Korean Dictionary
How to say "Spirit Tablet" in Korean
“Spirit Tablet” in Korean is 신위 (pronounced "sinwi").
신위
sinwi
Usage & Context
신위 is a wooden spirit tablet inscribed with an ancestor name used as the focal point of Korean jesa rituals. It represents the spiritual presence of the deceased during ancestral rites. In modern times photographs often replace 신위 at Korean jesa ceremonies while traditional households still maintain formal wooden tablets.
Example Sentence
제사 지낼 때 할아버지 신위 앞에 음식을 올렸어요.
During the jesa I placed food in front of my grandfather spirit tablet.
How to use 신위 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Spirit Tablet” is 신위, romanized as sinwi.
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 신위.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce "shin-wee." "Shin" sounds like "shin" in "shin bone," but with a slightly softer 'sh' sound. "Wi" is like the "wee" in "wee bit." The stress is fairly even across both syllables.
More Example Sentences
Describing a traditional family's practice.
종갓집에서는 아직도 나무 신위를 모시고 제사를 지내요.
In traditional head families, they still enshrine wooden spirit tablets and hold ancestral rites.
Discussing modern adaptations of ancestral rites.
현대에는 신위 대신 고인의 사진을 두는 경우가 많아요.
Nowadays, it's common to place a photo of the deceased instead of a spirit tablet.
Explaining the setup for a jesa ceremony.
제사상에 신위를 올리고 절을 했어요.
We placed the spirit tablet on the ancestral table and bowed.
Cultural Context
신위 (sinwi) is a crucial element in traditional Korean ancestral rites, or jesa. It's a wooden tablet inscribed with the ancestor's name, serving as a symbolic dwelling for their spirit. While many modern families now use a photograph of the deceased instead, especially in urban settings or for convenience, the traditional wooden 신위 is still maintained by some families, particularly those preserving deep-rooted customs. Its presence signifies respect and the continuation of family lineage.
Editorial note
We review entries like 신위 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
신위를 모시다
to enshrine a spirit tablet
신위 앞에 절하다
to bow before the spirit tablet
신위를 쓰다
to write a spirit tablet (referring to the inscription)
Related Expressions
제사상
jesasang
ancestral ritual table
조상
josang
ancestor
위패
wipae
memorial tablet (often for multiple ancestors or in temples)
영정사진
yeongjeong sajin
portrait of the deceased (used in place of 신위)
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