Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 adjective #3,000 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

성실하다

Top 3,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 성실하다 en 30 secondes

Explication 성실하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '성실하다' as a basic adjective to describe a 'good' and 'hardworking' person. Think of it as a step above just being 'nice.' You can use it in simple sentences like '그는 성실해요' (He is diligent). It's a useful word when you want to praise a friend or a classmate. Focus on the present tense and the basic 'A/V + 아요/어요' ending. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the deep Hanja meanings, just associate it with someone who always does their homework and arrives on time. You might hear this word in your first Korean classes when teachers talk about what makes a good student. It is one of the most common adjectives used to describe personality in introductory Korean textbooks, alongside words like '친절하다' (kind) and '똑똑하다' (smart). Practice saying it clearly: 'seong-sil-hae-yo.'

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the A2 level, you can start using '성실하다' to describe habits and routines. You should be able to use the adjective form '성실한' to modify nouns, such as '성실한 학생' (a diligent student) or '성실한 남동생' (a diligent younger brother). You will also begin to see the adverbial form '성실하게' used with verbs like '공부하다' (to study) or '일하다' (to work). For example, '저는 성실하게 공부해요' (I study diligently). This level introduces the idea that '성실하다' is a desirable trait in Korean society. You might encounter it in simple reading passages about daily routines or job descriptions. Understanding the difference between '부지런하다' (being busy/active) and '성실하다' (being sincere/faithful) begins to become important here, although the distinction is still subtle at this level. You should also be comfortable using it in the past tense: '그는 성실했습니다' (He was diligent).

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the B1 level, you should understand the deeper nuances of '성실하다' and its importance in Korean work and school culture. You will frequently encounter this word in '자기소개서' (self-introduction letters) for jobs or university applications. You should be able to explain *why* someone is 성실하다 using connecting particles like '-아/어서' or '-(으)니까'. For example, '저는 매일 아침 일찍 일어나니까 성실한 편이에요' (Since I wake up early every morning, I am on the diligent side). You should also be familiar with the noun form '성실성' (sincerity/diligence) and how it is used as a subject in sentences, such as '성실성이 중요해요' (Sincerity is important). At this stage, you are expected to use the word in more formal contexts, utilizing the '-ㅂ니다/습니다' ending. You should also recognize its opposite, '불성실하다', and be able to describe a situation where someone was not faithful to their duties.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use '성실하다' to discuss abstract concepts and social values. You will hear it in news reports, documentaries, and more complex literature. You should understand how '성실하다' relates to other Hanja-based words like '정직' (honesty), '책임감' (sense of responsibility), and '근면' (industry). You can use it to critique or praise complex character development in books or movies. For instance, you might discuss whether a character's success was due to their '성실함' or their '재능' (talent). You should also be comfortable using the word in various grammatical structures, such as '성실하다고 생각해요' (I think they are diligent) or '성실함에도 불구하고' (Despite being diligent...). At this level, you should also be aware of the word's usage in professional evaluations and how to provide specific evidence when claiming someone is '성실하다'.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of '성실하다' and its philosophical implications in a Confucian-influenced society. You can engage in deep debates about the '성실성' of public figures or the changing value of diligence in the modern 'gig economy.' You should understand the historical context of the word and how it has shaped the Korean work ethic (the 'Miracle on the Han River'). Your usage should be natural and include idiomatic expressions or collocations that involve sincerity. You should be able to distinguish '성실하다' from its near-synonyms like '착실하다', '신실하다', and '충실하다' with precision, choosing the exact word that fits the register and nuance of your conversation. You might also explore how the concept of '성실' is reflected in Korean proverbs or classical literature. Your ability to use the word should extend to writing formal essays or giving professional presentations where '성실성' is a central theme.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like intuition for '성실하다'. You understand the subtle socio-linguistic cues that dictate when to use this word versus more specialized terms. You can appreciate the word's use in high-level literature, legal documents, and philosophical treatises. You might analyze how the definition of '성실' has evolved from traditional agrarian society to the high-tech present. You can use the word to express irony, sarcasm, or deep poetic sentiment. For example, you could discuss the 'tragic sincerity' of a character who works diligently for a lost cause. You are also capable of discussing the Hanja '誠' (Seong) and '實' (Sil) in depth, explaining how each character contributes to the overall meaning of 'truth manifesting as reality.' Your mastery allows you to use '성실하다' and its derivatives in any context, from a casual chat to an academic lecture on Korean ethics, with perfect accuracy and stylistic flair.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

