Korean word

양심

Pronunciation

Romanizationyangsim

Meaning

  • nounconscience

Example

그는 양심이 없어요.keu neun yang si mi eop sseo yo

He has no conscience.

Illustration for 양심 (conscience)

More examples

그는 양심에 따라 행동했다.keu neun yang si me tta ra haeng dong haet tta

He acted according to his conscience.

Core concept

An inner moral sense that recognizes right and wrong and makes someone feel responsible for their actions.

Common phrases

  • 양심이 있다yang si mi it tta

    have a conscience

  • 양심이 없다yang si mi eop tta

    have no conscience

  • 양심에 찔리다yang si me jjil li da

    feel pangs of conscience

Similar words

정직cheongjik: A commitment to telling the truth and acting fairly without lies or pretense.
죄책감choechaekkkam: A painful feeling of responsibility for something wrong that has been done.

Definition in Korean

자신의 행동이나 생각이 옳은지 그른지를 판단해 책임감을 느끼게 하는 마음.cha si nui haeng dong i na saeng ga gi o reun ji keu reun ji reul pan dan hae chae gim ga meul neu kki ge ha neun ma eum

Word origin

The word comes from Sino-Korean components meaning good and heart, an image that fits its sense as an inner moral guide.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Korean, saying that someone lacks this quality is a strong criticism, so it is better used carefully than as a casual joke.

Opposites

  • 무양심muyangsimlack of consciencenoun

Related words

  • 양심적yangsimjeokconscientiousadjective

Word lists with this word