겸손하다 en 30 segundos
- 겸손하다 means to be humble or modest, avoiding boasting and showing respect by lowering one's importance in social interactions.
- It is a core Korean virtue rooted in Confucianism, often seen when people deflect compliments to maintain social harmony.
- Commonly used to describe celebrities, leaders, or polite individuals who don't take full credit for their successes.
- Grammatically, it is an adjective (descriptive verb) that can be conjugated to describe people or used adverbially as '겸손하게'.
The Korean adjective 겸손하다 (gyeom-son-ha-da) is a cornerstone of Korean social ethics, deeply rooted in Confucian philosophy. It translates to 'to be humble' or 'to be modest,' but its cultural weight is much heavier than its English counterparts. In a society that values hierarchy and collective harmony, being gyeom-son is not just a personality trait; it is a vital social skill. It refers to the act of not boasting about one's achievements, abilities, or status, and instead showing a respectful and lowered posture toward others.
- Core Concept
- The essence of being humble in Korea involves 'lowering oneself' (자기를 낮추다) to elevate the other person. This is often manifested through the rejection of compliments.
그는 성공했지만 항상 겸손하다. (Even though he is successful, he is always humble.)
You will encounter this word most frequently when people are describing someone's character or when someone is being praised. For instance, if you compliment a Korean person on their language skills, and they reply with "아니에요, 아직 부족해요" (No, I'm still lacking), they are practicing 겸손. It is considered slightly rude or arrogant to simply say "Thank you" to a compliment in many traditional Korean contexts, as it implies you agree with the high praise. Instead, gyeom-son dictates that you should deflect the praise toward luck, teamwork, or the help of others.
- Social Function
- Humility serves as a social lubricant. It prevents jealousy among peers and shows respect to elders or superiors. It is the opposite of 'geoman-hada' (거만하다), which means to be arrogant or haughty.
The word is composed of the Hanja 謙 (gyeom) meaning 'humble' and 遜 (son) meaning 'yield' or 'modest.' Together, they create a picture of someone who yields their position or credit to others. This is why you'll see this word used in news articles about philanthropists who donate anonymously or athletes who attribute their victory to their coach and fans rather than their own talent.
진정으로 실력 있는 사람은 겸손한 법이다. (A truly talented person is bound to be humble.)
Using 겸손하다 correctly involves understanding its role as a descriptive verb (adjective). In Korean, adjectives function much like verbs, meaning they can be the predicate of a sentence without the need for an additional 'to be' verb. You can conjugate it into various politeness levels depending on your audience.
- Grammar Pattern: Adjective + ㄴ/은
- To describe a noun, use the form 겸손한. For example, '겸손한 사람' (a humble person).
그녀는 겸손한 태도로 인터뷰에 응했다. (She responded to the interview with a humble attitude.)
When you want to tell someone to be humble, you use the imperative form. However, since it is an adjective, you often use the auxiliary verb '-해지다' (to become) or '-게 행동하다' (to act in a way). For example, '겸손해지세요' (Please become humble/be humble) or '겸손하게 행동하세요' (Act humbly). The adverbial form is 겸손하게, which modifies verbs of action.
- Polite Conjugations
- Informal Polite: 겸손해요
Formal Polite: 겸손합니다
Honorific: 겸손하세요
너무 겸손하실 필요 없어요. (You don't need to be so humble.)
In more complex sentences, you might see it paired with connectors like '-지만' (but) or '-어서' (because). For example: '그는 똑똑하지만 겸손해서 인기가 많아요' (Because he is smart but humble, he is popular). Notice how the adjective provides the reason for his popularity. Using 겸손하다 in this way highlights a contrast between a positive quality (being smart) and a potentially negative social outcome (being arrogant), which is avoided through humility.
In South Korea, you will hear 겸손하다 in a variety of settings, ranging from everyday conversations to high-stakes televised events. One of the most common places is during award ceremonies. When a famous actor or K-pop idol wins a Daesang (Grand Prize), their speech is almost always an exercise in gyeom-son. They will say things like, 'I don't deserve this,' or 'This belongs to the staff.' Fans and news outlets will then describe them as '겸손한 스타' (a humble star).
그 가수는 인기가 아주 많은데도 정말 겸손해요. (That singer is very popular, but they are really humble.)