성실하다 en 30 secondes

성실하다 means being diligent, sincere, and faithful in your duties.
It is a highly respected character trait in Korean society and workplaces.
The word combines 'sincerity' (誠) and 'reality/fruit' (實) in its Hanja roots.
Commonly used to describe reliable students, employees, and trustworthy partners.

The Korean adjective 성실하다 (seong-sil-ha-da) is a cornerstone of Korean social and professional ethics. Rooted deeply in Confucian values, it represents a blend of diligence, integrity, and faithfulness. When you describe someone as 성실하다, you aren't just saying they work hard; you are making a profound statement about their character and reliability. It suggests that the person is consistent, honest, and can be trusted to fulfill their duties regardless of supervision. In Korean society, being called 성실한 사람 (a sincere/diligent person) is often considered one of the highest compliments a student, employee, or partner can receive.

Core Nuance: It encompasses more than just 'hard work'; it implies a moral commitment to one's tasks and a lack of deceit in one's efforts.

Cultural Weight: In South Korea's competitive education and job markets, '성실성' (sincerity/diligence) is often the primary criterion for evaluation, sometimes even outweighing raw talent.

그는 매일 아침 일찍 출근하는 아주 성실한 직원입니다.

Translation: He is a very diligent employee who comes to work early every morning.

The word is frequently used in formal evaluations, such as school report cards (생활기록부) and job performance reviews. It is also a key trait sought in romantic partners, as it implies stability and faithfulness. Unlike '부지런하다' (to be busy/industrious), which focuses on the speed or amount of activity, 성실하다 focuses on the quality of the heart and the consistency of the action over time. It is the opposite of being lazy (게으르다) or insincere (불성실하다).

학생은 공부를 성실하게 해야 합니다.

Translation: Students must study sincerely/diligently.

Social Context: Used in eulogies to honor a life lived with integrity and hard work, or in wedding speeches to describe the groom or bride's character.

제 남편은 가족을 위해 평생을 성실하게 살았습니다.

Translation: My husband lived his whole life sincerely for our family.

어떤 일을 맡기든 그는 항상 성실하다.

Translation: No matter what task is given, he is always diligent.

성공의 비결은 성실함에 있다.

Translation: The secret to success lies in sincerity/diligence.

Using 성실하다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical flexibility as a descriptive verb (adjective). It can be used to describe people, their attitudes, or the way they perform actions. Because it describes a state of character, it is most commonly used in the present tense to define someone's habitual nature. However, it can also be transformed into an adverb, 성실하게, to describe how an action is performed, or a noun, 성실성, to discuss the concept of sincerity itself.

Adjective Form (Describing People): Use '성실한' before a noun. Example: 성실한 학생 (A diligent student). This is the most common way to attribute this trait to someone.

그녀는 회사에서 가장 성실한 사원으로 뽑혔다.

Translation: She was chosen as the most diligent employee in the company.

Adverbial Form (Describing Actions): Use '성실하게' to describe how someone works or lives. Example: 성실하게 일하다 (To work diligently).

우리는 주어진 업무를 성실하게 수행해야 합니다.

Translation: We must perform the assigned tasks diligently.

Noun Form (The Abstract Concept): Use '성실성' or '성실함'. Example: 성실성이 부족하다 (To lack sincerity/diligence).

