Korean Dictionary
How to say "Respect for elders" in Korean
“Respect for elders” in Korean is 어른 존경 (pronounced "Eoreun jongyeong").
어른 존경
Eoreun jongyeong
Usage & Context
Showing deference to older people. Respect for elders is a core value in Korean culture.
Example Sentence
어른 존경은 한국 문화의 핵심입니다.
Respect for elders is core to Korean culture.
How to use 어른 존경 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Respect for elders” is 어른 존경, romanized as Eoreun jongyeong.
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 어른 존경.
Pronunciation Guide
For 어른 (Eoreun), 'Eo' is like the 'o' in 'song' but more open. 'Reun' is like 'rune' but with a softer 'r' sound, closer to an 'l' or 'd' sound for English speakers. For 존경 (Jongyeong), 'Jon' is like 'john.' 'Gyeong' is like 'gyung' in 'young' but with a 'g' sound at the start and a slightly more open 'eo' vowel. The stress is fairly even.
More Example Sentences
General statement about a core Korean cultural value.
한국에서는 어른 존경이 매우 중요하게 여겨져요.
In Korea, respect for elders is considered very important.
Explaining a specific cultural practice related to respect.
어른들께는 항상 존댓말을 써서 어른 존경을 표현해야 해요.
You should always use honorifics to elders to show respect for them.
Discussing parental duties in instilling cultural values.
부모님께 어른 존경을 가르치는 것이 우리의 역할이에요.
It's our role to teach our children respect for elders.
Cultural Context
'어른 존경' is a cornerstone of Korean culture, deeply rooted in Confucian traditions. This respect is demonstrated through various customs: using honorific language (존댓말), bowing, serving elders first, and refraining from speaking casually or directly challenging them. While modern society sees some shifts, the fundamental principle remains strong, influencing everything from family dynamics to workplace hierarchy. K-dramas often portray scenarios where characters navigate these social norms, sometimes humorously, sometimes dramatically, highlighting their enduring importance.
Editorial note
We review entries like 어른 존경 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
어른 존경심을 가지다
To have respect for elders
어른 존경을 표하다
To show respect for elders
어른을 공경하다
To revere/respect elders (more formal verb)
Related Expressions
효도
hyodo
Filial piety
존댓말
jondaetmal
Honorific language
예의
yeui
Etiquette, manners
윗사람
wit saram
One's senior/superior
More Parenting & Family Life Words
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