Korean Dictionary
How to say "Funeral" in Korean
“Funeral” in Korean is 장례식 (pronounced "jangnyesik").
장례식
jangnyesik
Usage & Context
장례식 in Korea traditionally lasts three days with family and friends gathering at hospital funeral homes (장례식장) to pay respects. Korean 장례식 involve specific mourning clothes, ritual bowing, and the sharing of food. Modern Korean 장례식 blend Buddhist, Christian, and Confucian elements reflecting the religious diversity of Korean society.
Example Sentence
장례식 기간 동안 가족들이 빈소를 지켰어요.
The family kept watch at the funeral home during the funeral period.
How to use 장례식 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Funeral” is 장례식, romanized as jangnyesik.
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 장례식.
Pronunciation Guide
장 (jang) sounds like 'jang' in 'jangly' but with a softer 'j' sound. 례 (rye) sounds like 'rye' bread, but the 'r' is a light flap, almost like 'l'. 식 (sik) sounds like 'sick'. Put it together: 'Jang-rye-sik' with fairly even stress.
More Example Sentences
Describing attendance at a funeral.
장례식에 조문객들이 많이 찾아왔어요.
Many mourners came to the funeral.
Explaining why someone traveled.
그는 할머니의 장례식을 치르기 위해 고향으로 돌아갔다.
He returned to his hometown to hold his grandmother's funeral.
Discussing funeral dress code.
장례식 복장은 검은색 정장이 일반적이에요.
Black suits are common funeral attire.
Cultural Context
Korean funerals (장례식) are significant family events, often lasting three days at specialized funeral homes (장례식장), usually attached to hospitals. Mourners wear specific black or dark attire, bow deeply to the deceased's portrait and the bereaved family, and offer condolences. It's customary to give a monetary gift (부의금, buuigeum) in a white envelope. The atmosphere, while somber, also involves communal meals and sometimes even overnight stays by close family and friends, reflecting a strong emphasis on collective mourning and support.
Editorial note
We review entries like 장례식 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
장례식에 가다
to go to a funeral
장례식을 치르다
to hold a funeral
삼일장
three-day funeral
Related Expressions
빈소
binso
mourning hall (where the wake is held)
조문
jomun
offering condolences
상주
sangju
chief mourner (usually the eldest son)
발인
barin
funeral procession/departure
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