면접관들은 지원자의 성실성을 높게 평가했다.

Translation: The interviewers highly valued the applicant's sincerity/diligence.

작은 일에도 성실한 태도를 보여주세요.

Translation: Please show a diligent attitude even in small matters.

그는 성실하게 답변에 응했습니다.

Translation: He responded to the questions sincerely.

You will encounter 성실하다 in a wide variety of contexts, from highly formal settings to intimate personal conversations. It is a word that carries significant weight in defining one's social standing and reputation. In professional environments, it is the gold standard for performance reviews. In personal life, it is a key descriptor for a reliable friend or family member. Let's look at the specific domains where this word is most prevalent.

In the Workplace: Managers use it to describe employees who never miss deadlines and maintain high standards without being asked. It's often found in '인재상' (the type of talent a company seeks) on corporate websites.

우리 회사는 성실하고 책임감 있는 사람을 찾습니다.

Translation: Our company is looking for people who are diligent and responsible.

In Schools and Education: Teachers use it in report cards to describe students who attend class regularly and complete all homework. It is a key metric for '출결' (attendance) and '태도' (attitude).

민수는 학교 생활이 매우 성실하다.

Translation: Minsu is very diligent in his school life.

In Personal Relationships: When parents talk about a potential son-in-law or daughter-in-law, '성실함' is usually the first quality they look for. It implies the person will be a good provider and a faithful partner.

그 사람은 참 성실해서 믿음이 가요.

Translation: That person is so sincere/diligent that I trust them.

매일 운동하는 걸 보니 정말 성실하시네요.

Translation: Seeing you exercise every day, you are truly diligent.

그는 성실한 노력 끝에 꿈을 이루었다.

Translation: He achieved his dream after sincere effort.

While 성실하다 is a positive word, learners often confuse it with other terms or use it in grammatically incorrect ways. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid subtle misunderstandings in professional or social settings.

Confusing with '열심히': '열심히' is an adverb meaning 'hard' or 'zealously.' '성실하다' is an adjective about character. You can '열심히' work on a single project, but you are '성실하다' if you work hard every day for years.

Incorrect: 그는 아주 열심히하다. (Wrong usage as an adjective).
Correct: 그는 아주 성실하다.

Overusing it for 'Smart': Sometimes learners use '성실하다' to mean someone is good at their job. However, someone can be '성실하다' (diligent) but not necessarily '유능하다' (competent). Don't use it if you specifically mean someone is clever or skilled.

Confusing with '친절하다': Learners sometimes mix up 'being sincere' with 'being kind.' A person can be 성실하다 (diligent/faithful) but very cold or strict. '친절하다' is for kindness/friendliness.

그 선생님은 무섭지만 매우 성실하시다.

Translation: That teacher is scary but very diligent/sincere.

단순히 바쁜 것과 성실한 것은 다릅니다.

Translation: Simply being busy and being diligent are different.

그는 성실하지 못한 태도로 비난을 받았다.

Translation: He was criticized for his insincere/unfaithful attitude.

To truly master Korean, you need to know the synonyms and related terms for 성실하다. Depending on the context—whether you're talking about work, personality, or a specific action—different words might be more appropriate. Here is a comparison of similar words that often overlap with '성실하다'.

성실하다 vs. 부지런하다: '부지런하다' focuses on being industrious, moving quickly, and doing many things (diligent/hardworking). '성실하다' focuses on the moral quality of being faithful and sincere in one's duties.

성실하다 vs. 꾸준하다: '꾸준하다' means 'steady' or 'consistent.' It is often used for habits like exercising or studying. '성실하다' is a broader character trait that includes being '꾸준하다'.

그는 꾸준히 노력하는 성실한 사람입니다.

Translation: He is a sincere person who puts in steady effort.

성실하다 vs. 신실하다: '신실하다' (faithful/trustworthy) is often used in religious contexts or to describe deep interpersonal trust. It is more formal and 'heavy' than '성실하다'.

