Korean Dictionary
How to say "Chanting" in Korean
“Chanting” in Korean is 염불 (pronounced "Yeombul").
염불
Yeombul
Usage & Context
Chanting is the recitation of Buddhist mantras or prayers. Korean Buddhists chant to focus their minds and connect with the Buddha.
Example Sentence
스님들이 염불을 합니다.
The monks chant.
How to use 염불 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Chanting” is 염불, romanized as Yeombul.
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 염불.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 염 (yeom), sounds like 'yuhm' in 'yum-yum.' The second syllable, 불 (bul), sounds like 'bool' in 'pool.' Both syllables are pronounced with even stress.
More Example Sentences
Describing a sensory experience at a Buddhist temple.
새벽에 절에서 염불 소리가 들려왔어요.
At dawn, the sound of chanting came from the temple.
Mentioning a daily spiritual practice.
어머니는 매일 아침 염불을 하십니다.
My mother chants every morning.
Explaining the personal benefit of chanting.
염불을 외우면서 마음의 평화를 찾아요.
I find peace of mind while reciting chants.
Cultural Context
'염불' (yeombul) specifically refers to Buddhist chanting, typically the recitation of the Buddha's name (e.g., '나무아미타불' Namuamitabul) or sutras. It's a common practice in Korean Buddhist temples, especially during morning and evening services, and is believed to help practitioners focus their minds and accumulate merit. While primarily a religious term, '염불' can sometimes be used metaphorically in informal settings to describe someone nagging or repeating something endlessly, though this usage is less common and carries a slightly negative connotation.
Editorial note
We review entries like 염불 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
염불하다
to chant (verb form)
염불을 외우다
to recite a chant
염불 소리
sound of chanting
Related Expressions
독경
dokgyeong
reading/reciting sutras
기도
gido
prayer (general term)
수행
suhaeng
spiritual practice, asceticism
참선
chamseon
Zen meditation
More Religion Words
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