Korean Dictionary
How to say "Chant" in Korean
“Chant” in Korean is 주문 (pronounced "Jumun").
주문
Jumun
Usage & Context
A chant is a repeated rhythmic phrase or mantra. In Korean shamanism and Buddhism, chants are used for spiritual purposes.
Example Sentence
주문을 외웁니다.
We recite chants.
How to use 주문 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Chant” is 주문, romanized as Jumun.
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 주문.
Pronunciation Guide
'주문' (Jumun) is pronounced as 'joo' (like 'juice' without the 'ce') followed by 'moon' (as in the English word 'moon'). The syllables flow smoothly together.
More Example Sentences
Visiting a temple and observing monks.
스님들이 절에서 염불 주문을 외우고 계셨어요.
The monks were reciting Buddhist chants at the temple.
Describing a shamanic ritual.
무당이 굿을 할 때 신비로운 주문을 읊조립니다.
Shamans recite mysterious chants during a gut (shamanic ritual).
Talking about a personal focus technique.
그는 집중하기 위해 짧은 주문을 반복해서 외웠어요.
He repeatedly recited a short chant to concentrate.
Cultural Context
While '주문' can also mean 'order' (like ordering food), in a religious context, it refers to a chant or incantation. It's commonly associated with Buddhist practices (염불, yeombul, which is a specific type of chant) and Korean shamanism (굿, gut, where shamans recite incantations). These chants are believed to invoke spiritual power, bring blessings, or achieve a meditative state. The context usually clarifies which meaning is intended.
Editorial note
We review entries like 주문 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
주문을 외우다
to recite a chant/spell
주문을 걸다
to cast a spell
신비로운 주문
mysterious chant/spell
Related Expressions
염불
yeombul
Buddhist chant (reciting Buddha's name)
만트라
mantra
mantra (loanword)
기도
gido
prayer
주술
jusul
spell, incantation
More Religion Words
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