Korean word

겸손

Pronunciation

Romanizationkyeomson

Meaning

  • nounhumility

Example

그는 겸손을 잃지 않는다.keu neun kyeom so neul il chi an neun da

He does not lose his humility.

Illustration for 겸손 (humility)

More examples

그녀는 항상 겸손을 보인다.keu nyeo neun hang sang kyeom so neul po in da

She always shows humility.

Core concept

Showing respect by not putting personal achievements above other people.

Common phrases

  • 겸손을 보이다kyeom so neul po i da

    show humility

  • 겸손한 태도kyeom son han tae do

    humble attitude

Definition in Korean

자기 자신을 낮추어 다른 사람을 먼저 배려하고 예의를 지키는 마음이나 태도.cha gi cha si neul nat chu eo ta reun sa ra meul meon jeo pae ryeo ha go ye ui reul chi ki neun ma eu mi na tae do

Word origin

Its Sino-Korean parts carry the ideas of being modest and yielding to others, together expressing a respectful lack of self-importance.

Usage tips

  • In Korean, this quality is generally praised, but openly claiming to possess it can sound less convincing than letting humble behavior show it.

Opposites

  • 교만kyomanarrogancenoun
  • 거만keomanhaughtinessnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word