Korean word

호의

Pronunciation

Romanizationhoui

Meaning

  • nounfavor

Example

그는 나에게 호의를 보였다.keu neun na e ge ho ui reul po yeot tta

He showed me kindness.

Illustration for 호의 (favor)

More examples

처음 만난 사람이 나에게 호의를 베풀었다.cheo eum man nan sa ra mi na e ge ho ui reul pe pu reot tta

A person I met for the first time showed me kindness.

Core concept

A kind feeling toward someone that is shown through a helpful or friendly action.

Common phrases

  • 호의를 베풀다ho ui reul pe pul da

    do someone a favor

  • 호의를 보이다ho ui reul po i da

    show favor

  • 호의를 받다ho ui reul pat tta

    receive a favor

Similar words

선의seonui: A sincere wish for another person's well-being that guides kind behavior.
친절chinjeol: Warm and polite treatment that shows care for another person's situation.
배려paeryeo: Careful attention to another person's needs so everyday actions do not cause discomfort.
호감hogam: A favorable feeling that creates a good impression of someone or something.

Definition in Korean

다른 사람에게 친절한 마음이나 그런 행동을 가리키는 말.ta reun sa ra me ge chin jeol han ma eu mi na keu reon haeng dong eul ka ri ki neun mal

Word origin

The Sino-Korean word 호의 (houi, "goodwill") combines the ideas of something good and a person's feeling or intention, which developed into the sense of goodwill toward someone.

Usage tips

  • A favor in English is often something done for someone, but 호의 (houi, "goodwill") also highlights the kindness or friendly intention that motivates it.

Other meanings

  • goodwillnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 호의적houijeokfavorableadjective
  • 호의적으로houijeogeurofavorablyadverb

Word lists with this word