경례
gyeongnye[ˈkjɘ(ː)ŋɲe̞]
The Korean word for "salute" is 경례 (gyeongnye).
경례 functions as both the noun for a salute and the concept of a formal gesture. It can be used as a verb meaning "to salute" when combined with other words.
Meaning: make a gesture (verb)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the noun 경례 (salute) as a verb meaning "to salute", you must pair it with the verb 하다 (to do), resulting in the compound verb 경례하다.
How do you pronounce it?
gyeongnye
When do people say it?
In a Korean school context, 경례 refers to the formal act of bowing to a teacher or a class leader.
Did you know?
- The word 경례 can feel overly stiff in daily life. If you were to use it when greeting a friend, it would sound like you are mockingly treating them like a soldier or a superior, making it a common tool for sarcasm.
- The Chinese characters in 경례 are 敬 (respect) and 禮 (rite or etiquette). This reveals that a 'salute' in Korean is conceptually more about performing an act of etiquette rather than just a physical military motion.
- When performing 경례 in a school, students typically keep their backs straight and eyes cast downward, as looking the teacher in the eye during the bow can be seen as rude.
Examples in context
- 군인은 경례를 해야 합니다.gunin-eun gyeongrye-reul haeya hamnida.Soldiers must salute.
- 지휘관에게 경례를 하세요.jihwigwan-ege gyeongrye-reul haseyo.Salute the commander.
Example conversation
Seoyeon is teaching Jihun how to act in a military play.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈 씨, 여기서 경례 하세요.Jihun ssi, yeogiseo gyeongrye haseyo.Jihun, please salute here.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이렇게 하면 되나요?ireoke hamyeon doenayo?Is it okay if I do it like this?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 아주 정확해요.ne, aju jeong-gyakhayo.Yes, it is very accurate.
- 지훈 Ji-hun알겠습니다, 감사합니다.algetseumnida, gamsahamnida.I understand, thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 경례, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 경례, CC BY-SA 4.0.
