정
jeong[t͡ɕʌ̹ŋ]
The Korean phrase 정 translates to jeong.
정 refers to a deep, collective sense of affection, attachment and social bonding that characterizes Korean interpersonal relationships.
How do you pronounce it?
jeong
When do people say it?
Unlike Western concepts of love which can be individualistic, 정 often implies a sense of shared responsibility and emotional connection between people, even if they are not close friends or family.
Did you know?
- In Korea, 정 can be felt even toward someone you dislike or fight with frequently, a concept known as 미운 정 or 'hateful affection'.
- In Korean, 정 can actually be felt toward an inanimate object or a place, such as a favorite old cafe, because of the time and memories spent there.
- The concept of 정 is often expressed through the act of giving extra portions of food, such as a restaurant owner providing free side dishes called 서비스.
Examples in context
- 당신은 저에게 정을 가장 많이 주신 사람입니다.You are the person who has given me the most affection.
- 우리 사이에 정이 많이 들었네요.uri saie jeongi mani deureossneyo.We have developed much jeong for each other.
- 그 사람은 정이 정말 많아요.geu sarameun jeongi jeongmal manhayo.That person has a lot of jeong.
- 정 때문에 헤어지기가 힘들어요.jeong ttaemune heeojigiga himdeureoyo.It is hard to break up because of jeong.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are talking about a neighbor who gave them food.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이웃집 아주머니께서 정말 친절하시네요.iutjip ajumeonikeeseo jeongmal chinjeolhasineyo.The lady next door is really kind.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 정이 정말 많으신 분 같아요.ne, jeong-i jeongmal maneusin bun gat-ayo.Yes, she seems to be a very warm-hearted person.
- 지훈 Ji-hun저도 그분께 정이 많이 가요.jeodo geubunkke jeong-i mani gayo.I'm also becoming very fond of her.
- 서연 Seo-yeon우리 같이 감사 인사를 드리러 가요.uri gachi gamsa insareul deurireo gayo.Let's go thank her together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 정, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
