Korean word

덕

Pronunciation

Romanizationteok

Meaning

  • nounvirtue

Example

어른들은 덕을 쌓으라고 가르친다.eo reun deu reun teo geul ssa eu ra go ka reu chin da

Adults teach us to cultivate virtue.

Illustration for 덕 (virtue)

More examples

이 경험이 나중에 덕이 될 거예요.i kyeong heo mi na jung e teo gi toel kkeo ye yo

This experience will be helpful later.

Core concept

A person's good character is expressed through conduct that benefits others and earns respect.

Common phrases

  • 덕이 되다teo gi toe da

    be beneficial

  • 덕을 쌓다teo geul ssa ta

    cultivate virtue

Similar words

덕분teokppun: The helpful cause behind a positive outcome, whether a person's support or a lucky situation.
선행seonhaeng: A kind action performed for another person's benefit, especially during a time of need.

Definition in Korean

사회에서 사람의 인품이나 행동이 다른 사람에게 이익이 되고 칭찬받을 만한 성질.sa hoe e seo sa ra mui in pu mi na haeng dong i ta reun sa ra me ge i i gi toe go ching chan ba deul man han seong jil

Word origin

The word is Sino-Korean and comes from an old Chinese term associated with virtue and admirable moral character.

Usage tips

  • In TOPIK reading, nearby verbs can show whether the passage focuses on building, showing, or recognizing a person's moral character.

Opposites

  • 악덕aktteokvicenoun

Related words

Word lists with this word