Korean Dictionary
How to say "Condolence Money" in Korean
“Condolence Money” in Korean is 부의금 (pronounced "buigeum").
부의금
buigeum
Usage & Context
부의금 is cash given to bereaved families at Korean funerals to help cover funeral expenses. The amount given follows similar social norms as 축의금 with closer relatives giving more. Presenting 부의금 in a white envelope at a Korean 장례식장 (funeral home) is a standard social obligation.
Example Sentence
장례식에 가면 부의금을 내는 것이 예의예요.
It is polite to give condolence money when attending a funeral.
How to use 부의금 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Condolence Money” is 부의금, romanized as buigeum.
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 부의금.
Pronunciation Guide
"부의금" is pronounced as "boo-ee-geum" or sometimes "boo-wee-geum." "Boo" sounds like "boo" in "book." Similar to 축의금, the '의' (ui) vowel is often simplified in spoken Korean to sound like "ee" as in "see" or "wee" as in "we." "Geum" sounds like "goom" in "groom."
More Example Sentences
Explaining funeral etiquette to someone.
장례식에 갈 때는 부의금을 준비해야 해요.
When going to a funeral, you need to prepare condolence money.
Describing the act of giving the money at a funeral.
부의금 봉투에 이름을 쓰고 조의를 표했어요.
I wrote my name on the condolence money envelope and expressed my condolences.
Explaining the reason for giving condolence money.
회사 동료의 부친상이라 부의금을 전달했습니다.
It was my colleague's father's funeral, so I delivered condolence money.
Cultural Context
부의금 is the counterpart to 축의금, given at Korean funerals (장례식). It's also cash, typically placed in a white envelope, often with specific characters like '부의(賻儀)' or '근조(謹弔)' written on it. The amount follows similar social norms as 축의금, with closer relationships warranting larger sums. This gesture is a crucial way to express sympathy and support for the bereaved family, helping them with the unexpected expenses of a funeral. It highlights the strong communal bonds in Korean society.
Editorial note
We review entries like 부의금 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
부의금을 내다.
To give condolence money.
부의금 봉투.
Condolence money envelope.
조의를 표하다.
To express condolences (often done when giving 부의금).
Related Expressions
장례식
jangnyesik
Funeral ceremony
조의금
joigeum
Condolence money (synonym)
축의금
chuguigeum
Congratulatory money (antonym in context)
조문
jomun
Condolence visit
More Holidays & Festivals Words
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