착실하다 (Chaksilhada): This means to be steady, reliable, and down-to-earth. It's often used for young people who are sensible and hardworking.

정직하다 (Honest): Being '성실하다' implies honesty because you aren't cutting corners. However, '정직하다' is specifically about telling the truth.

성실함은 모든 미덕의 기초입니다.

Translation: Sincerity is the foundation of all virtues.

그는 성실함 하나로 자수성가했다.

Translation: He became self-made through sincerity alone.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The character 誠 (Seong) is composed of 言 (speech) and 成 (to accomplish), suggesting that sincerity is when your words are accomplished through action.

Guide de prononciation

UK /sʌŋ.ɕil.ɦa.da/

US /sʌŋ.ɕil.hɑ.dɑ/

Primary stress is on the first syllable '성' (Seong), but as an adjective, the pitch remains relatively even.

Rime avec

진실하다 (jinsilhada - to be true) 확실하다 (hwaksilhada - to be certain) 절실하다 (jeolsilhada - to be urgent/earnest) 튼실하다 (teunsilhada - to be sturdy/solid) 충실하다 (chungsilhada - to be faithful) 신실하다 (sinsilhada - to be trustworthy) 착실하다 (chaksilhada - to be steady) 건실하다 (geonsilhada - to be sound/reliable)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'eo' (어) like 'oh' (오).
Making the 's' (ㅅ) too strong like an English 'sh' before 'eo'.
Dropping the final 'l' (ㄹ) sound in 'sil'.
Over-aspirating the 'h' in 'hada'.
Pronouncing 'si' as 'see' instead of the slightly softer Korean 'si'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

The word itself is common, but the Hanja roots and abstract nuances appear in complex texts.

Écriture 4/5

Choosing between 성실하게 and 성실히, or knowing when to use it over 부지런하다, takes practice.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, and it's a very common 'safe' compliment.

Écoute 2/5

It is frequently used in dramas and news, making it easy to spot.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

하다 (to do) 사람 (person) 일 (work) 공부 (study) 좋다 (to be good)

Apprends ensuite

정직하다 (to be honest) 책임감 (sense of responsibility) 꾸준하다 (to be consistent) 신뢰하다 (to trust) 근면하다 (to be industrious)

Avancé

진정성 (authenticity) 신의 (faith/trust) 성심성의 (wholeheartedness) 우직하다 (to be simple/honest/sturdy) 강직하다 (to be upright/integrity)

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective to Adverb (-게)

성실하다 -> 성실하게 (He works diligently.)

Adjective to Noun (-함/성)

성실하다 -> 성실함 / 성실성 (Sincerity is important.)

Adjective modifying Noun (-ㄴ/은)

성실한 사람 (A sincere person.)

Reasoning with -아서/어서

그는 성실해서 믿음이 가요. (I trust him because he is sincere.)

Polite Honorifics -시-

선생님은 참 성실하시네요. (The teacher is truly sincere.)

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

그 학생은 아주 성실해요.

That student is very diligent.

성실해요 is the polite present form of 성실하다.

우리 아빠는 성실한 분이에요.

My dad is a diligent person.

성실한 is the adjective form modifying the noun 분 (person).

성실하게 공부하세요.

Please study diligently.

성실하게 is the adverb form of 성실하다.

그는 참 성실합니다.

He is truly diligent.

성실합니다 is the formal polite form.

성실한 친구가 좋아요.

I like diligent friends.

Adjective + noun structure.

저는 학교에서 성실해요.

I am diligent at school.

Subject + location + adjective.

언니는 정말 성실해요.

My older sister is really diligent.

정말 adds emphasis.

성실한 사람은 인기가 많아요.

Diligent people are popular.

성실한 사람 is the subject.

매일 운동하는 것을 보니 정말 성실하시네요.

Seeing you exercise every day, you are truly diligent.

