Korean Dictionary
How to say "Betrayal" in Korean
“Betrayal” in Korean is 배신 (pronounced "baesin").
배신
baesin
Usage & Context
Breaking someone's trust or being unfaithful. Betrayal is a serious matter in Korean relationships and often leads to relationship breakdown.
Example Sentence
그의 배신은 나를 상처 입혔다.
His betrayal hurt me.
How to use 배신 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Betrayal” is 배신, romanized as baesin.
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 배신.
Pronunciation Guide
배 (bae) sounds like 'bay' in English. 신 (sin) sounds like 'shin', as in the lower part of your leg. The stress is generally even between the two syllables.
More Example Sentences
Expressing personal distress over a friend's actions.
친구의 배신 때문에 정말 힘들었어.
I had a really hard time because of my friend's betrayal.
Describing an act of disloyalty in a professional setting.
그는 동료들을 배신하고 혼자 도망쳤다.
He betrayed his colleagues and ran away alone.
Discussing a common K-drama trope.
드라마에서 배신당한 주인공의 복수극이 시작됐다.
The revenge drama of the betrayed protagonist began in the show.
Cultural Context
Betrayal is considered a grave offense in Korean culture, especially within close-knit relationships like family, friends, or romantic partners. It deeply wounds the sense of '의리' (eui-ri), which signifies loyalty and fidelity, a highly valued virtue. Stories of betrayal and subsequent revenge or forgiveness are popular themes in Korean media, highlighting its emotional impact.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 배신 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
배신감
feeling of betrayal
배신당하다
to be betrayed
배신자
traitor
Related Expressions
배신하다
baesin-hada
to betray (verb)
신뢰
sinnwae
trust (antonym)
뒤통수치다
dwittongsu-chida
to stab someone in the back (idiom)
기만
giman
deception, fraud (similar concept)
More Relationships Words
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