Korean word

반성

Pronunciation

Romanizationpanseong

Meaning

  • nounreflection

Example

그는 잘못을 인정하고 반성을 했다.keu neun chal mo seul in jeong ha go pan seong eul haet tta

He admitted his mistake and reflected on it.

Illustration for 반성 (reflection)

More examples

사과 후에도 반성의 기미가 보이지 않았다.sa gwa hu e do pan seong ui ki mi ga po i ji a nat tta

Even after apologizing, there was no sign of remorse.

Core concept

An inward review of one's conduct that leads to admitting a fault and correcting one's attitude.

Common phrases

  • 반성을 하다pan seong eul ha da

    reflect

  • 반성을 보이다pan seong eul po i da

    show remorse

Similar words

자기성찰chagiseongchal: Deep examination of personal values and actions to gain a clearer view of oneself.
후회huhoe: Painful sadness about a past choice or action that one wishes had been different.
사과sagwa: Words or actions that acknowledge a wrong and express regret to the person affected.

Definition in Korean

자신의 언행을 되돌아보며 잘못을 인정하고 태도를 고치려는 마음가짐cha si nui eon haeng eul toe do ra bo myeo chal mo seul in jeong ha go tae do reul ko chi ryeo neun ma eum ga jim

Word origin

반 (ban, "turn back") and 성 (seong, "examine") combine in the Sino-Korean word to suggest checking oneself by looking back.

Usage tips

  • The word is useful when a speaker means more than feeling bad, because it highlights taking responsibility and changing future behavior.

Other meanings

  • remorsenoun

Opposites

  • 자기합리화chagihamnihwaself-justificationnoun

Related words

  • 자기반성chagibanseongself-reflectionnoun
  • 반성적panseongjeokreflectiveadjective

Word lists with this word