TOPIK · Level 337
15 words
Korean word
큰절
Pronunciation
Romanizationkeunjeol
Meaning
- noundeep bow
Example
어른을 보면 큰절을 해야 해요.eo reu neul po myeon keun jeo reul hae ya hae yo
When you see an older person, you should make a deep bow.
More examples
명절에 가족들이 모이면 손자들이 어른에게 큰절을 합니다.myeong jeo re ka jok tteu ri mo i myeon son ja deu ri eo reu ne ge keun jeo reul ham ni da
On holidays, when the family gathers, the grandchildren make a deep bow to their elders.
Core concept
A formal greeting made by kneeling and lowering the upper body in a deep bow.
Common phrases
큰절을 드리다keun jeo reul teu ri da
make a deep bow
Similar words
절cheol: A respectful bow made by bending the body forward and lowering the head.
세배sebae: A traditional bow to older family members as a greeting for the Lunar New Year.
인사insa: A polite greeting or farewell expressed through words or a small gesture when meeting or parting.
Definition in Korean
어른이나 제사·혼례 등 격식을 차리는 자리에서 무릎을 꿇고 상체를 깊이 숙여 예를 표하는 인사.eo reu ni na che sa hol lye teung kyeok ssi geul cha ri neun cha ri e seo mu reu beul kkul ko sang che reul ki pi su gyeo ye reul pyo ha neun in sa
Word origin
Its name joins the idea of bigness with the Korean word for a bow, highlighting the gesture's depth and formality.
Usage tips
- English speakers can remember that this is not a casual hello but a ceremonial greeting used when special respect is required.
Other meanings
- kneeling bownoun
- most respectful bownoun
Opposites
- 목례mongnyeslight bownoun
Related words
- 큰절하다keunjeolhadabow deeplyverb