Korean word

천사

Pronunciation

Romanizationcheonsa

Meaning

  • nounangel

Example

그녀는 천사야.keu nyeo neun cheon sa ya

She's an angel.

Illustration for 천사 (angel)

More examples

아이들은 그 선생님을 천사처럼 여긴다.a i deu reun keu seon saeng ni meul cheon sa cheo reom yeo gin da

The children regard that teacher as an angel.

Core concept

A heavenly messenger imagined as a caring presence who brings help to people.

Common phrases

  • 천사 같은 존재cheon sa ka teun chon jae

    angel-like being

  • 천사처럼cheon sa cheo reom

    like an angel

  • 천사 같은 마음cheon sa ka teun ma eum

    angelic heart

Similar words

착한 사람chakan saram: A person with a good character who treats others kindly and does what is right.
상냥한 사람sangnyanghan saram: A person with gentle words and a calm manner who is easy to be around.
도움 주는 사람toum chuneun saram: A person who gives useful hands-on help when someone is in trouble.

Definition in Korean

하늘의 전령이나 메신저로 여겨지는 존재를 가리키며 일상에서는 특히 자상하거나 도움을 준 사람을 비유적으로 이르는 말.ha neu rui cheol lyeong i na me sin jeo ro yeo gyeo ji neun chon jae reul ka ri ki myeo il sang e seo neun teu ki cha sang ha geo na to u meul chun sa ra meul pi yu jeo geu ro i reu neun mal

Word origin

The word is a Sino-Korean compound built from terms meaning heaven and messenger, matching the traditional idea of a messenger from above.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 천사 (cheonsa, "angel") can be warm praise for someone who has been especially helpful, but it sounds personal and casual rather than formal.

Opposites

  • 악마angmadevilnoun
  • 악인aginevil personnoun

Related words

  • 천사적cheonsajeokangelicadjective

Word lists with this word