-는 것을 보니 (seeing that...) provides the reason.

성실한 태도로 일하면 성공할 거예요.

If you work with a diligent attitude, you will succeed.

-면 (if) structure.

제 동생은 공부를 성실하게 안 해요.

My younger sibling doesn't study diligently.

Negative form using '안'.

그 직원은 성실해서 사장님이 좋아해요.

The boss likes that employee because they are diligent.

-아서/어서 (because) connecting particle.

성실한 성격이 제 장점입니다.

A diligent personality is my strength.

Common phrase in self-introductions.

어릴 때부터 아주 성실했다고 들었어요.

I heard that he was very diligent since he was young.

-았/었다고 들었다 (heard that...) reported speech.

성실하게 살면 복이 와요.

If you live sincerely, blessings will come.

Cultural proverb-like sentence.

그는 약속 시간을 성실하게 지켜요.

He keeps appointment times faithfully.

Using '성실하게' with '지키다' (to keep/protect).

성실함이 없으면 아무리 똑똑해도 소용없어요.

Without sincerity/diligence, no matter how smart you are, it's useless.

성실함 (noun form) + -이 없으면 (if there is no).

그는 비가 오나 눈이 오나 성실하게 출근했다.

Whether it rained or snowed, he went to work diligently.

비가 오나 눈이 오나 (rain or shine) idiom.

지원자의 성실성을 확인하기 위해 면접을 봅니다.

We conduct interviews to check the applicant's sincerity/diligence.

성실성 (noun form meaning 'quality of being sincere').

그는 맡은 바 책임을 성실히 수행하는 사람이다.

He is a person who faithfully carries out his assigned responsibilities.

성실히 is another adverbial form, often used in formal writing.

성실하게 노력하는 모습이 보기 좋습니다.

It is good to see you putting in sincere effort.

-는 모습이 보기 좋다 (it looks good to see...).

성실하지 못한 행동은 신뢰를 떨어뜨립니다.

Insincere behavior lowers trust.

성실하지 못한 is the negative adjective form.

어떤 일이든 성실하게 임하는 자세가 필요하다.

An attitude of approaching any task sincerely is necessary.

임하는 자세 (attitude of approaching/engaging).

그는 성실하다는 평판 덕분에 승진했다.

He was promoted thanks to his reputation for being diligent.

-다는 평판 (reputation that...).

그의 성공 비결은 천재적인 재능보다 꾸준하고 성실한 노력이었다.

The secret to his success was steady and sincere effort rather than genius talent.

Comparing 재능 (talent) and 노력 (effort).

불성실한 태도는 조직의 분위기를 망칠 수 있습니다.

An insincere/unfaithful attitude can ruin the atmosphere of an organization.

불성실한 (antonym) used as an adjective.

성실함은 단기간에 보여줄 수 있는 것이 아니라 시간이 증명해준다.

Sincerity is not something you can show in a short time; time proves it.

Abstract discussion of the word's nature.

그는 성실하게 세금을 납부하여 모범 납세자로 선정되었다.

He was selected as a model taxpayer for faithfully paying his taxes.

Formal usage in a civic context.

기업은 기술력만큼이나 사원의 성실성을 중요하게 여긴다.

Companies value the sincerity of their employees as much as their technical skills.

-만큼이나 (as much as) comparison.

그는 자신의 잘못을 인정하고 성실하게 사과했다.

He admitted his mistake and apologized sincerely.

Using '성실하게' to describe the quality of an apology.

성실한 삶의 태도는 시련을 극복하는 힘이 된다.

A sincere attitude toward life becomes the strength to overcome trials.

Philosophical use of the word.

그는 성실함 하나로 어려운 환경을 이겨내고 자수성가했다.

He overcame difficult circumstances and became self-made through sincerity alone.

자수성가 (self-made success) idiom.

성실함은 단순히 부지런한 것을 넘어 자기 자신과의 약속을 지키는 것이다.