Another frequent context is in the workplace. Superiors often praise subordinates by saying they are 겸손하다 if the subordinate doesn't take all the credit for a project. Conversely, if a new employee is too confident, older colleagues might whisper that they need to learn how to be more gyeom-son. It's a key metric in 'Inseong' (character) evaluations in Korea.
- Media Usage
- In variety shows like 'Running Man' or 'Hangout with Yoo,' cast members often tease each other for failing to be humble. If someone brags, others will jokingly say, '겸손 좀 해라!' (Have some humility!).
You will also hear it in educational settings. Teachers often use the proverb '벼는 익을수록 고개를 숙인다' (The more the rice ripens, the lower it bows) to teach students that as they become more knowledgeable and successful, they should become even more 겸손하다. This metaphor is deeply ingrained in the Korean psyche, and the word gyeom-son is the literal adjective used to describe that 'bowing' state of mind.
어른들 앞에서는 항상 겸손해야 한다고 배웠어요. (I learned that I should always be humble in front of elders.)
For English speakers learning Korean, the most common mistake with 겸손하다 is not about grammar, but about social timing and nuance. In Western cultures, accepting a compliment with a simple 'Thank you' is polite. In Korea, doing so can sometimes make you appear not 겸손. However, the mistake many learners make is over-denying their skills to the point of sounding insincere or making the other person feel awkward.
- Mistake: Confusing with 'Shy'
- Learners often use 겸손하다 when they mean 내성적이다 (introverted) or 부끄럽다 (shy). Humility is a choice of character, whereas shyness is a feeling of discomfort.
Incorrect: 저는 낯을 가려서 겸손해요. (I am humble because I am shy with strangers.)
Correct: 저는 낯을 가려서 부끄러워요.
Another common error is using 겸손하다 to describe something that is simply 'small' or 'unpretentious' in size, like a house. In English, we might say 'a humble abode.' In Korean, gyeom-son is strictly for human character or attitudes. For a small/modest house, you would use words like 소박하다 (simple/plain) or 아담하다 (cozy/small).
Lastly, be careful with the word 비굴하다 (bigul-hada). While 겸손하다 is a positive trait of lowering oneself out of respect, 비굴하다 means to be servile or cringing in a cowardly way. Mixing these up can change a compliment into an insult. True humility comes from a place of strength and confidence, not from a lack of self-worth.
While 겸손하다 is the standard term for 'humble,' there are several other words that cover similar ground or offer different nuances. Understanding these will help you sound more natural in various contexts.
- 겸손하다 vs. 소박하다
- 겸손하다 is about attitude and personality. 소박하다 is about a lifestyle or appearance that is simple, plain, and not flashy. You can have a 소박한 meal, but a 겸손한 attitude.
- 겸손하다 vs. 겸허하다
- 겸허하다 (gyeom-heo-hada) is a more formal and deeper version of humility. It often implies a state of being open-minded and ready to accept criticism or new ideas. You might '겸허하게 받아들이다' (humbly accept) a result or advice.
결과를 겸허하게 수용하겠습니다. (I will humbly accept the results.)
If you want to describe someone who doesn't like to show off, you can use 자랑하지 않다 (does not boast) or 드러내지 않다 (does not reveal/expose oneself). These are more descriptive of behavior. Another high-level term is 하심 (ha-sim), a Buddhist term meaning 'lowering the mind,' often used in spiritual or meditative contexts.
In summary, while 겸손하다 is your go-to word for the general trait of humility, use 소박하다 for things and lifestyles, and 겸허하다 for a more solemn, formal acceptance of reality or feedback. Choosing the right one shows a deep understanding of Korean social dynamics.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
In ancient texts, 'gyeom-son' was often paired with rituals of bowing. The character 謙 (gyeom) contains the 'speech' radical (言), suggesting that true humility starts with how one speaks about oneself.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing 'gyeom' as 'geum' (losing the 'y' sound).
- Pronouncing 'son' like 'soon' (the vowel should be 'o' as in 'go').
- Over-emphasizing the 'h' in 'hada' (it's often slightly weakened in fast speech).
- Pronouncing 'da' with a hard 'T' sound.
