tatoeba #11469872 by milimos, translation #2647657 by CK
- 이번 주에 두 번이나 우리 대학 성경 공부 모임에서 나에게 다가와 같이 하자고 했다.I've been approached by a Bible study group at my university twice this week to get me to join them.Here 성경 공부 모임 means a Bible study group.Tatoeba #13755225 by qlTmalffk, translation #11076852 by DJ_Saidez
- 저는 매일 아침에 성서를 읽어요.I read the Bible every morning.
- 성서에는 많은 지혜가 담겨 있어요.The Bible contains a lot of wisdom.
- 성경에는 예언들이 적혀 있어요.The Bible contains prophecies.
- 그는 성경을 아주 열심히 읽어요.geuneun seonggyeongeul aju yeolsimhi ilgeoyo.He reads the bible very diligently.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their weekend activities.
- 서연 Seo-yeon주말에 보통 뭐 해요?jumare botong mwo haeyo?What do you usually do on weekends?
- 지훈 Ji-hun저는 집에서 성경을 읽어요.jeoneun jibeoseo seonggyeongeul ilgeoyo.I read the bible at home.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈 씨는 정말 성실하네요.jihun ssineun jeongmal seongsilhaneyo.Jihoon, you are very diligent.
- 지훈 Ji-hun감사합니다, 서연 씨.gamsahamnida, seoyeon ssi.Thank you, Seoyeon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bible” translations and entries 성경, 성서, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
