영광
yeonggwang[jʌ̹ŋɡwa̠ŋ]
In Korean, 'glory' is expressed as 영광 (yeonggwang). Wiktionary also lists 명성 (myeongseong).
Meaning: honour, admiration, or distinction (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 영광 | yeonggwang | [jʌ̹ŋɡwa̠ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 명성 | myeongseong | [mjʌ̹ŋsʰʌ̹ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
영광 is used to describe the abstract concept of glory, honor or a great distinction that someone receives. When you want to express the idea of 'giving' or 'granting' glory, such as in a slogan like 'Glory to [someone/something]', you must add the object marker 를 to the word to form 영광을.
Which one should you use?
While 영광 refers to the concept of glory or great distinction, 명성 is used specifically to refer to a person's fame or reputation.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the phrase 'It is an honor' in a polite way, you use the form 영광입니다.
How do you pronounce it?
yeonggwang
Did you know?
- The word 영광 uses the character 榮, which originally referred to a blooming flower. In a historical sense, 'glory' is tied to the imagery of a plant flourishing or coming into full bloom.
- The phrase 영광을 돌리다, which means 'to give glory', literally translates to 'turning' or 'returning' glory to a higher power.
- In Korean social etiquette, saying 영광입니다 often involves a deep bow to show that the honor is humbling rather than just a proud achievement.
Examples in context
- 우크라이나에 영광을!Glory to Ukraine!This sentence shows how to use the object form 영광을 in a celebratory slogan.
- 영광은 힘들게 얻을 수 있는 것이지만, 지키기엔 더욱 어려운 것이다.Glory is something that can be hard to achieve but even harder to maintain.
- 그의 이야기는 명예와 영광으로 가득 차 있다.His story is filled with honor and glory.
- 그것은 저에게 큰 영광입니다.geugeoseun jeoege keun yeong-gwang-imnida.It is a great honour for me.
- 그 승리는 팀의 영광이었어요.geu seungrineun timui yeong-gwang-ieosseoyo.That victory was the glory of the team.
Example conversation
Ji-hoon and Min-ji are meeting a respected professor.
- 지훈 Ji-hun교수님을 뵙게 되어 정말 영광입니다.gyosunimeul boepge doe-eo jeongmal yeonggwang-imnida.It is truly an honor to meet you, Professor.
- 민지 Min-ji그렇게 말해주니 정말 고맙구나.geureoke malhaejuni jeongmal gomapguna.Thank you so much for saying that.
- 지훈 Ji-hun저희 둘 다 교수님 팬이에요.jeohui dul da gyosunim paenieyo.Both of us are fans of yours.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈이랑 민지 모두 반갑다.jihun-irang minji modu bangapda.It is nice to meet both Ji-hoon and Min-ji.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “glory” translations and entries 영광, 명성, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 명성, 영광, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