- Failing to aspirate the 'h' at all, making it sound like 'gyeom-son-ada'.
Nivel de dificultad
The word is common in literature and news, making it easy to recognize.
Requires understanding of adjective conjugation and adverbial forms.
The challenge lies in knowing *when* to be humble according to social norms.
Distinct pronunciation makes it easy to hear in speech.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Adjective + ㄴ/은 (Noun modifier)
겸손한 사람 (A humble person)
Adjective + 게 (Adverbial form)
겸손하게 말하다 (To speak humbly)
Adjective + 아/어 보이다 (To look like)
그는 참 겸손해 보여요. (He looks very humble.)
Adjective + 아/어지다 (To become)
나이가 들수록 더 겸손해졌어요. (I became humbler as I got older.)
-(으)ㄹ수록 (The more...)
유명할수록 더 겸손해야 해요. (The more famous you are, the more humble you should be.)
Ejemplos por nivel
우리 선생님은 정말 겸손해요.
Our teacher is really humble.
겸손해요 is the informal polite present tense.
그는 인기가 많지만 겸손합니다.
He is popular but humble.
겸손합니다 is the formal polite present tense.
겸손한 사람이 좋아요.
I like humble people.
겸손한 is the adjective form modifying the noun 사람.
그 선수는 아주 겸손해요.
That athlete is very humble.
Adjective + 어요/아요 pattern.
너무 겸손하지 마세요.
Don't be too humble.
-지 마세요 is the 'don't do' imperative.
겸손은 좋은 거예요.
Humility is a good thing.
겸손 is the noun form.
그녀는 항상 겸손하게 말해요.
She always speaks humbly.
겸손하게 is the adverbial form.
지수는 정말 겸손한 친구예요.
Jisu is a really humble friend.
Noun + 이에요/예요.
성공한 후에도 겸손하기는 어려워요.
It is difficult to be humble even after succeeding.
-기는 어렵다 means 'it is difficult to...'
겸손한 태도로 질문에 대답했어요.
He answered the questions with a humble attitude.
겸손한 태도 (humble attitude).
그는 자기 자랑을 안 하는 겸손한 사람이에요.
He is a humble person who doesn't brag about himself.
-ㄴ/은 modifier with a relative clause.
우리 부모님은 항상 겸손하라고 말씀하세요.
My parents always tell me to be humble.
-(으)라고 말하다 is indirect imperative.
겸손하게 행동하는 것이 중요해요.
Acting humbly is important.
-는 것 is the nominalizing suffix.
그 배우는 정말 겸손해서 인기가 많아요.
That actor is very popular because they are humble.
-아서/어서 indicates a reason.
겸손한 마음을 가지세요.
Please have a humble heart.
-(으)세요 is the polite imperative.
그녀의 겸손한 성격이 마음에 들어요.
I like her humble personality.
Possessive marker '의'.
그는 자신의 능력을 뽐내지 않고 겸손하게 처신했다.
He behaved humbly without showing off his abilities.
처신하다 means to behave or conduct oneself.
진정한 리더는 겸손할 줄 알아야 합니다.
A true leader must know how to be humble.
-(으)ㄹ 줄 알아야 한다 (must know how to).
그의 겸손함은 모든 사람에게 귀감이 된다.
His humility serves as a model for everyone.
귀감이 되다 means to be a role model/exemplar.
한국 사회에서는 겸손이 최고의 미덕 중 하나예요.
In Korean society, humility is one of the highest virtues.
중 하나 (one of...).
칭찬을 들었을 때 겸손하게 대처하는 법을 배웠어요.
I learned how to respond humbly when receiving praise.
-는 법 (the way/method of).
그는 너무 겸손해서 때로는 자신감이 없어 보이기도 해요.
He is so humble that sometimes he even looks like he lacks confidence.
-아/어 보이다 (to look like/appear to be).
겸손한 사람은 남의 말을 잘 듣습니다.
A humble person listens well to others.
남의 말 (others' words).
실력이 있을수록 더 겸손해져야 합니다.
The more skill you have, the more humble you should become.
-(으)ㄹ수록 (the more... the more...).
그는 명성을 얻었음에도 불구하고 여전히 겸손하다.
Despite having gained fame, he is still humble.
-음에도 불구하고 (despite the fact that).
