숙녀
sungnyeo[sʰuŋɲʌ̹]
The Korean word for lady is 숙녀 (sungnyeo).
숙녀 is used to refer to a lady, primarily in highly formal contexts such as public announcements or speeches. It is often seen in the phrase 숙녀 여러분, which is used to address an audience as "ladies" or "ladies and gentlemen."
Meaning: polite: woman (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 숙녀 is a formal and somewhat old-fashioned way to say lady, the standard and neutral term for woman is 여자. If you need a more formal or standard term to refer to a lady or a woman in general, you can also use 여성. Additionally, 부인 is used specifically to refer to a married lady or as a formal way to address someone's wife respectfully.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
숙녀 carries a high level of formality and is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation between friends. For a more standard and formal way to refer to a woman, use 여성.
How do you pronounce it?
sungnyeo
Did you know?
- The root of 숙녀 carries the connotation of being 'clear' or 'pure' like water, emphasizing a refined character rather than just social status.
- Calling a woman 숙녀 in a casual setting might actually feel patronizing or mocking, as if you are treating her like an antique.
- In many Korean social contexts, calling a woman a 'lady' via 숙녀 is actually less respectful than using her professional title or her relationship to others, such as 'teacher' or 'mother'.
Examples in context
- 이 회의에서 여성분들의 의견을 듣고 싶습니다.I would like to hear the opinions of the ladies in this meeting.
- 저녁에 친구들과 여자끼리 만날 거예요.I'm going to meet friends, just us girls, in the evening.
- 그분은 정말 품격 있는 숙녀예요.geubun-eun jeongmal pumgyeok itneun sungnyeoyeyo.She is a truly elegant lady.
- 진정한 숙녀라면 매너가 좋아야 해요.jinjeonghan sungnyeoramyeon maeneo-ga joaya haeyo.If one is a true lady, one should have good manners.
Example conversation
Hyun-woo is opening the door for Ji-eun.
- 지은 Ji-eun어머, 정말 친절하시네요.eomeo, jeongmal chinjeolhasineyo.Oh, you are very kind.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo숙녀분께는 당연히 이렇게 해야죠.sungnyeobunkke-neun dangyeonhi ireoke haeyajyo.I should naturally do this for a lady.
- 지은 Ji-eun감동했어요, 현우 씨.gamdonghaesseoyo, Hyeon-u ssi.I'm touched, Hyun-woo.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo천천히 들어가세요, 지은 씨.cheoncheonhi deureogaseyo, Ji-eun ssi.Please go in slowly, Ji-eun.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 숙녀, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
