Korean Dictionary
How to say "Altar" in Korean
“Altar” in Korean is 제단 (pronounced "Jedan").
제단
Jedan
Usage & Context
An altar is a sacred table or platform used in religious ceremonies. In Korean churches and temples, altars are central to worship practices.
Example Sentence
제단 위에 촛불이 있습니다.
There are candles on the altar.
How to use 제단 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Altar” is 제단, romanized as Jedan.
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 제단.
Pronunciation Guide
제 (je) sounds like 'jeh' in 'jet'. 단 (dan) sounds like 'dan' in 'dance' but with a softer 'd' sound. Combine as 'Jeh-dan'.
More Example Sentences
Describing a church service.
신부님이 제단 앞에서 미사를 집전하셨어요.
The priest officiated the mass in front of the altar.
Discussing history or archaeology.
고대 문명에서는 신에게 제물을 바치는 제단이 중요했어요.
In ancient civilizations, altars for offering sacrifices to gods were important.
A dramatic statement about dedication.
그는 성공을 위해 모든 것을 제단에 바쳤다.
He sacrificed everything on the altar for success.
Cultural Context
'제단' (jedan) is a general term for an altar, used in various religious contexts such as Christianity, Buddhism, and ancient rituals. In traditional Korean ancestral rites (제사, jesa), a specific '제사상' (jesasang), which is a table laden with food offerings, is used rather than a '제단'. However, '제단' is commonly seen in Korean churches and temples.
Editorial note
We review entries like 제단 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
교회 제단
Church altar
제단에 바치다
To offer/sacrifice on the altar
성스러운 제단
Sacred altar
Related Expressions
제사상
jesasang
Ancestral ritual table (Korean traditional)
성찬대
seongchandae
Communion table (Christian specific)
불단
buldan
Buddhist altar
제물
jemul
Sacrifice/Offering (placed on an altar)
More Religion Words
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