지나친 겸손은 때때로 상대방을 불편하게 만들 수 있습니다.
Excessive humility can sometimes make the other person feel uncomfortable.
지나친 (excessive).
그의 말 한마디 한마디에는 겸손이 묻어 있었다.
Humility was evident in every single word he spoke.
묻어 있다 (to be stained/embedded/evident).
겸손한 자세로 끊임없이 배우려는 노력이 필요합니다.
An effort to constantly learn with a humble posture is necessary.
-려는 노력 (effort to...).
그는 자신의 공로를 동료들에게 돌리는 겸손함을 보였다.
He showed humility by giving credit for his achievements to his colleagues.
공로를 돌리다 (to give credit/attribute merit).
솔직히 말해서, 그의 겸손은 가식처럼 느껴질 때가 있어요.
To be honest, there are times when his humility feels like a pretense.
-ㄴ/은/는 것처럼 느껴지다 (to feel like...).
겸손함은 인간관계에서 신뢰를 쌓는 밑거름이 됩니다.
Humility serves as the foundation for building trust in human relationships.
밑거름 (foundation/manure - metaphor for basis).
그는 권위적인 위치에 있음에도 항상 겸손하게 아랫사람을 대한다.
Despite being in an authoritative position, he always treats his subordinates humbly.
아랫사람 (subordinate/junior).
벼는 익을수록 고개를 숙인다는 말처럼, 그는 지위가 높을수록 더 겸손해졌다.
Like the saying that the more rice ripens, the lower it bows, he became humbler as his status rose.
-는다는 말처럼 (just like the saying that...).
그의 겸손은 비굴함과는 질적으로 다른 숭고한 정신의 발현이었다.
His humility was a manifestation of a noble spirit, qualitatively different from servility.
발현 (manifestation).
학문적 성취가 깊어질수록 자신의 무지를 깨닫고 겸손해지기 마련이다.
As academic achievement deepens, one is bound to realize their ignorance and become humble.
-기 마련이다 (to be bound to/it's natural that...).
그는 겸손을 가장한 오만함을 경계해야 한다고 강조했다.
He emphasized that one must be wary of arrogance disguised as humility.
가장하다 (to disguise/pretend).
자기 객관화가 잘 된 사람일수록 겸손한 태도를 유지하기 쉽다.
The more a person is good at self-objectification, the easier it is to maintain a humble attitude.
자기 객관화 (self-objectification).
그의 겸손한 성품은 가문 대대로 내려오는 엄격한 교육의 산물이다.
His humble character is the product of strict education passed down through generations of his family.
산물 (product/result).
그는 비판을 겸허하게 수용하며 자신의 부족함을 채워 나갔다.
He humbly accepted criticism and continued to fill in his shortcomings.
채워 나가다 (to continue to fill/complete).
진정한 겸손은 자신을 낮추는 것이 아니라, 자신에 대한 생각을 덜 하는 것이다.
True humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.
A-이/가 아니라 B-이다 (Not A but B).
그의 겸손은 단순한 처세술을 넘어선, 실존적 고뇌와 성찰의 결과물이었다.
His humility was a result of existential anguish and reflection, going beyond simple social tactics.
처세술 (social tactics/skill in getting on in the world).
동양의 겸손 미학은 서구의 자기 확신 중심적 사고와는 궤를 달리한다.
The Eastern aesthetics of humility follow a different path from the Western self-confidence-centered thinking.
궤를 달리하다 (to take a different path/be different in nature).
그는 권력의 정점에 서서도 겸손의 끈을 놓지 않음으로써 대중의 존경을 한 몸에 받았다.
By not letting go of the thread of humility even at the peak of power, he received the full respect of the public.
한 몸에 받다 (to receive all to oneself/be the sole recipient).
문학 작품 속에서 겸손은 종종 비극적 결말을 예고하는 복선으로 작용하기도 한다.
In literary works, humility often functions as a foreshadowing of a tragic ending.
복선 (foreshadowing).
그는 자신의 업적을 시대의 조류에 돌리는 겸손한 역사관을 견지했다.
He maintained a humble view of history, attributing his achievements to the trends of the times.
견지하다 (to maintain/hold - a position or view).
