Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 존중 | jonjung | [t͡ɕo̞ɲd͡ʑuŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 경의 | gyeong'ui | [ˈkjɘ(ː)ŋɰi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term refers to the admiration for a person or entity based on perceived merit. It is commonly used when expressing consideration for someone's rights, opinions or feelings.
Which one should you use?
While 존중 refers to respect in the sense of consideration or valuing someone's rights and feelings, other forms exist for different nuances. 경의 is used for a more formal, profound sense of respect or homage, often directed toward a great figure or an achievement. 존경 is the specific term used when you admire someone as a role model or look up to them due to their character or achievements.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 존중 can be turned into the verb 'to respect' by adding the suffix –하다 to form 존중하다. Similarly, the noun 존경 becomes the verb 'to respect/admire' as 존경하다 by adding the suffix –하다.
How do you pronounce it?
jonjung
Did you know?
- Korean has a concept called 'chemyon', often translated as 'saving face', which dictates how respect is publicly performed to avoid social shame.
- The noun 존중 is derived from Sino-Korean characters meaning 'esteem' or 'weight', implying that the person being respected is given significant value.
- A common way to show respect during a conversation in Korea is to slightly tilt the head or avoid direct, prolonged eye contact with a superior.
Examples in context
- 톰은 권위를 존중하지 않아.Tom doesn't respect authority.This sentence shows how to express a lack of respect for authority using 존중.Tatoeba #13755303 by qlTmalffk, translation #8658005 by Hybrid
- 그는 타인의 기분은 전혀 존중하지 않는다.He has absolutely no respect for other people's feelings.This sentence demonstrates how to express a lack of respect for others' feelings using 존중.Tatoeba #7794948 by HappyMidnight, translation #292912 by CK
- 존경하는 대통령께 편지를 썼어요.I wrote a letter to the respected president.
- 그는 저에게 항상 존경받는 친구예요.He is a friend who always receives respect from me.
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are talking about their teacher.
- 민지 Min-ji선생님은 정말 배울 점이 많으신 분이야.seonsaengnim-eun jeongmal baeul jeomi maneusin bun-iya.The teacher is someone I can really learn from.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo나도 그렇게 생각해. 정말 존중하게 돼.nado geureoke saenggakhae. jeongmal jonjunghage dwae.I think so too. I really come to respect them.
- 민지 Min-ji학생들을 대하는 태도가 정말 좋으시잖아.haksaeng-deureul daehaneun taedoga jeongmal joeusijana.Their attitude toward students is just so great.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo맞아, 그래서 다들 좋아하시지.maja, geuraeseo dadeul joahasiji.Right, that's why everyone likes them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “respect” translations and entries 존중, 경의, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 경의, 존중, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
