존경해요
jon-gyeong-hae-yo
The English phrase "I admire you" is translated into Korean as 존경해요 (jon-gyeong-hae-yo).
This phrase is typically used to express respect for someone's character, achievements or status, rather than romantic admiration.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun part 존경 (jon-gyeong) means respect or admiration.
Which one should you use?
While 존경해요 is polite, it is less formal than 존경합니다. Additionally, 대단하십니다 (formal) and 대단해 (informal) can be used to say "You are amazing" or "You are remarkable."
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 존경합니다 is the more formal version of 존경해요 used in professional or highly respectful settings.
How do you pronounce it?
jon-gyeong-hae-yo
Did you know?
- Koreans may respond to 존경해요 with a modest denial or embarrassment, such as 아니에요 ('no it is not'). Accepting such high praise too readily can be seen as lacking humility.
- The character 존 in 존경 comes from a root meaning 'to be high' or 'to be precious'. This reinforces the idea that the person being admired is placed on a higher social or moral pedestal.
- If you use 존경해요 toward a peer or someone younger, it can sound sarcastic or like a joke. It is a 'top-down' or 'bottom-up' word that feels heavy when used among equals.
Examples in context
- 당신을 존경합니다.I admire you.
- 대단하십니다.You are amazing.
- 진심으로 존경해요.jinsimeuro jon-gyeong-hae-yo.I admire you sincerely.
- 당신을 정말 존경해요.dang-sin-eul jeong-mal jon-gyeong-hae-yo.I really admire you.
- 선생님을 존경해요.seon-saeng-nim-eul jon-gyeong-hae-yo.I admire the teacher.
Example conversation
A junior employee is expressing respect to a senior colleague.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo선배님을 정말 존경해요.seon-bae-nim-eul jeong-mal jon-gyeong-hae-yo.I really admire you, senior.
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워요, 현우 씨.go-ma-wo-yo, hyeon-u ssi.Thank you, Hyun-woo.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo항상 배우고 싶어요.hang-sang bae-u-go sip-eo-yo.I always want to learn from you.
- 서연 Seo-yeon저도 현우 씨가 멋져요.jeo-do hyeon-u ssi-ga meot-jyeo-yo.I think you are cool too, Hyun-woo.