겸손이 자기 비하로 변질될 때, 그것은 더 이상 미덕이 아닌 독이 된다.
When humility degenerates into self-deprecation, it is no longer a virtue but a poison.
변질되다 (to degenerate/spoil).
그의 겸손한 풍모는 보는 이로 하여금 절로 고개를 숙이게 만드는 힘이 있었다.
His humble appearance had the power to make onlookers bow their heads naturally.
절로 (naturally/of its own accord).
진정으로 겸손한 자는 자신의 겸손함조차 의식하지 않는 경지에 이른다.
A truly humble person reaches a stage where they are not even conscious of their own humility.
경지에 이르다 (to reach a stage/level).
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— You are being too humble. Used to counter someone's modest denial of praise.
A: 한국어 정말 잘하시네요! B: 아니에요. A: 겸손의 말씀입니다.
— To be excessively humble. Often used when someone is being too modest to the point of awkwardness.
겸손이 지나치면 오히려 실례가 될 수 있어요.
— To pretend to be humble. Used when someone's humility feels fake.
그는 겸손한 척하지만 속으로는 자랑하고 싶어 해요.
— To act humbly. Often used in an informal or slightly negative sense (like 'don't act all humble now').
갑자기 왜 이렇게 겸손하게 구니?
— For a humble person... Used to start a sentence describing a common trait of humble people.
겸손한 사람치고 나쁜 사람은 없어요.
— To 'shake out' humility (colloquial). Similar to 'acting humble' but with a more sarcastic or informal tone.
야, 겸손 좀 떨지 마. 너 잘하는 거 다 알아.
— An expression of humility. Used to explain why someone said something modest.
그의 말은 단순한 겸손의 표현일 뿐이에요.
— To accept something (like an award or criticism) humbly.
그는 패배를 겸손하게 받아들였습니다.
— To maintain one's humility.
어떤 상황에서도 겸손을 지키는 것이 어렵다.
— Humility is a must/essential.
한국에서 직장 생활을 하려면 겸손은 필수다.
Se confunde a menudo con
Means 'introverted'. Someone can be introverted but not necessarily humble, or vice versa.
Means 'servile/cringing'. Humility is a virtue; servility is a lack of self-respect.
Means 'simple/plain'. Used for objects or lifestyles, while 겸손하다 is for personality.
Modismos y expresiones
— The more the rice ripens, the lower it bows. This means the more successful or knowledgeable a person is, the more humble they should be.
부장님이 저렇게 친절하신 걸 보니 '벼는 익을수록 고개를 숙인다'는 말이 딱 맞네요.
Proverb/Formal— To lower oneself. Acting with humility and respect toward others.
자신을 낮추는 태도가 진정한 용기다.
Neutral— An empty cart makes more noise. This is the opposite of humility—people with no real skill or knowledge brag the most.
그는 말만 많고 실력은 없으니 '빈 수레가 요란하다'는 말이 어울려요.
Proverb— To bow one's head. Symbolizes humility, submission, or admitting a mistake.
그는 자신의 잘못을 깨닫고 겸손하게 고개를 숙였다.
Neutral— With a low posture. Approaching a task or relationship with great humility and readiness to serve.
새 시장은 낮은 자세로 시민의 목소리를 듣겠다고 약속했다.
Political/Formal— To kneel. While it can mean defeat, in a context of humility, it means complete submission or deep respect.
그는 진리 앞에서 겸손하게 무릎을 꿇었다.
Literary— To lower one's body. To act inconspicuously or humbly, especially during a crisis or when starting something new.
지금은 몸을 낮추고 때를 기다려야 할 때입니다.
Neutral— To save one's words. To be humble and cautious in speech, not bragging or talking too much.
그는 자신의 성과에 대해 말을 아끼는 겸손한 사람이다.
Neutral— To return the merit. To give credit to others instead of taking it for oneself.
그는 모든 공을 팀원들에게 돌리는 겸손함을 보였다.
Formal— To start from the bottom. Often implies a humble beginning and a humble attitude throughout the journey.
그는 회장의 아들이지만 밑바닥부터 시작하는 겸손함을 가졌다.
NeutralFácil de confundir
Both involve looking down or acting shy.
부끄럽다 is a feeling of shame or shyness. 겸손하다 is a deliberate character trait of modesty.
