기도하다
gidohada[kido̞ɦa̠da̠]
To pray in Korean is 기도하다 (gidohada).
The verb is used to describe the act of talking to God. You may also use the phrase 기도를 드리다, which translates to 'to offer a prayer' and is often used when talking about praying for someone or something.
Meaning: to talk to God (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb 기도하다 is composed of the noun 기도 (prayer) and the verb 하다 (to do).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes its ending depending on the level of politeness required: 기도합니다 is the formal, high-respect form used in public settings or religious services. 기도해요 is the polite, standard form. And 기도해 is the casual, non-honorific form used with close friends or younger people.
How do you pronounce it?
gidohada
Did you know?
- The word 기도 is a homonym with another 기도, meaning 'airway'. In a medical context, a doctor discussing a patient's 'airway' uses the exact same sounds as someone discussing 'prayer'.
- While 기도하다 is used for God, Koreans often use the word 빌다 for 'praying' to a wishing well or a fortune teller. This creates a distinction between spiritual communion and asking for a specific favor or luck.
- The term 통성기도 refers to a specific style of 'audible prayer' common in Korean Protestantism where the entire congregation prays out loud simultaneously in a loud, fervent manner.
Examples in context
- 솔직하게 기도해 봐.Pray sincerely.
- 항상 감사하며 기도해요.Always pray with gratitude.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 기도하다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
