Korean word

정중하다

Pronunciation

Romanizationcheongjunghada

Meaning

  • adjectivepolite

Example

그는 항상 정중해요.keu neun hang sang cheong jung hae yo

He is always polite.

Illustration for 정중하다 (polite)

More examples

거래처 직원에게는 항상 정중해야 합니다.keo rae cheo chi gwo ne ge neun hang sang cheong jung hae ya ham ni da

You should always be courteous to employees of your business partners.

Core concept

A courteous way of behaving that fits the social situation and maintains respect without excessive familiarity.

Common phrases

  • 정중한 태도cheong jung han tae do

    courteous attitude

  • 정중한 말투cheong jung han mal tu

    courteous speech

  • 정중한 인사cheong jung han in sa

    courteous greeting

Similar words

예의바르다yeuibareuda: Acting with good manners and observing the basic rules of polite behavior.
공손하다kongsonhada: Speaking or acting with respectful humility toward another person.
친절하다chinjeolhada: Responding to others with warmth, care, and a willingness to help.

Definition in Korean

겸손하거나 과도하게 친근한 태도가 아니라 적절한 예의를 갖추어 공손하게 행동하는 성질을 가리킨다.kyeom son ha geo na kwa do ha ge chin geun han tae do ga a ni ra cheok jjeol han ye ui reul kat chu eo kong son ha ge haeng dong ha neun seong ji reul ka ri kin da

Word origin

정중하다 (jeongjunghada, "to be polite") combines the Sino-Korean element 정중 (jeongjung, "respectful courtesy") with 하다 (hada, "to do or be"), linking courtesy with actual behavior.

Usage tips

  • English formal can sound official or ceremonial, while this word naturally describes everyday respectful speech, manners, and behavior.

Other meanings

  • formaladjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 정중함cheongjunghamcourtesynoun
  • 정중성cheongjungseongpolitenessnoun
  • 정중하게cheongjunghagecourteouslyadverb

Word lists with this word