Korean Dictionary
How to say "Jeong (deep connection)" in Korean
“Jeong (deep connection)” in Korean is 정 (pronounced "Jeong").
정
Jeong
Korean usage reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026.
This page checks meaning, pronunciation, politeness level, and common learner mistakes.
Usage & Context
A uniquely Korean concept of emotional attachment, affection, and deep connection formed over time. 정이 들다 (to develop jeong) describes bonding through shared experiences. Even difficult relationships can form jeong. The concept explains why Koreans struggle to end long-lasting relationships — even painful ones.
Example Sentence
오래 함께하다 보면 정이 드는 거예요.
When you spend a long time together, jeong develops naturally.
How to use 정 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Jeong (deep connection)” is 정, romanized as Jeong.
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 정.
Pronunciation Guide
The '정' (jeong) sound is similar to 'jung' in 'jungle', but with a slightly softer 'j' sound, almost like 'ch' in 'church' but voiced. The 'eo' vowel is like the 'o' in 'song' or 'long'. It's a single, clear syllable.
More Example Sentences
Expressing deep affection for a pet.
오래 키운 강아지에게 정이 많이 들었어요.
I've grown very attached (developed jeong) to the puppy I've raised for a long time.
Struggling with ending a relationship due to emotional attachment.
헤어지기 아쉽지만, 정 때문에 계속 만날 수는 없어요.
It's a shame to part ways, but I can't keep meeting them just because of jeong.
Generalizing about Korean hospitality and warmth.
한국 사람들은 정이 많아서 처음 보는 사람에게도 잘해줘요.
Koreans have a lot of jeong, so they're kind even to strangers.
Cultural Context
Jeong (정) is a deeply ingrained and uniquely Korean concept that describes a profound sense of emotional attachment, affection, and connection that develops over time. It's more than just love or friendship; it's a bond formed through shared experiences, hardships, and time spent together. This 'jeong' can make it difficult for Koreans to let go of relationships, even those that are no longer healthy, as seen in many K-dramas where characters struggle with loyalty and attachment. It also explains the strong sense of community and generosity often observed in Korean society.
Editorial note
We review entries like 정 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. Last reviewed June 4, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
정이 많다
to have a lot of jeong (to be warm-hearted)
정이 없다
to have no jeong (to be cold-hearted)
정 때문에
because of jeong/attachment
Related Expressions
애정
aejeong
affection, love
유대감
yudaegam
sense of bond, solidarity
인정
injeong
compassion, human warmth
정이 들다
jeongi deulda
to develop jeong/attachment
More Culture Words
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