칭찬을 받아서 부끄러워요 (I feel shy because of the praise) vs. 그는 칭찬을 받아도 겸손해요 (He stays humble even when praised).
Extremely similar meaning.
겸허하다 is more formal and implies a deep, philosophical readiness to accept truth or criticism.
패배를 겸허하게 받아들였다.
Both involve respect.
공손하다 is specifically about 'politeness' and 'manners' (outward behavior), while 겸손하다 is about 'humility' (inner attitude).
그는 어른들께 공손하게 인사했다.
Humility can sometimes look like a lack of confidence to outsiders.
Humility is choosing not to brag; lack of confidence is doubting one's own ability.
그는 겸손한 것이지 자신감이 없는 게 아니에요.
Both can involve not speaking up.
소심하다 means 'timid' or 'small-minded'. 겸손하다 is a positive, strong trait.
소심해서 말을 못 하는 것과 겸손해서 말을 아끼는 것은 다르다.
Patrones de oraciones
[Person]은/는 정말 겸손해요.
우리 아빠는 정말 겸손해요.
[Person]은/는 겸손한 사람이에요.
그는 아주 겸손한 사람이에요.
[Person]은/는 [Success]에도 불구하고 겸손하다.
그녀는 부자임에도 불구하고 겸손하다.
겸손한 태도로 [Action]하는 것이 중요하다.
겸손한 태도로 질문에 답하는 것이 중요하다.
겸손은 [Virtue]의 근본이다.
겸손은 모든 미덕의 근본이다.
[Idiom]처럼 [Person]은/는 갈수록 겸손해진다.
벼는 익을수록 고개를 숙인다는 말처럼 그는 갈수록 겸손해진다.
너무 겸손해 하지 마세요.
정말 잘하셨으니까 너무 겸손해 하지 마세요.
겸손하게 [Verb]하다.
겸손하게 승리를 기뻐하다.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Very high in social descriptions and formal praise.
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Using '겸손하다' for objects.
→
소박하다 / 아담하다
You cannot have a '겸손한 차' (humble car). Only people or their attitudes can be humble in Korean.
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Saying '저는 겸손한 사람입니다' in an interview.
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저는 항상 배우려는 자세를 가지고 있습니다.
Calling yourself humble is not humble. It's better to describe your actions that *show* humility.
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Confusing '겸손하다' with '비굴하다'.
→
겸손하다
Being humble (positive) is not the same as being servile or groveling (negative).
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Pronouncing '겸손' as '검손'.
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겸손 [gyeom-son]
Make sure to include the 'y' sound in 'gyeom'. 'Geom' means black or sword.
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Using '겸손하다' to mean 'shy' (introverted).
→
내성적이다
A person can be very outgoing and social but still be humble about their achievements.
Consejos
Compliment Deflection
When someone praises you, don't just say 'Thank you' (고마워요). Instead, use a humble deflection like '아니에요, 별말씀을요' to sound more like a native speaker.
Adverbial Use
Use '겸손하게' when you want to describe *how* someone is doing something, like speaking, acting, or accepting an award.
Hanja Power
Remembering 謙 (Gyeom) will help you learn other words like '겸양' (modesty) and '겸허' (humility).
The Rice Proverb
Mentioning the proverb '벼는 익을수록 고개를 숙인다' in a conversation about a respected person will greatly impress Koreans with your cultural knowledge.
Interview Strategy
In a Korean interview, use '겸손한 자세로' to express your willingness to learn and work hard within a team.
Humility vs. Shyness
Don't say you are '겸손하다' if you are just shy. Use '부끄럽다' for feelings and '겸손하다' for character.
Tone Matters
Listen for the honorific '겸손하세요'—it's a very high compliment when an elder says it to a younger person.
Character Building
When writing a character profile, use '겸손하다' to indicate the hero is likable and relatable.
Avoid Self-Praise
Never use '겸손하다' to describe yourself in a bragging way. It's a word mostly used by others to describe you.
Antonym Practice
Practice '겸손하다' and '거만하다' together as a pair to lock in the meaning of both.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of 'Gyeom-Son' as 'GIVE-SON'. A humble father 'gives' the credit to his 'son' instead of taking it himself.
