충실하다
chungsilhada[t͡ɕʰuŋɕʰiɾɦa̠da̠]
The English word 'loyal' is expressed in Korean as either 충실하다 (chungsilhada) or 충성하다.
Meaning: firm in allegiance to a person or institution (adj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 충실하다 | chungsilhada | [t͡ɕʰuŋɕʰiɾɦa̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 충성하다 | chungseonghada |
Both terms describe being firm in one's allegiance, but they are applied to different types of loyalty. Use 충실하다 to describe someone who is faithful to a duty, a relationship or a specific role. Use 충성하다 when expressing allegiance to a person, a nation or a superior.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun 충실 refers to faithfulness, sincerity or being substantial and solid in one's actions. The noun 충성 refers to the concept of loyalty or allegiance, often within a hierarchical or national context.
Which one should you use?
충실하다 is used when describing someone being faithful to their duties, a person or a role. In contrast, 충성하다 is used specifically when expressing political or formal allegiance to a person, country or leader.
How do you pronounce it?
chungsilhada
Did you know?
- While 충실하다 usually means 'loyal', it can also describe a book or report that is 'substantial' and contains a wealth of detailed information.
- The Chinese characters (Hanja) for 충성 (忠誠) include the radical for 'heart' (心), visually reinforcing that true loyalty is a matter of the heart and sincerity.
- In Korean historical dramas, the concept of 충성 is often contrasted with 효, which is the loyalty and filial piety owed specifically to one's parents.
Examples in context
- 그는 주인에게 충실하다.geuneun juinege chungsilhada.He is loyal to his master.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “loyal” translations and entries 충실하다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
