절
jeol[t͡ɕʌ̹ɭ]
The English phrase "temple" is translated into Korean as 절 (jeol).
In a Korean context, the word 절 almost exclusively refers to Buddhist temples.
Meaning: place holding a religious presence (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 절 is the common word for a temple, 사찰 is a more formal or technical term often used in academic or official contexts to refer specifically to a Buddhist temple.
How do you pronounce it?
jeol
Did you know?
- In Korea, the word 절 can also mean a 'bow', the gesture of bending the waist to show respect.
- The word 절 is an ancient loanword that traveled from Sanskrit kṣetra through Middle Chinese before entering Korean.
- Buddhist temples in Korea are often built in deep mountains, which is why they are frequently associated with the word 'mountain' rather than 'city'.
Examples in context
- 절을 찾아 마음을 수양해야겠다.I've got to find a temple to cultivate my soul.This sentence is useful for expressing the idea of finding a 절 to cultivate one's soul.
- 절에 가자Let's go to a temple
- 사찰에서 명상하는 것이 좋은 방법입니다.Meditating at a temple is a good way.
- 오늘은 절에 가서 기도를 하려고 해.Today, I am planning to go to a temple and pray.
- 저 멀리 절이 보여요.jeo meolli jeori boyeoyo.I can see a temple far away.
- 이 절은 정말 아름답네요.i jeoreun jeongmal areumdapneyo.This temple is truly beautiful.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Dohyun are planning a trip to the mountains.
- 서연 Seo-yeon우리 이번 주말에 산에 있는 절에 갈까요?uri ibeon jumare sane inneun jeore galkkayo?Shall we go to a temple in the mountains this weekend?
- 도현 Do-hyeon좋아요. 어떤 절로 가고 싶어요?joayo. eotteon jeollo gago sipeoyo?Sounds good. Which temple do you want to go to?
- 서연 Seo-yeon풍경이 예쁘기로 유명한 곳이 있어요.punggyeongi yeppeugiro yumyeonghan gosi isseoyo.There is a place famous for its beautiful scenery.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그럼 그곳으로 같이 가요.geureom geugoseuro gati gayo.Then let's go there together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 절, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 절, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