Asociación visual
Imagine a rice plant (벼) heavy with grain, bowing its head toward the ground. The more it has inside (knowledge/success), the lower it bows (겸손).
Word Web
Desafío
Try to compliment a Korean friend today. When they respond modestly, say: '참 겸손하시네요!' (You are truly humble!)
Origen de la palabra
Derived from the Hanja characters 謙 (겸) and 遜 (손). 謙 (gyeom) means 'to be humble' or 'to speak modestly,' while 遜 (son) means 'to yield' or 'to be modest.'
Significado original: The original meaning in Classical Chinese was to yield one's position or merit to others out of respect and self-restraint.
Sino-Korean (Hanja-derived vocabulary).Contexto cultural
Be careful not to mistake humility for a lack of confidence. A Korean person might be very confident in their skills but will still speak '겸손하게' to show respect.
In English-speaking cultures, self-confidence and 'owning' one's success are often encouraged. In Korea, this can be seen as '거만하다' (arrogant) if not balanced with '겸손'.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Receiving a compliment
- 아니에요, 겸손의 말씀입니다.
- 아직 부족합니다.
- 과찬이십니다.
- 운이 좋았을 뿐이에요.
Describing a role model
- 정말 겸손한 분이세요.
- 본받고 싶은 겸손함이에요.
- 실력만큼 겸손도 최고예요.
- 겸손한 자세가 인상적이에요.
Job Interviews
- 겸손한 자세로 배우겠습니다.
- 제 성과는 팀원들 덕분입니다.
- 겸손하게 소통하겠습니다.
- 부족한 점을 채워 나가겠습니다.
Parenting/Education
- 항상 겸손해야 한다.
- 자랑하는 건 좋지 않아.
- 겸손은 가장 큰 무기란다.
- 남을 존중하고 자신을 낮추렴.
Sports/Competitions
- 상대 팀이 잘했지만 운이 좋았습니다.
- 겸손하게 다음 경기를 준비하겠습니다.
- 승리에 취하지 않고 겸손하겠습니다.
- 모든 공은 감독님께 돌립니다.
Inicios de conversación
"한국에서는 왜 겸손한 태도가 그렇게 중요한가요?"
"당신이 아는 사람 중에 가장 겸손한 사람은 누구인가요?"
"칭찬을 받았을 때 어떻게 겸손하게 대답하면 좋을까요?"
"겸손함과 자신감 사이의 균형을 어떻게 맞출 수 있을까요?"
"때로는 너무 겸손한 것이 단점이 될 수도 있을까요?"
Temas para diario
오늘 하루 동안 내가 겸손하게 행동했던 순간은 언제였나요? 그때 어떤 기분이 들었나요?
내가 생각하는 '진정한 겸손'의 정의는 무엇인지 써 보세요.
성공했을 때 오만해지지 않고 겸손을 유지하기 위한 나만의 방법은 무엇인가요?
겸손한 태도가 나의 인간관계에 어떤 긍정적인 영향을 미쳤는지 기록해 보세요.
'벼는 익을수록 고개를 숙인다'는 속담을 나의 삶에 어떻게 적용할 수 있을까요?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is grammatically correct ('저는 겸손합니다'), but culturally awkward. Saying you are humble is technically a form of bragging about your virtue, which contradicts the meaning. It is better to say 'I try to be humble' ('겸손하려고 노력합니다') or let others describe you that way.
The most standard response is '아니에요' (No, it's not) followed by '아직 부족합니다' (I'm still lacking) or '과찬이십니다' (You flatter me too much). This shows you are '겸손하다'.
No. In English, we say 'a humble home,' but in Korean, '겸손하다' is only for human character or attitudes. For a small or simple home, use '소박하다' or '아담하다'.
Generally, yes. However, in modern global business contexts, some younger Koreans feel that being *too* humble can sometimes lead to missed opportunities. Nevertheless, it remains a highly respected trait.
The most direct opposite is '거만하다' (arrogant). Other opposites include '교만하다' (proud/haughty) and '자랑하다' (to boast).
You can say '항상 겸손하세요' (Always be humble) or '겸손함을 잃지 마세요' (Don't lose your humility).
While it is a core Confucian value, it is also highly emphasized in Korean Buddhism (as '하심') and Korean Christianity. It is a universal virtue in Korean culture.
