선
seon[sʰʌ̹n]
The Korean word for "goodness" is 선 (seon).
선 refers to the state or characteristic of being good.
Meaning: state or characteristic of being good (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
seon
Did you know?
- In Korean Buddhism, 선 can also refer to 'Zen' meditation, though it uses a different Chinese character with the same pronunciation.
- The word 선 is a homonym for 'line' (선), meaning a Korean speaker's understanding depends entirely on the context of the conversation.
- In traditional Korean ethics, 선 is not just about being 'nice' but is tied to the Confucian ideal of performing one's social duty correctly.
Examples in context
- 그는 선이 가득 찬 사람이에요.He is a person full of goodness.
- 그의 착함에 감동했어요.I was moved by his goodness.
- 그 친구는 착해서 다른 사람들이 좋아해요.That friend is so kind, everyone likes him/her.
- 이 작품은 선을 강조합니다.i jakpumeun seoneul gangjohamnida.This work emphasizes goodness.
Example conversation
Minji and Jihun are talking about a kind volunteer.
- 민지 Min-ji그분은 정말 선한 분 같아요.geubuneun jeongmal seonhan bun gatayo.I think that person is truly a good person.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아요, 그분의 선이 모두에게 느껴져요.majayo, geubunui seoni moduege neukkyeojyeoyo.You're right, everyone can feel their goodness.
- 민지 Min-ji세상에 그런 선이 더 많아지면 좋겠어요.sesange geureon seoni deo manajimyeon jokesseoyo.I wish there were more of that kind of goodness in the world.
- 지훈 Ji-hun저도 그렇게 생각해요, 민지 씨.jeodo geureoke saenggakaeyo, Minji ssi.I think so too, Minji.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 선, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
