삼위일체
samwiilche[sʰa̠mɥiiʎt͡ɕʰe̞]
The English word 'trinity' is translated into Korean as 삼위일체 (samwiilche).
In a religious context, 삼위일체 is the term used to express the Christian concept of the Trinity, referring to the three persons of the Godhead. It can also be used more broadly to describe a group or set of three people or things.
Meaning: Christianity: three persons of the Godhead (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of three parts: 삼 (three), 위 (position/rank) and 일체 (one body/unity).
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
samwiilche
Did you know?
- In modern Korean pop culture and food reviews, 삼위일체 can be used to describe a 'holy trinity' of flavors, such as the combination of garlic, soy sauce and ginger.
- The character 위 in 삼위일체 is a special honorific counter used for people of high status, such as gods or royalty, rather than a standard number counter.
- In some modern contexts, the term is used metaphorically in Korean media to describe a perfect 'triple threat' or a trio of elements that work in perfect harmony, such as 'the trinity of talent, beauty, and wealth'.
Examples in context
- 그는 삼위일체에 대해 공부하고 있어요.geuneun samwiilche-e daehae gongbu-hago isseoyo.He is studying the trinity.
- 삼위일체 교리를 이해하기는 어렵습니다.samwiilche gyorireul ihaehagineun eoryeopseumnida.It is difficult to understand the doctrine of the trinity.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a theology book at a cafe.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨, 삼위일체에 대해 들어봤어요?minjun ssi, samwiilche-e daehae deureobwasseoyo?Minjun, have you heard about the trinity?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 신학 서적에서 읽어봤어요.ne, sinhak seojeogeseo ilgeobwasseoyo.Yes, I have read about it in theology books.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 신기한 개념인 것 같아요.jeongmal singihan gaenyeomin geot gatayo.I think it is a really fascinating concept.
- 민준 Min-jun맞아요, 깊이 있는 내용이에요.majayo, gipi itneun naeyongieyo.That's right, it is a deep subject.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trinity” translations and entries 삼위일체, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