It means 'to act humble.' The verb '굴다' often gives it a slightly more active or behavioral nuance, sometimes used when someone is suddenly acting humble when they weren't before.
In Korean, fake humility is called '가식' (gasik). You can tell by their actions over time. A truly humble person ('진정으로 겸손한 사람') is consistent and respects everyone regardless of status.
Yes, often. Apologizing even for small things or taking responsibility for team failures is a way of showing '겸손' and taking a 'low posture' to maintain public favor.
Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas
Write a sentence using '겸손한 태도' (humble attitude).
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How would you respond humbly if someone says 'Your Korean is amazing!'?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen and identify the word: [Audio of '겸손']
Translate: 'A true leader knows how to be humble.'
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Write a sentence describing a famous humble person.
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Translate: 'He is humble despite his wealth.'
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Write a sentence using '겸손해지다'.
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Describe a humble teacher in Korean.
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Write: 'Please be humble.' (Formal)
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Translate: 'Don't brag, stay humble.'
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Write: 'He is a really humble friend.'
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Translate: 'Excessive humility is not good.'
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Write a sentence using '겸손하게 말하다'.
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Write: 'He is humble but confident.'
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Translate: 'I want to be a humble person.'
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Write a sentence using '지나친 겸손'.
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Translate: 'Learning requires a humble attitude.'
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Write: 'He always acts humbly.'
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Translate: 'A humble person is wise.'
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Write: 'I learned humility from my parents.'
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Translate: 'He is humble despite his fame.'
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Write: 'Always stay humble.'
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Translate: 'I am trying to be humble.'
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Write: 'He is the most humble person I know.'
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Translate: 'I am proud of his humility.'
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Translate: 'True humility comes from the heart.'
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Write: 'He is humble but talented.'
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/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 겸손하다 (humble) is more than just 'modesty'; it is an active social strategy in Korea to show respect and avoid appearing arrogant. For example, if someone praises your work, responding with '아직 멀었습니다' (I still have a long way to go) is a classic expression of being 겸손하다.
- 겸손하다 means to be humble or modest, avoiding boasting and showing respect by lowering one's importance in social interactions.
- It is a core Korean virtue rooted in Confucianism, often seen when people deflect compliments to maintain social harmony.
- Commonly used to describe celebrities, leaders, or polite individuals who don't take full credit for their successes.
- Grammatically, it is an adjective (descriptive verb) that can be conjugated to describe people or used adverbially as '겸손하게'.
Compliment Deflection
When someone praises you, don't just say 'Thank you' (고마워요). Instead, use a humble deflection like '아니에요, 별말씀을요' to sound more like a native speaker.
Adverbial Use
Use '겸손하게' when you want to describe *how* someone is doing something, like speaking, acting, or accepting an award.
Hanja Power
Remembering 謙 (Gyeom) will help you learn other words like '겸양' (modesty) and '겸허' (humility).
The Rice Proverb
Mentioning the proverb '벼는 익을수록 고개를 숙인다' in a conversation about a respected person will greatly impress Koreans with your cultural knowledge.
Contenido relacionado
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Más palabras de society
수용하다
B2Aceptar, acoger o dar cabida. Se usa para ideas, críticas o la capacidad de un edificio.
성인
A1Un adulto; una persona que ha alcanzado la mayoría de edad.
선진화
B1El proceso de modernización para alcanzar el nivel de las naciones desarrolladas.
가중되다
B2La carga de trabajo se agravó después de que dos colegas renunciaran. (The workload was aggravated after two colleagues resigned.)
지향
B2El acto de apuntar hacia una cierta dirección o estado ideal.
소외
B2El estado de estar aislado o excluido de un grupo o sociedad; alienación. 'Se siente una gran alienación (소외감) en las grandes ciudades.'
또한
A1Además; asimismo. Se utiliza para añadir información en contextos formales o escritos.
대안
B2Un plan, propuesta u opción que puede reemplazar a uno existente, generalmente para resolver un problema. El gobierno debe presentar una alternativa a esta ley.
비록
A1Aunque; a pesar de que. Se usa para conectar ideas opuestas.
도래
B1La llegada o el comienzo de un período, evento o era significativa.
