Korean Dictionary
How to say "Admire" in Korean
“Admire” in Korean is 존경하다 (pronounced "jongyeonghada").
존경하다
jongyeonghada
Usage & Context
Respecting and appreciating someone's qualities or achievements. Admiration is an important foundation for healthy relationships in Korean culture.
Example Sentence
나는 너를 존경해.
I admire you.
How to use 존경하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Admire” is 존경하다, romanized as jongyeonghada.
Usage tip
Relationship words can sound too direct if the social context is wrong. Check the age, closeness, and formality before using it.
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 존경하다.
Pronunciation Guide
존경 (jon-gyeong) sounds like 'john-gyung,' with 'john' as in the name and 'gyung' like 'gyung' in 'young.' 하다 (ha-da) is 'hah-dah.' The stress is fairly even, with a slight emphasis on 'jon' and 'ha.'
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
존경하십니다
jongyeonghasipnida
Formal polite form of the verb '존경하다'.
Casual (반말)
존경해
jongyeonghae
Informal casual form of the verb '존경하다'.
More Example Sentences
Expressing admiration for someone's dedication and hard work.
나는 그의 끊임없는 노력과 열정을 존경해.
I admire his continuous effort and passion.
Showing respect and admiration for parents' philanthropic actions.
우리 부모님은 항상 어려운 사람들을 돕는 분들이라 존경스럽다.
My parents always help those in need, so they are admirable.
Admiration for a senior colleague or student's abilities and personality.
그 선배는 실력도 좋고 인성도 훌륭해서 많은 후배들이 존경한다.
That senior has great skills and excellent character, so many juniors admire them.
Cultural Context
'존경하다' is a strong word in Korean, conveying deep respect and admiration for someone's character, wisdom, or achievements. It's often used for elders, mentors, or individuals who have made significant contributions. In Korean culture, showing respect (존경) to those in higher positions or with more experience is paramount, and this word is central to expressing that profound sentiment. It goes beyond simple liking, implying a sense of looking up to someone.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 존경하다 against age, closeness, and politeness rules, because a literal English match often misses the social meaning.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
나는 너를 존경해.
I admire you.
존경하는 마음.
A respectful heart/mind.
정말 존경스럽습니다.
You are truly admirable. (Formal)
Related Expressions
존중하다
jonjunghada
to respect (more general, less about admiration)
우러러보다
ureoreoboda
to look up to, to revere
본받다
bonbatda
to emulate, to follow someone's example
감탄하다
gamtanada
to admire, to be impressed by (more about a specific quality or action)
More Relationships Words
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