Korean Dictionary
How to say "Jikji" in Korean
“Jikji” in Korean is 직지심체요절 (pronounced "jikji simche yojeol").
직지심체요절
jikji simche yojeol
Usage & Context
The Jikji, printed in 1377, is the world's oldest surviving book printed with movable metal type. It is a Buddhist text compiled by the monk Baegun. It is kept at the National Library of France and is a UNESCO Memory of the World.
Example Sentence
직지심체요절은 세계 최초의 금속 활자 인쇄 책이에요.
Jikji is the world's first book printed with metal movable type.
How to use 직지심체요절 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Jikji” is 직지심체요절, romanized as jikji simche yojeol.
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 직지심체요절.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '직지심체요절' as 'jik-ji sim-che yo-jeol'. '직' (jik) rhymes with 'sick'. '지' (ji) is like 'jee' in 'jeep'. '심' (sim) rhymes with 'him'. '체' (che) is like 'chay' in 'chai'. '요' (yo) is like 'yo' in 'yo-yo'. '절' (jeol) is like 'jull' in 'gull'.
More Example Sentences
Stating a historical fact in a documentary or educational context.
직지심체요절은 세계에서 가장 오래된 금속 활자본이에요.
Jikji Simche Yojeol is the world's oldest book printed with movable metal type.
Explaining the current location of the artifact.
프랑스 국립도서관에 직지심체요절이 소장되어 있습니다.
Jikji Simche Yojeol is housed in the National Library of France.
Highlighting its international recognition.
직지심체요절은 유네스코 세계기록유산으로 등재되었어요.
Jikji Simche Yojeol has been inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register.
Cultural Context
The Jikji (직지심체요절) is a source of immense national pride for Koreans, as it predates Gutenberg's Bible by 78 years, proving Korea's advanced printing technology. Its full name, 'Baegun Hwasang Chorok Buljo Jikji Simche Yojeol', translates to 'Anthology of Great Buddhist Priests' Zen Teachings'. Although currently held in France, its significance is widely celebrated in Korea, often featured in historical documentaries and educational materials to showcase Korea's scientific and cultural heritage.
Editorial note
We review entries like 직지심체요절 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
직지심체요절 인쇄
Jikji Simche Yojeol printing
세계 기록 유산 직지
Jikji, a Memory of the World
직지 박물관
Jikji Museum
Related Expressions
금속 활자
geumsok hwalja
metal movable type
인쇄술
insaesul
printing technology
유네스코
yunesco
UNESCO
백운화상
baegun hwasang
Monk Baegun (compiler of Jikji)
More Korean History Words
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