Sincerity goes beyond simply being industrious; it is about keeping promises to oneself.

-를 넘어 (beyond) structure.

현대 사회에서 성실의 가치가 예전만큼 존중받지 못한다는 우려가 있다.

There are concerns that the value of sincerity is not respected as much as before in modern society.

-는다는 우려 (concern that...).

그는 학문적 성실성을 바탕으로 수많은 연구 성과를 남겼다.

Based on his academic integrity/sincerity, he left behind numerous research achievements.

Academic context usage.

지도자에게 가장 필요한 덕목 중 하나는 국민에 대한 성실함이다.

One of the most necessary virtues for a leader is sincerity toward the people.

Political/Ethical context.

그의 삶은 성실이라는 단어 그 자체를 대변하는 듯했다.

His life seemed to represent the word 'sincerity' itself.

-를 대변하다 (to represent/embody).

성실하게 쌓아온 신뢰는 한순간의 실수로 무너지지 않는다.

Trust built up sincerely does not crumble due to a single mistake.

-게 쌓아온 (built up through...).

그는 모든 질문에 성실히 답변하며 진정성을 보여주었다.

He showed his authenticity by answering all questions sincerely.

진정성 (authenticity) vs 성실함 (sincerity).

예술가에게 성실함이란 매일의 고통스러운 창작 과정을 견디는 힘이다.

For an artist, sincerity is the strength to endure the painful daily creative process.

Defining sincerity in a specific professional context.

성실(誠實)의 한자적 의미를 되새겨보면, 그것은 진실함이 열매를 맺는 과정임을 알 수 있다.

Reflecting on the Hanja meaning of 'Seong-sil,' one can see that it is the process of truth bearing fruit.

Etymological analysis.

성실은 인간이 도달할 수 있는 가장 숭고한 도덕적 경지 중 하나이다.

Sincerity is one of the most sublime moral heights a human can reach.

High-level philosophical discourse.

그의 무모할 정도의 성실함은 때로 주변 사람들을 당혹스럽게 만들기도 했다.

His almost reckless sincerity sometimes even embarrassed those around him.

Nuanced usage suggesting 'extreme' sincerity.

성실하게 살아온 세월이 그의 얼굴에 깊은 주름으로 아로새겨져 있었다.

The years lived sincerely were engraved as deep wrinkles on his face.

Poetic/Literary usage.

진정한 성실은 타인의 시선이 닿지 않는 곳에서 비로소 완성된다.

True sincerity is only completed in places where the eyes of others do not reach.

Ethical aphorism.

그의 변함없는 성실함은 차가운 세상 속에서 따뜻한 위로가 되었다.

His unchanging sincerity became a warm comfort in a cold world.

Metaphorical usage.

성실함이 결여된 재능은 모래 위에 지은 성과 다를 바 없다.

Talent lacking sincerity is no different from a castle built on sand.

-와 다를 바 없다 (is no different from).

우리는 성실이라는 가치를 통해 삶의 유한함을 극복하고 영원성을 획득한다.

Through the value of sincerity, we overcome the finitude of life and acquire eternity.

Existentialist philosophical context.

Synonymes

부지런하다 근면하다 정직하다

Antonymes

불성실하다 게으르다 나태하다

Collocations courantes

성실한 태도

성실하게 일하다

성실성이 부족하다

성실한 답변

성실히 수행하다

성실한 노력

성실한 학생

성실하게 살다

성실한 사과

성실한 자세

Phrases Courantes

성실함이 무기다

— Sincerity/diligence is one's greatest weapon/strength.

재능이 없어도 성실함이 무기라면 성공할 수 있다.

성실하게 응답하다

— To respond sincerely to questions or requests.

경찰 조사에 성실하게 응답했습니다.

불성실한 태도

— An insincere or negligent attitude.

그의 불성실한 태도 때문에 해고당했다.

