운명
unmyeong
Destiny in Korean is 운명 (unmyeong).
운명 is a noun used to describe a predetermined condition, fate or the fixed order of things. If you wish to use the word as an adjective to mean 'fateful' or 'destined' (such as in 'a fateful encounter'), you should use the form 운명적인.
Meaning: predetermined condition, fate, fixed order of things (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
unmyeong
Did you know?
- The first character in 운명, 運, is the same character used for the word 'to move' or 'to transport'.
- While 운명 is used for fate, Koreans often use the term 인연 to describe the 'destiny' specifically between two people who were meant to meet.
- In traditional Korean beliefs, the concept of destiny is often tied to 사주, a system of four pillars based on birth time that predicts one's life path.
Examples in context
- 인생에서 복잡한 인연이 많습니다.There are many complicated destinies in life.
- 그녀와의 운명적인 만남은 저를 변화시켰습니다.My fateful encounter with her changed me.
- 우리는 운명이다.We are destiny.
- 이것은 나의 운명이다.igeoseun nae unmyeong-ida.This is my destiny.
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are talking about their meeting at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun우리가 만난 건 운명일까요?uriga mannan geon unmyeong-ilkkayo?Was it destiny that we met?
- 민지 Min-ji정말 운명처럼 느껴져요.jeongmal unmyeong-cheoreom neukkyeojyeoyo.It really feels like destiny.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨를 만나서 다행이에요.Minji ssi-reul mannaseo dahaeng-ieyo.I am glad I met you, Minji.
- 민지 Min-ji저도 민준 씨를 만나서 기뻐요.jeodo Minjun ssi-reul mannaseo gippeoyo.I am happy to have met you too, Minjun.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 운명, CC BY-SA 4.0.
