하나님
hananim
The English word 'God' is translated into Korean as 하나님 (hananim).
In Christianity, the term 하나님 is used to mean 'God'. In Shamanism, the term 신령 is used to refer to various deities or spirits.
Meaning: deity (noun)
Which one should you use?
하나님 is the specific term used by Korean Protestants to refer to God. 하느님 is the term typically used by Korean Catholics or to refer to a generic supreme being/heavenly deity. 신 is the general noun for 'God' or 'deity' used in mythology, polytheism or non-religious contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to God in a respectful way, the honorific particle –께 is used instead of the standard dative particle –에게 (as in 하나님께). When God is the subject of a sentence, the honorific subject marker –께서 is used instead of the standard –이/가 (as in 하나님께서).
How do you pronounce it?
hananim
Did you know?
- When praying or speaking to God, Koreans use an extremely high level of honorifics, such as -소서, which is an archaic ending rarely used in daily conversation.
- While English uses 'God' as a common exclamation, Koreans are more likely to use phrases involving 아이구 or expressions of frustration rather than the name of a deity.
- The term 하나님 is often perceived through a folk etymology as being connected to the Korean word 하나, which means 'one', reinforcing the concept of a single, monotheistic God.
Examples in context
- 우리에게 필요한 것이 무엇인지 하나님께서는 아신다.God knows what we need.This sentence shows how to use the subject honorific form of 하나님.Tatoeba #3674965 by okja, translation #2886790 by CM
- 나는 하나님을 믿지 않아.I don't believe in God.This sentence uses 하나님 as a direct object.Tatoeba #13238576 by atitarev, translation #506536 by Zifre
- 하나님을 믿어요?Do you believe in God?This sentence uses 하나님 in a question.Tatoeba #13141788 by atitarev, translation #15971 by Swift
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are talking about their beliefs.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈 씨는 하나님을 믿으세요?Subin ssineun hananim-eul mideuseyo?Subin, do you believe in God?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 저는 하나님을 믿어요.Ne, jeoneun hananim-eul mideoyo.Yes, I believe in God.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그렇군요. 저도 하나님께 기도해요.Geureokunyo. jeodo hananim-kke gidohaeyo.I see. I also pray to God.
- 수빈 Su-bin함께 기도하면 좋겠네요.Hamkke gidohamyon jokesneyo.It would be nice to pray together.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 하나님, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