성실한 일꾼

— A diligent worker.

그는 마을에서 가장 성실한 일꾼이다.

성실의 아이콘

— An icon/example of sincerity.

그 연예인은 연예계에서 성실의 아이콘으로 통한다.

성실하게 준비하다

— To prepare for something with great care and effort.

시험을 성실하게 준비했습니다.

성실한 동반자

— A faithful/sincere companion or partner.

그녀는 평생의 성실한 동반자였다.

성실함이 돋보이다

— One's sincerity/diligence stands out.

이번 프로젝트에서 그의 성실함이 돋보였다.

성실하게 납부하다

— To pay (taxes, fees) faithfully.

세금을 성실하게 납부하는 시민이 됩시다.

성실한 답변을 회피하다

— To avoid giving a sincere answer.

정치인은 성실한 답변을 회피했다.

Souvent confondu avec

성실하다 vs 부지런하다

Focuses on being industrious and active, while 성실하다 focuses on being faithful and sincere.

성실하다 vs 열심히

An adverb meaning 'hard.' You can't say '그는 열심히이다' but you can say '그는 성실하다'.

성실하다 vs 정직하다

Means 'to be honest.' While 성실하다 implies honesty, it primarily describes diligence and faithfulness.

Expressions idiomatiques

"성실은 성공의 어머니"

— Sincerity/Diligence is the mother of success.

성실은 성공의 어머니라는 말을 잊지 마세요.

Proverbial

"성실한 거북이가 토끼를 이긴다"

— The diligent tortoise beats the rabbit.

천재보다 성실한 거북이가 결국 토끼를 이기는 법이다.

Inspirational

"성실함은 배신하지 않는다"

— Sincerity/Diligence never betrays you (hard work pays off).

성실함은 배신하지 않으니 끝까지 노력해라.

Motivational

"성실이 보배다"

— Sincerity is a treasure.

가진 게 없어도 성실이 보배라고 생각하며 살았다.

Traditional

"성실하게 한 우물을 파다"

— To dig one well sincerely (to focus on one thing until success).

그는 한 우물을 성실하게 파서 장인이 되었다.

Colloquial

"말보다 성실"

— Sincerity over words (actions speak louder than words).

번지르르한 말보다 성실한 행동이 중요하다.

Neutral

"성실한 피땀"

— Sincere blood and sweat (extreme hard work).

이 건물은 그의 성실한 피땀으로 세워졌다.

Dramatic

"성실의 결실"

— The fruit of sincerity/diligence.

드디어 성실의 결실을 맺게 되었군요.

Formal

"성실하게 무릎을 꿇다"

— To sincerely kneel (to show deep respect or submission).

그는 자신의 잘못 앞에 성실하게 무릎을 꿇었다.

Literary

"성실로 하늘을 감동시키다"

— To move heaven with sincerity.

그의 성실함은 하늘을 감동시키기에 충분했다.

Traditional/Poetic

Facile à confondre

성실하다 vs 근면하다

Both mean 'diligent.'

근면하다 is more formal and specific to manual or hard labor/industry. 성실하다 is broader and more about general character.

그는 근면 성실한 청년이다.

성실하다 vs 꾸준하다

Both imply long-term effort.

꾸준하다 specifically means 'consistent/steady' without necessarily the moral weight of 'sincerity'.

꾸준한 운동이 건강에 좋다.

성실하다 vs 착실하다

Both mean 'reliable.'

착실하다 has a nuance of being 'sensible' and 'down-to-earth,' often used for younger people.

그는 착실하게 저축을 한다.

성실하다 vs 신실하다

Both involve 'sincerity.'

신실하다 is much more formal and often carries a religious or deep spiritual weight of 'faithfulness'.

그는 신실한 믿음을 가지고 있다.

성실하다 vs 충실하다

Both involve 'faithfulness.'

충실하다 means being 'faithful to a specific content or duty' (e.g., faithful to the basics).

