조의
joui[t͡ɕo̞ɰi]
The English word 'condolence' can be translated into Korean as 조의 (joui) or 애도.
Meaning: sympathy when someone has died (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 조의 | joui | [t͡ɕo̞ɰi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [t͡ɕo̞i] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 애도 | aedo | [ɛdo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [e̞do̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term 조의 is used when expressing sympathy or condolences toward the bereaved. It is most commonly used in the formal collocation 조의를 표하다, which means 'to express condolences'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 애도 consists of 哀 meaning 'sorrow/grief' and 悼 meaning 'to mourn/lament', literally meaning 'to mourn with sorrow'.
Which one should you use?
While both words relate to sympathy for the dead, 애도 focuses on the act of mourning or lamenting the deceased, whereas 조의 focuses on the expression of sympathy or condolences toward the bereaved.
How do you pronounce it?
joui
Did you know?
- In Korea, instead of flowers, guests often give 'condolence money' called 조의금 in a white envelope to help the bereaved with funeral costs.
- The word 조의 contains the character 意, meaning 'mind' or 'intention', suggesting that the speaker is offering their own 'heart' to the bereaved.
- When attending a funeral to express 조의, one should strictly avoid wearing bright red. Red is traditionally associated with celebration and would be culturally inappropriate during a time of mourning.
Examples in context
- 저는/제가 진심으로 애도를 표합니다.I deeply sympathize with you.
- 진심으로 애도해.I sincerely offer my condolences.
- 마음으로 위로해 줄게.I will comfort you with my heart.
- 조의를 표합니다.jo-ui-reul pyo-ham-ni-da.I offer my condolences.
- 조의금은 어떻게 전달하나요?jo-ui-geum-eun eo-tteok-he geon-dal-ha-na-yo?How should I deliver the condolence money?
- 그는 조의를 표하며 눈물을 흘렸다.geu-neun jo-ui-reul pyo-ha-myeo nun-mul-eul heul-lyeot-da.He shed tears while expressing his condolences.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are discussing how to support a grieving colleague.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨, 장례식에 조의를 표하러 갈까요?Seo-yeon ssi, jang-rye-sig-e jo-ui-reul pyo-ha-reo gal-kka-yo?Seoyeon, shall we go to express our condolences at the funeral?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 지훈 씨. 같이 가요.ne, Ji-hun ssi. gat-i ga-yo.Yes, Jihoon. Let's go together.
- 지훈 Ji-hun조의금은 따로 준비해야 할까요?jo-ui-geum-eun tta-ro jun-bi-hae-ya hal-kka-yo?Should we prepare the condolence money separately?
- 서연 Seo-yeon각자 준비하는 게 좋을 것 같아요.gak-ja jun-bi-ha-neun ge jot-eul geot gat-a-yo.I think it would be better if we each prepared our own.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “condolence” translations and entries 조의, 애도, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
