신부
sinbu[ɕʰinbu]
The English word "priest" is translated into Korean as 신부 (sinbu). Wiktionary also lists 사제 (saje) and 성직자 (seongjikja).
Meaning: clergyman (clergywoman, clergyperson) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 신부 | sinbu | [ɕʰinbu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 사제 | saje | [sʰa̠d͡ʑe̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 성직자 | seongjikja | [ˈsʰɘ(ː)ŋd͡ʑik̚t͡ɕ͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The terms used to translate "priest" vary depending on whether you are referring to a specific religious role, a broad category of clergy or a formal theological concept.
Which one should you use?
신부 is the most common term used in daily conversation to refer specifically to a Catholic priest. 사제 is a more formal or theological term for a priest, often used in liturgical or academic contexts. 성직자 is a broad term for any member of the clergy, regardless of specific denomination.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a priest directly or speaking about one with respect, you should add the honorific suffix –님 to get 신부님.
How do you pronounce it?
sinbu
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should be aware that 신부 is a homonym that also means 'bride' in Korean.
Did you know?
- In Korean cinema and literature, the homonymy between 'priest' and 'bride' is sometimes used as a pun or a plot device to create momentary confusion in dialogue.
- The word for 'priest' in the term 신부 uses the Hanja character 神, which means 'god', and 父, which means 'father'.
- When writing about a 'priest' in a historical or mythological context, such as an ancient Egyptian priest, 사제 is often preferred over the Catholic-centric 신부.
Examples in context
- 교회 사제님Church priest
- 그 신부님은 아주 친절해요.geu sinbunimun aju chinjeolhaeyo.That priest is very kind.
- 성당에 신부님이 계십니다.seongdang-e sinbunim-i gyesimnida.There is a priest at the cathedral.
- 새로 오신 신부님은 누구예요?saero osin sinbunim-un nuguyeyo?Who is the new priest?
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are walking past a local Catholic church.
- 민준 Min-jun저기 계신 분은 신부님인가요?jeogi gyesin buneun sinbunim-ingayo?Is that person a priest?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 저분이 우리 성당 신부님이에요.ne, jeobuni uri seongdang sinbunim-ieyo.Yes, he is our church's priest.
- 민준 Min-jun인상이 참 좋으시네요.insang-i cham jo-eusineyo.He looks like a very nice person.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 인자한 분이세요.jeongmal injan han bun-iseyo.He is truly a benevolent man.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “priest” translations and entries 신부, 사제, 성직자, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 사제, 성직자, 신부, CC BY-SA 4.0.
