Korean word

세배

Pronunciation

Romanizationsebae

Meaning

  • nounNew Year's bow

Example

설날에 세배를 합니다.seol la re se bae reul ham ni da

On Lunar New Year's Day, we bow to our elders.

Illustration for 세배 (New Year's bow)

More examples

어른께 세배를 드리면 보통 세뱃돈을 받아요.eo reun kke se bae reul teu ri myeon po tong se baet tto neul pa da yo

If you bow to your elders for the New Year, you usually get New Year's gift money.

Core concept

A respectful bow to an older person as a New Year's greeting.

Common phrases

  • 세배를 하다se bae reul ha da

    do a New Year's bow

  • 세배를 드리다se bae reul teu ri da

    bow to elders for the New Year

Similar words

큰절keunjeol: A formal greeting made while kneeling and lowering the upper body in a deep bow.
절cheol: A respectful gesture that bends the body forward and lowers the head.

Definition in Korean

설날에 어르신에게 절을 하여 새해 인사를 하는 행동.seol la re eo reu si ne ge cheo reul ha yeo sae hae in sa reul ha neun haeng dong

Word origin

The term is a Sino-Korean formation from elements meaning year and bow, linking the action to the start of a new year.

Usage tips

  • Unlike an ordinary bow, this term names a recognized Korean New Year's custom and greeting.

Related words

  • 세배하다sebaehadamake a New Year's bowverb
  • 세뱃돈sebaetttonNew Year's gift moneynoun

Word lists with this word