Korean Dictionary
How to say "Legal Precedent" in Korean
“Legal Precedent” in Korean is 판례 (pronounced "Panrye").
판례
Panrye
Usage & Context
A court decision that serves as an example for future cases. Legal precedents in South Korea guide judicial decisions.
Example Sentence
판례는 법원의 결정을 안내합니다.
Legal precedents guide court decisions.
How to use 판례 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Legal Precedent” is 판례, romanized as Panrye.
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 판례.
Pronunciation Guide
판 (pan) sounds like 'pahn' in 'panther'. 례 (rye) sounds like 'rye' in 'rye bread', but the 'r' is a soft 'l' sound for English speakers, so it's closer to 'lye'. The stress is typically on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
A lawyer discussing the potential impact of a court case.
이 사건은 중요한 판례로 남을 것입니다.
This case will remain an important legal precedent.
Describing a lawyer's research process for a case.
변호사는 유사한 판례를 찾아 변론을 준비했어요.
The lawyer found similar precedents to prepare the defense.
Citing a legal basis for an action or judgment.
대법원 판례에 따르면, 그 행위는 불법입니다.
According to the Supreme Court precedent, that action is illegal.
Cultural Context
While South Korea is primarily a civil law system, meaning statutes are the primary source of law, the role of 판례 (legal precedent) from higher courts, especially the Supreme Court (대법원), is extremely significant. Lower courts generally follow these precedents, and lawyers heavily rely on them in their arguments. Discussions about landmark 판례 often appear in legal dramas and news, showcasing their impact on legal interpretation and societal norms.
Editorial note
We review entries like 판례 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
판례를 따르다
To follow precedent
판례를 인용하다
To cite a precedent
판례 변경
Change of precedent
Related Expressions
선례
Seonrye
Precedent (general term)
판결
Pangyeol
Ruling, judgment
법률
Beomnyul
Law, statute
대법원
Daebuwon
Supreme Court
More Law & Government Words
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