Korean word

절

Pronunciation

Romanizationcheol

Meaning

  • nounbow

Example

인사할 때 절을 해 주세요.in sa hal ttae cheo reul hae chu se yo

Please bow when greeting someone.

Illustration for 절 (bow)

More examples

사과할 때는 진심으로 절을 합니다.sa gwa hal ttae neun chin si meu ro cheo reul ham ni da

When apologizing, we bow sincerely.

Core concept

A respectful gesture in which the upper body bends forward and the head lowers.

Common phrases

  • 공손한 절kong son han cheol

    polite bow

  • 작은 절cha geun cheol

    slight bow

Similar words

인사insa: A polite word or action exchanged when meeting or parting from someone.
고개 숙임kogae sugim: Lowering the head or neck to show respect or regret.
목례mongnye: A light bow of the head used as a greeting or polite gesture.

Definition in Korean

공손함을 나타내려고 몸을 굽혀 머리를 숙이는 예절적 행위.kong son ha meul na ta nae ryeo go mo meul ku pyeo meo ri reul su gi neun ye jeol jeok haeng wi

Word origin

The native Korean word 절 (jeol, "bow") refers to a traditional respectful bow, and its older history is not certain.

Usage tips

  • The depth of this gesture can show how formal the situation is, so a slight nod and a full bend are not always interchangeable.

Other meanings

  • templenoun
  • sectionnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word