Korean Dictionary
How to say "Yebae (Respectful Bow)" in Korean
“Yebae (Respectful Bow)” in Korean is 세배 (pronounced "sebae").
세배
sebae
Usage & Context
세배 is the formal deep bow performed by younger Koreans to elders on 설날 (Lunar New Year). After performing 세배 the younger person typically receives 세뱃돈 (New Year cash gift) and a blessing from the elder. The ritual reinforces Confucian values of filial piety and respect for seniors in Korean society.
Example Sentence
새해 복 많이 받으세요! 세배 드려요.
Happy New Year! I perform the New Year bow.
How to use 세배 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Yebae (Respectful Bow)” is 세배, romanized as sebae.
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 세배.
Pronunciation Guide
세 (se) sounds like 'say' in English, but with a slightly softer 's' and a clear 'eh' sound. 배 (bae) sounds like 'bay'. Put them together: 'SAY-bay'. The stress is fairly even.
More Example Sentences
A grandchild recounts receiving their New Year's gift after performing the bow.
할머니께 세배하고 세뱃돈 받았어요.
I bowed to Grandma and received New Year's money.
Someone reminisces about their childhood memories of Seollal.
어릴 때는 세배하는 게 제일 신났어요.
When I was young, doing sebae was the most exciting part.
Explaining the cultural significance of sebae to a foreigner.
세배는 한국의 설날 문화를 대표하는 중요한 의식이에요.
Sebae is an important ritual representing Korea's Seollal culture.
Cultural Context
세배 is a cornerstone of Seollal (Lunar New Year) celebrations in Korea, embodying deep respect for elders. Younger family members perform this formal bow to their seniors, who then offer blessings and often 세뱃돈 (sebaetdon), or 'New Year's money.' This ritual reinforces Confucian values of filial piety and hierarchy, often seen in K-dramas where families gather for the holidays. It's a moment of intergenerational connection and gratitude.
Editorial note
We review entries like 세배 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
세배하다
To perform a New Year's bow
세배 드리다
To offer a New Year's bow (more polite)
세배 받다
To receive a New Year's bow
Related Expressions
절
jeol
A bow (general term)
큰절
keunjeol
A deep, formal bow (for special occasions)
세뱃돈
sebaetdon
New Year's money
설날
Seollal
Lunar New Year
More Holidays & Festivals Words
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