무례
murye[muɾje̞]
The Korean word for disrespect is 무례 (murye).
무례 is the noun form for disrespect or rudeness. However, it is rarely used as a verb on its own. To express the idea of being rude or showing disrespect, you will typically use the adjective 무례하다. To use 'disrespectful' as an adjective to modify a noun, such as a 'disrespectful person', use the form 무례한.
Meaning: to show a lack of respect (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 무례 is the noun meaning disrespect, the adjective form 무례하다 is the standard way to describe a person's behavior or a situation as being rude.
How do you pronounce it?
murye
Did you know?
- While 무례하다 describes general rudeness, Koreans use the specific term 버릇없다 to describe a younger person showing disrespect to an elder. This literally means 'to not have habits', implying the person was not raised with proper manners.
- In Korean culture, disrespect is not just about words but also about body language. For example, handing an object to a superior with only one hand instead of two is often viewed as 무례한 behavior.
- There is a related concept called 갑질 (gapjil), which refers to a specific type of disrespect where a person in a position of power abuses their authority to mistreat subordinates.
Examples in context
- 처음 보는 사람에게 무례하게 굴지 마세요.cheoeum boneun saram-ege murye-hage gulji maseyo.Do not act disrespectfully to a stranger.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are discussing a rude coworker.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨, 그 사람이 너무 무례하지 않아요?Seoyeon ssi, geu sarami neomu muryehaji anayo?Seoyeon, don't you think that person is too disrespectful?
- 서연 Seo-yeon맞아요, 지훈 씨 말이 맞아요.majayo, Jihoon ssi mari majayo.You're right, Jihoon, you are correct.
- 지훈 Ji-hun말투가 정말 무례해서 당황했어요.maltuga jeongmal muryehaeseo danghwanghaesseoyo.I was flustered because the way they spoke was so disrespectful.
- 서연 Seo-yeon다음에 다시 이야기해 보세요.da-eume dasi iyagihae boseyo.Try talking to them again next time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 무례, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
