증거
jeunggeo[t͡ɕɯŋɡʌ̹]
The English word "proof" is 증거 (jeunggeo) in Korean.
증거 refers to the degree of evidence which convinces the mind of any truth or fact and produces belief.
Meaning: the degree of evidence which convinces the mind of any truth or fact, and produces belief (noun)
Which one should you use?
증거 refers to the physical or factual evidence itself, whereas 증명 refers to the logical process or the act of proving something.
How does it change in a sentence?
When 증거 is the subject of a sentence, the subject marker '가' is attached to form 증거가. When it is the direct object of a verb, such as 'to find' or 'to collect', the object marker '를' is attached to form 증거를.
How do you pronounce it?
jeunggeo
Did you know?
- The term 심증 refers to 'mental proof' or a strong feeling that someone is guilty, despite having no 증거 to back it up.
- Korean has a distinct word 증명서 which refers to a 'certificate' or 'official document of proof' such as a diploma or a birth certificate, separating a legal 'proof' from a physical 'certificate'.
- In Korean pop culture and variety shows, the phrase 증거를 제시하라 meaning 'present the evidence' is often used dramatically during accusations in games or arguments.
Examples in context
- 바로 여기서 증거를 잡았어.I've got proof right here.Tatoeba #8360551 by Eunhee, translation #3723202 by CM
- 증거 있어?Do you have proof?Tatoeba #8369706 by Eunhee, translation #2648550 by CK
- 그들한텐 증거가 없어.They have no proof.Tatoeba #8533867 by Eunhee, translation #8533379 by shekitten
- 그 문서는 당신이 회의에 참석했다는 증명이 됩니다.The document serves as proof that you attended the meeting.
- 당신의 주장을 뒷받침하는 증거를 보여줄 수 있나요?Can you show me any proof that supports your claim?
- 어젯밤 그녀가 여기에 있었다는 증거가 있어요.I have proof that she was here last night.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a mystery.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 정말 그게 사실이에요?Hyeon-u ssi, jeongmal geuge sasil-ieyo?Hyeon-u, is that really true?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 저한테 확실한 증거가 있어요.Ne, jeohante hwaksilhan jeung-geoga isseoyo.Yes, I have clear proof.
- 지은 Ji-eun그 증거를 지금 보여줄 수 있나요?Geu jeung-georeul jigeum boyeojul su innayo?Can you show me the proof now?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 지은 씨에게 사진으로 보여줄게요.Ne, Jieun ssi-ege sajineuro boyeojulgeyo.Yes, I will show it to you via photo, Jieun.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 증거, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
