십자성호
sipjaseongho
The sign of the cross in Korean is 십자성호 (sipjaseongho).
In a natural sentence, the phrase is typically used with the verb 긋다 (to draw/make a line) to say "to make the sign of the cross" (십자성호를 긋다).
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 십자 (cross), 성 (holy/sacred) and 호 (sign/mark).
How do you pronounce it?
sipjaseongho
When do people say it?
This term is specifically used within a Christian context (Catholicism or Anglicanism) in Korea.
Did you know?
- The verb 긋다, used with 십자성호, literally means 'to draw a line' or 'to score', which treats the gesture as a physical marking of the body.
- Korean has a specific word, 성호경, which refers to the prayer recited while making the 십자성호.
- The term 호 (sign/mark) in 십자성호 is the same character used in 신호 (signal), suggesting that the gesture is viewed as a spiritual signal.
Examples in context
- 그녀는 경건하게 십자성호를 그었습니다.geunyeoneun gyeonggeonhage sipjaseongho-reul geueotseumnida.She made the sign of the cross reverently.
- 기도를 하기 전에 십자성호를 합니다.gidoreul hagie jeone sipjaseongho-reul hamnida.I make the sign of the cross before praying.
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are entering a cathedral.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 여기서는 십자성호를 그어야 하나요?Dohyun ssi, yeogiseoneun sipjaseongho-reul geueoya hanayo?Dohyun, do I have to make the sign of the cross here?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 성당에 들어올 때 보통 그렇게 해요.ne, seongdang-e deureo-ol ttae botong geureoke haeyo.Yes, people usually do that when entering a cathedral.
- 수빈 Su-bin어떻게 하는지 정확히 모르겠어요.eotteoke haneunji jeong-haki moreugesseoyo.I'm not exactly sure how to do it.
- 도현 Do-hyeon제가 천천히 보여줄게요.jega cheoncheon-hi boyeojulgeyo.I will show you slowly.
