Korean Dictionary
How to say "Confucius" in Korean
“Confucius” in Korean is 공자 (pronounced "Gongja").
공자
Gongja
Usage & Context
Confucius was the founder of Confucianism. His teachings have profoundly shaped Korean ethics and social values.
Example Sentence
공자의 가르침은 한국 문화에 영향을 미쳤습니다.
Confucius's teachings influenced Korean culture.
How to use 공자 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Confucius” is 공자, romanized as Gongja.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 공자.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, '공' (Gong), sounds like 'gong' in English, as in a large bell. The second syllable, '자' (ja), is pronounced like 'ja' in 'jar' but without the 'r' sound at the end.
More Example Sentences
Discussing the historical impact of Confucianism in Korea.
공자의 사상은 한국 사회에 깊이 뿌리내렸습니다.
Confucius's philosophy is deeply rooted in Korean society.
Describing someone's adherence to traditional values.
그는 공자의 가르침을 따르며 살고 있습니다.
He lives by the teachings of Confucius.
Referring to a cultural or historical observance.
공자 탄신일은 기념할 만한 날입니다.
Confucius's birthday is a day worth commemorating.
Cultural Context
Confucianism, founded by 공자 (Gongja), has profoundly shaped Korean ethics, social structure, and family values for centuries. Concepts like filial piety (효, hyo), respect for elders, and emphasis on education are direct influences. Even in modern Korea, you can see its remnants in hierarchical communication (e.g., honorifics), family traditions, and the importance placed on academic achievement. It's not just a historical figure; his ideas are woven into the fabric of Korean daily life and thought.
Editorial note
We review entries like 공자 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
공자의 말씀
Confucius's words/sayings
공자왈 맹자왈
Confucius said, Mencius said (often used to refer to old sayings or traditional wisdom)
공자학원
Confucius Institute
Related Expressions
유교
yugyo
Confucianism
맹자
Maengja
Mencius (another prominent Confucian philosopher)
사상
sasang
ideology, thought
도덕
dodeok
morality, ethics
More Religion Words
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