Korean word

성의

Pronunciation

Romanizationseongui

Meaning

  • nounsincerity

Example

사과할 때는 성의를 보여야 한다.sa gwa hal ttae neun seong ui reul po yeo ya han da

You should show sincerity when you apologize.

Illustration for 성의 (sincerity)

More examples

약속을 잘 지키는 것이 성의를 다하는 방법이다.yak sso geul chal chi ki neun keo si seong ui reul ta ha neun pang beo bi da

Keeping your promises is a way to show sincerity.

Core concept

A sincere attitude made visible through thoughtful effort and care for another person.

Common phrases

  • 성의를 다하다seong ui reul ta ha da

    show sincerity

  • 성의를 기울이다seong ui reul ki u ri da

    make a sincere effort

Similar words

정성cheongseong: Careful devotion expressed by putting time and patience into a result.
진심chinsim: The real emotions someone has beneath polite words or outward appearances.
성실seongsil: A serious and reliable attitude toward work, duties, and promises.
배려paeryeo: Considerate behavior shaped by awareness of another person's needs and situation.

Definition in Korean

어떤 일에 마음을 다해 정성을 들이거나 그 마음을 상대에게 전하려는 태도.eo tteon i re ma eu meul ta hae cheong seong eul teu ri geo na keu ma eu meul sang dae e ge cheon ha ryeo neun tae do

Word origin

The Sino-Korean word 성의 (seongui, "sincerity") joins ideas of sincerity and intention to describe a genuine willingness to make an effort.

Usage tips

  • A useful contrast for English speakers is that 성의 (seongui, "sincerity") often becomes clear through considerate effort, rather than through an apology alone.

Opposites

  • 불성실pulseongsilinsinceritynoun
  • 겉치레keotchiresuperficialitynoun

Related words

  • 성의표시seonguipyosisign of sinceritynoun
  • 성의표현seonguipyohyeonexpression of sinceritynoun

Word lists with this word