동정
dongjeong[to̞ŋd͡ʑʌ̹ŋ]
The English word "mercy" can be translated into Korean as 동정 (dongjeong) or 인정.
Meaning: forgiveness or compassion (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 동정 | dongjeong | [to̞ŋd͡ʑʌ̹ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈto̞(ː)ŋd͡ʑʌ̹ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 인정 | injeong | [iɲd͡ʑʌ̹ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, the choice of word for mercy depends on whether you are describing a feeling of pity or a quality of human kindness. For example, the suffix –심 is often added to 동정 to create the noun 동정심, which refers to the actual feeling of compassion or pity that one holds.
Which one should you use?
동정 is used when expressing pity or sympathy for someone's unfortunate situation. In contrast, 인정 is used when one shows compassion or human warmth, referring more to the quality of being human and showing kindness rather than just feeling pity for suffering.
How do you pronounce it?
dongjeong
Did you know?
- Due to the use of different Sino-Korean characters, the word 동정 can unexpectedly refer to 'virginity' in certain classical or literary contexts.
- The word 동정 can also mean 'movement and stillness' when written with different characters, referring to the changing state of affairs in a situation.
- While 동정 often implies a sense of pity for a victim, it can sometimes carry a nuance of looking down on someone from a position of superiority.
Examples in context
- 귀하께서는 자비로이 용서해 주십시오.Please bestow your mercy and forgive me.
- 그는 동정심이 없는 사람이에요.geuneun dongjeongsimi eomneun saramieyo.He is a person without mercy.
- 그녀의 눈에서 동정을 느꼈어요.geunyeoui nuneseo dongjeongeul neukkyeosseoyo.I felt mercy in her eyes.
- 그는 가난한 이들에게 동정을 베풀었어요.geuneun gananhan ideulgege dongjeongeul beepureosseoyo.He showed mercy to the poor.
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are discussing a strict boss.
- 수빈 Su-bin부장님은 정말 동정이 없으신 것 같아.bujangnimeun jeongmal dongjeongi eopseusin geot gata.I think the manager has no mercy.
- 도현 Do-hyeon맞아, 너무 엄격하시더라고.maja, neomu eomgyeokhasideorago.True, he is way too strict.
- 수빈 Su-bin실수를 한 번만 봐주셨으면 좋겠어.silsu-reul han beonman bwajusyeosseumyeon jokesseo.I wish he would overlook the mistake just once.
- 도현 Do-hyeon도현 씨가 잘 말씀드려 봐.dohyeon ssiga jal malsseumdeuryeo bwa.Dohyun, you should try talking to him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mercy” translations and entries 동정, 인정, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 동정, 인정, CC BY-SA 4.0.
