칭찬
chingchan[t͡ɕʰiŋt͡ɕʰa̠n]
The English word 'compliment' can be translated into Korean as 칭찬 (chingchan). Wiktionary also lists 찬사 (chansa).
Meaning: expression of praise, congratulation or respect (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 칭찬 | chingchan | [t͡ɕʰiŋt͡ɕʰa̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 찬사 | chansa | [ˈt͡ɕʰa̠(ː)nsʰa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The noun 칭찬 refers to an expression of praise, congratulation or respect. To use the word as a verb, such as 'to compliment' or 'to praise', you use the form 칭찬하다.
Which one should you use?
칭찬 is the most common word for a compliment or praise used in everyday conversation. In contrast, 찬사 is a more formal and grander term, often used for public tributes, high praise or formal accolades, such as a tribute or panegyric.
How does it change in a sentence?
When giving compliments, you can elevate the level of politeness by adding the suffix '-시-' to verbs or adding '-세요' to adjectives.
How do you pronounce it?
chingchan
Did you know?
- While 칭찬 means 'compliment', the related phrase 칭찬 감옥 literally translates to 'compliment prison'. It describes a situation where someone is so overwhelmed by praise that they feel trapped or pressured.
- The word 칭찬 is frequently used by adults when praising children, but using it toward a superior in a workplace can be perceived as condescending.
- In Korean culture, if someone gives you a heavy compliment, it is a common social custom to politely deny it or act modest rather than simply saying 'thank you'.
Examples in context
- 잘하셨어요.You did well.
- 멋져 보이세요.You look great.
- 정말 멋지게 하시네요.You're doing a really great job.
- 훌륭하게 해내셨어요.You did an excellent job.
- 아주 인상적이세요.You're very impressive.
- 잘 했어!You did well!
- 대박이야!That's amazing!
- 완전 멋져!You're totally awesome!
- 진짜 대단해!You're really impressive!
- 정말 잘 하네!You're doing great!
- 그녀는 칭찬을 정말 좋아해요.geunyeoneun chingchaneul jeongmal joahae-yo.She really loves compliments.
- 선생님의 칭찬은 큰 힘이 돼요.seonsaengnimui chingchaneun keun himi dwae-yo.The teacher's compliment is a big source of strength.
- 그는 솔직한 칭찬을 건넸어요.geuneun soljikhan chingchaneul geonnyeosseo-yo.He offered a sincere compliment.
Example conversation
Minji is encouraging Hyunwoo after his presentation.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 정말 잘했어요!Hyunwoo ssi, jeongmal jalhaesseo-yo!Hyunwoo, you did a great job!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨의 칭찬을 들으니 기쁘네요.Minji ssiui chingchaneul deureuni gippeune-yo.I am happy to hear your compliment, Minji.
- 민지 Min-ji진심 어린 칭찬이었어요.Jinsim eorin chingchan-ieosseo-yo.It was a sincere compliment.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo감사합니다. 정말 큰 힘이 돼요.Gamsahamnida. Jeongmal keun himi dwae-yo.Thank you. It is a big source of strength.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “compliment” translations and entries 칭찬, 찬사, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
