Korean Dictionary
How to say "Ancestor worship" in Korean
“Ancestor worship” in Korean is 조상 숭배 (pronounced "Josang sungbae").
조상 숭배
Josang sungbae
Usage & Context
Ancestor worship is the practice of honoring and revering deceased family members. This practice is deeply rooted in Korean culture and Confucianism.
Example Sentence
조상을 숭배합니다.
We worship our ancestors.
How to use 조상 숭배 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Ancestor worship” is 조상 숭배, romanized as Josang sungbae.
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 조상 숭배.
Pronunciation Guide
조상 (Josang): 조 (Jo) sounds like 'joe' as in the name. 상 (sang) sounds like 'sang' as in 'sang a song'. 숭배 (sungbae): 숭 (sung) sounds like 'sung' in 'sunglasses'. 배 (bae) sounds like 'bae' as in 'bay'. Overall: 'Joe-sang Sung-bae'.
More Example Sentences
Explaining Korean culture to a non-Korean.
한국 문화에서 조상 숭배는 중요한 부분입니다.
Ancestor worship is an important part of Korean culture.
In an academic discussion about Korean history or philosophy.
유교 사상에 기반한 조상 숭배는 여전히 강합니다.
Ancestor worship based on Confucian thought is still strong.
Discussing religious differences or beliefs.
일부 종교에서는 조상 숭배를 금지하기도 합니다.
Some religions prohibit ancestor worship.
Cultural Context
조상 숭배 (Josang sungbae) refers to the broader practice and belief system of revering ancestors, which is deeply embedded in Korean culture, largely due to Confucian influence. While 제사 (jesa) is a specific ritual, 조상 숭배 encompasses the underlying philosophy and profound respect for one's lineage. It's not necessarily 'worship' in a religious sense for all Koreans, but rather a strong expression of filial piety and gratitude towards one's forebears, often shaping family dynamics and social etiquette.
Editorial note
We review entries like 조상 숭배 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
조상을 숭배하다
To worship ancestors
조상에 대한 존경
Respect for ancestors
조상의 얼
Ancestral spirit/essence
Related Expressions
효도
Hyodo
Filial piety
제사
Jesa
Ancestral rites (specific ritual)
가족주의
Gajokjuui
Familialism, family-centrism
뿌리
Ppuri
Roots, origin (metaphorical for ancestry)
More Religion Words
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