Korean Dictionary
How to say "Ceremony" in Korean
“Ceremony” in Korean is 식 (pronounced "sik").
식
sik
Usage & Context
A formal event with special procedures. Schools hold various ceremonies including opening and closing ceremonies. Ceremonies are important traditions in Korean schools.
Example Sentence
개학식에 참석했다.
I attended the opening ceremony.
How to use 식 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Ceremony” is 식, romanized as sik.
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 식.
Pronunciation Guide
식 (sik) sounds like 'sick' in English. The 'i' is short and crisp.
More Example Sentences
Remembering a special moment from graduation.
졸업식에서 친구들과 사진을 찍었어요.
I took photos with my friends at the graduation ceremony.
Explaining weekend plans.
결혼식에 초대받아서 주말에 가야 해요.
I was invited to a wedding ceremony, so I have to go this weekend.
Announcing the start time of an event.
개회식은 10시에 시작합니다.
The opening ceremony starts at 10 AM.
Cultural Context
식 (sik) is a versatile suffix meaning 'ceremony' or 'formula,' often attached to other nouns to specify the type of event. For example, 졸업식 (joreopsik) for graduation, 입학식 (iphaksik) for entrance, 결혼식 (gyeollonsik) for wedding, and 장례식 (jangnyesik) for funeral. These ceremonies are deeply ingrained in Korean culture, marking important life transitions and social events. They are typically formal affairs with specific protocols and expectations, reflecting the importance of community and tradition.
Editorial note
We review entries like 식 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
결혼식
Wedding ceremony
졸업식
Graduation ceremony
입학식
Entrance ceremony (for school)
Related Expressions
의식
uisik
Ceremony/ritual (more general)
행사
haengsa
Event/function
예식
yesik
Ceremony (often for weddings)
축하
chukha
Celebration/congratulations
More School Life Words
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