Korean Dictionary
How to say "Monk" in Korean
“Monk” in Korean is 스님 (pronounced "Seunim").
스님
Seunim
Usage & Context
Monks are ordained Buddhist practitioners who dedicate their lives to spiritual practice. Korean monks live in temples and are respected members of Buddhist communities.
Example Sentence
스님은 사찰에서 명상합니다.
The monk meditates in the temple.
How to use 스님 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Monk” is 스님, romanized as Seunim.
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 스님.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, '스' (seu), sounds like 'soo' in 'soon' but with a slightly tighter, unrounded 'u' sound. The second syllable, '님' (nim), rhymes with 'nim' in 'nimble'. Combine them for 'soo-nim', with fairly even stress.
More Example Sentences
Recalling a childhood memory of visiting a temple.
어릴 때 절에 가면 스님께서 항상 따뜻하게 맞아주셨어요.
When I was young, whenever I went to the temple, the monk always welcomed me warmly.
Describing a monk's expertise and wisdom.
이 스님은 불교 철학에 대해 깊은 지식을 가지고 계십니다.
This monk has deep knowledge of Buddhist philosophy.
Explaining a monk's role in spiritual guidance.
스님께서는 불자들에게 깨달음의 길을 가르치십니다.
The monk teaches the path to enlightenment to Buddhists.
Cultural Context
스님 (Seunim) is the honorific term for a Buddhist monk or nun in Korea, regardless of gender, though it's predominantly used for male monks. It is a deeply respectful term, and using any casual form would be considered highly offensive. In K-dramas, you might see characters visiting temples for solace or guidance, always showing utmost respect to the 스님.
Editorial note
We review entries like 스님 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
스님께 여쭤보다
To ask the monk (respectful)
스님 법문
Monk's sermon/dharma talk
스님 말씀
Monk's words/teachings
Related Expressions
승려
seungnyeo
Monk/Clergyman (general term, less honorific)
비구
bigu
Bhikkhu (male Buddhist monk, specific term)
비구니
biguni
Bhikkhuni (female Buddhist nun, specific term)
절
jeol
Temple (place where monks live)
More Religion Words
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