폐하
pyeha[ˈpʰje̞(ː)ɦa̠]
The English phrase "majesty" is translated into Korean as 폐하 (pyeha).
폐하 is used as a term of address for royalty or an emperor. It can also refer to the noun sense of the quality of being impressive and great. In modern Korean, you will almost exclusively encounter 폐하 in literature or historical dramas, as Korea is no longer an empire. To describe physical majesty as an adjective, you can use the terms 장엄한 or 위엄 있는.
Meaning: term of address for royalty and imperiality (pron)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
pyeha
Did you know?
- The term 폐하 literally translates to 'below the steps'. It implies that the speaker is too humble to address the monarch directly and instead speaks to the steps leading up to the throne.
- In historical Korean dramas, you will often see characters avoid looking directly at the person they address as 폐하, as eye contact was considered a grave offense.
- While 폐하 is for an emperor, a different term, 전하, is used for a king. Using 폐하 for a king in a historical context would be seen as an act of treason or an attempt to claim imperial status.
Examples in context
- 천하의 위엄을 갖춘 왕A king with the majesty of all-under-heaven.
- 너는 정말 위엄있는 스타일이야.You have a really majestic style.
- 그 영화는 천하의 위엄을 그대로 담았어.That movie captured the majesty of all-under-heaven perfectly.
- 폐하, 명령을 내려 주십시오.pyeha, myeongnyeongeul naeryeo jusipsio.Your majesty, please give your command.
- 폐하의 건강을 기원합니다.pyeha-ui geongangeul giwonhamnida.I pray for your majesty's health.
- 폐하, 성은이 망극하옵니다.pyeha, seongeuni manggeukhaopnida.Your majesty, your grace is immeasurable.
Example conversation
A historical drama setting where a subject addresses a king.
- 민지 Min-ji폐하, 준비가 되었습니다.pyeha, junbiga doe-eossseumnida.Your majesty, everything is ready.
- 민준 Min-jun민지, 고생이 많았구나.Minji, gosaengi man-atguna.Minji, you have worked very hard.
- 민지 Min-ji아닙니다, 폐하.Animnida, pyeha.It is nothing, your majesty.
- 민준 Min-jun이제 그만 쉬도록 해라.Ije geuman swidorok haera.Now, go and rest.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “majesty” translations and entries 폐하, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 폐하, CC BY-SA 4.0.
