Korean word

친절

Pronunciation

Romanizationchinjeol

Meaning

  • nounkindness

Example

그는 친절을 베풀었다.keu neun chin jeo reul pe pu reot tta

He showed kindness.

Illustration for 친절 (kindness)

More examples

손님의 불만에도 직원의 친절이 돋보였다.son ni mui pul ma ne do chi gwo nui chin jeo ri tot ppo yeot tta

Despite the customer's complaint, the employee's kindness stood out.

Core concept

Treating someone with gentle care by noticing their feelings and situation.

Common phrases

  • 친절을 표시하다chin jeo reul pyo si ha da

    show kindness

  • 친절이 묻어나다chin jeo ri mu deo na da

    kindness shows through

Similar words

배려paeryeo: Considerate behavior that avoids making another person uncomfortable.
다정함tajeongham: Warm friendliness that makes someone feel cared for.
호의houi: Goodwill toward someone expressed in a helpful or friendly way.
상냥함sangnyangham: A mild, caring manner expressed through soft words and actions.

Definition in Korean

상대의 기분과 상황을 살피며 부드럽게 대하는 성품이나 행동.sang dae ui ki bun gwa sang hwang eul sal pi myeo pu deu reop kke tae ha neun seong pu mi na haeng dong

Word origin

The word came into Korean from Chinese as a term for warm, cordial treatment and developed its modern use for kindness toward others.

Usage tips

  • It can describe both a person's usual character and one considerate act, including friendly service.

Opposites

Related words

  • 친절함chinjeolhamkindnessnoun
  • 친절히chinjeolhikindlyadverb

Word lists with this word