Korean Dictionary
How to say "Proposal" in Korean
“Proposal” in Korean is 청혼 (pronounced "cheonghon").
청혼
cheonghon
Usage & Context
The act of asking someone to marry you. A significant moment in Korean relationships, often planned carefully and celebrated with family.
Example Sentence
그는 그녀에게 청혼했다.
He proposed to her.
How to use 청혼 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Proposal” is 청혼, romanized as cheonghon.
Usage tip
Relationship words can sound too direct if the social context is wrong. Check the age, closeness, and formality before using it.
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 청혼.
Pronunciation Guide
'Cheong' (청) sounds like 'chong' (as in 'strong' but starting with 'ch'). 'Hon' (혼) sounds like 'hone' (as in 'honey' without the 'ey'). The 'eo' in '청' is like the 'o' in 'song'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
청혼합니다 / 청혼해요
cheonghonhamnida / cheonghonhaeyo
These are the formal/polite forms of the verb '청혼하다' (to propose). '청혼합니다' is more formal, '청혼해요' is polite and common.
Casual (반말)
청혼해
cheonghonhae
This is the casual form of the verb '청혼하다' (to propose), used among close friends or to subordinates.
More Example Sentences
Telling a story about a friend's romantic proposal.
그는 로맨틱한 장소에서 그녀에게 청혼했다.
He proposed to her in a romantic place.
Discussing wedding preparations with a family member.
청혼 반지를 준비했어요.
I prepared a proposal ring.
Narrating the outcome of a marriage proposal.
그녀는 그의 청혼을 받아들였다.
She accepted his proposal.
Cultural Context
Marriage proposals in Korea are often elaborate and significant events, sometimes involving friends and family, and frequently documented with photos or videos. While traditionally more conservative, modern proposals often feature grand gestures, romantic settings, and can even include flash mobs, influenced by K-dramas and Western media. The 'proposal ring' (청혼 반지) is a key element, similar to Western traditions.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 청혼 against age, closeness, and politeness rules, because a literal English match often misses the social meaning.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
청혼하다
To propose (verb form)
청혼 반지
Engagement ring / Proposal ring
청혼을 받다
To accept a proposal
Related Expressions
결혼
gyeollon
Marriage (related concept)
프러포즈
peureopojeu
Proposal (loanword, very common)
약혼
yakhon
Engagement (related stage)
결혼하다
gyeollonhada
To marry (verb)
More Relationships Words
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