정의
jeong'ui[ˈt͡ɕɘ(ː)ŋɰi]
The Korean word for "justice" is 정의 (jeong'ui).
정의 is a noun used to refer to fairness, particularly in the context of punishment.
Meaning: fairness, especially with regard to punishment (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
jeong'ui
Did you know?
- Depending on the Hanja (Chinese characters) used, the word 정의 can mean either 'justice' or 'definition'.
- In modern Korean pop culture, 정의 is often linked to the 'vigilante' trope in dramas, where characters seek 'private justice' because the legal system fails.
- While 정의 refers to the ideal of justice, Koreans often use the word 공정 when specifically discussing 'fairness' or 'equity' in competitive settings like job hiring or exams.
Examples in context
- 우리는 정의를 요구한다.We demand justice.This sentence is useful for practicing how to demand 정의.Tatoeba #11597169 by cherryband, translation #1869777 by Spamster
- 정의는 항상 이긴다.Justice always prevails.
- 국제 법정에서 공정한 판결이 내려졌다.A fair judgment was made in the international court.
- 그 거래는 전혀 공평하지 않아.That transaction is not fair at all.
- 나는 항상 의로운 일을 해야 한다고 믿어.I believe I should always do what's right.
- 정의가 실현되어야 합니다.jeong-ui-ga sil-hyeon-doe-eo-ya ham-ni-da.Justice must be realized.
- 그는 정의를 위해 싸웠다.geu-neun jeong-ui-reul wi-hae ssa-wot-da.He fought for justice.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a recent news report about a court case.
- 지은 Ji-eun이 사건에서 정의가 실현될까요?i sa-geon-e-seo jeong-ui-ga sil-hyeon-doel-kka-yo?Will justice be served in this case?
- 도현 Do-hyeon진정한 정의가 이루어지길 바랍니다.jin-jeong-han jeong-ui-ga i-ru-eo-ji-gil ba-ram-ni-da.I hope true justice is achieved.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨는 정말 정의로운 분이네요.do-hyeon ssi-neun jeong-mal jeong-ui-ro-un bun-i-ne-yo.Dohyun, you are a truly just person.
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니에요, 지은 씨도 정의를 믿으시죠?a-ni-e-yo, ji-eun ssi-do jeong-ui-reul mi-deu-si-jyo?No, Jieun, you believe in justice too, right?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “justice” translations and entries 정의, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 정의, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