기본에 충실한 디자인.

Structures de phrases

N은/는 성실해요.

저는 성실해요.

성실하게 V-아요/어요.

성실하게 일해요.

성실한 N이/가 되다.

성실한 학생이 되고 싶어요.

N의 성실함이 느껴지다.

그의 성실함이 느껴져요.

성실하다고 해서 다 성공하는 것은 아니다.

성실하다고 해서 다 성공하는 것은 아니지만 필요하다.

성실함을 바탕으로 N을/를 이루다.

성실함을 바탕으로 꿈을 이루었다.

성실이야말로 N의 핵심이다.

성실이야말로 성공의 핵심이다.

성실이라는 가치 아래 N하다.

성실이라는 가치 아래 평생을 헌신했다.

Famille de mots

Noms

성실 (Sincerity/Diligence)

성실성 (Quality of sincerity)

성실함 (State of being sincere)

불성실 (Insincerity)

Verbes

성실하다 (to be sincere - descriptive verb)

Adjectifs

성실한 (sincere/diligent)

불성실한 (insincere)

Apparenté

정직 (Honesty)

근면 (Industry)

노력 (Effort)

신뢰 (Trust)

책임 (Responsibility)

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very High in both spoken and written Korean.

Erreurs courantes

Using '열심히' as an adjective. → 그는 성실하다. (He is diligent.)
'열심히' is an adverb and cannot be used with '이다' or as a descriptive verb. Use '성실하다' instead.
Saying '성실하고 있어요'. → 성실해요. (I am diligent.)
Adjectives in Korean cannot take the progressive '-고 있다' form. Use the simple present tense.
Confusing 성실하다 with 친절하다. → 그는 성실하지만 친절하지 않아요. (He is diligent but not kind.)
Learners often think all 'good' adjectives are interchangeable. '성실하다' is about work/duty, '친절하다' is about kindness.
Using '성실한' to mean 'smart'. → 그는 똑똑하고 성실하다. (He is smart and diligent.)
'성실하다' refers to effort and character, not intelligence. A person can be diligent but struggle with learning.
Misspelling as '성실이다'. → 성실하다. (To be sincere.)
Learners sometimes try to use the noun '성실' with the copula '이다'. While possible in specific contexts, the standard adjective is '성실하다'.

Astuces

Use it in Evaluations

When writing a peer review or a recommendation, '성실하다' is the most powerful word to describe a reliable colleague. It carries more weight than just 'works hard.'

Adjective vs. Adverb

Remember that 성실한 is the adjective (성실한 사람) and 성실하게 is the adverb (성실하게 일하다). Don't mix them up in your sentences.

The 'Injaesang' (Ideal Talent)

If you are applying for a job in Korea, look for this word on the company's 'About Us' page. Emphasizing your '성실성' will align you with their values.

Don't confuse with 'Hard'

In English, we say 'I work hard.' In Korean, you can say '열심히 일해요' (I work hard) or '성실하게 일해요' (I work sincerely/diligently). The latter sounds more professional.

The 'Ng' sound

Make sure the 'ng' (ㅇ) in 'Seong' is clear. If it sounds like 'Son,' it might be confused with other words. It should be a soft nasal sound at the back of the throat.

Noun forms

Use '성실함' for the 'state' of being sincere and '성실성' for the 'quality' or 'trait' of sincerity. They are often interchangeable, but '성실성' sounds slightly more formal.

Building Trust

If you want to build trust with a Korean person, show them your '성실함' through small actions like being on time and following through on promises.

School Life

Students are often told '성실하게 살아라' (Live sincerely/diligently). It is considered the foundation for a successful adult life.

Sincerity vs. Result

Even if the result isn't perfect, you can still be praised for being '성실하다' if you gave your best and honest effort. It's a 'process-oriented' praise.

Avoiding 'Bul-seong-sil'

Being labeled as '불성실하다' (insincere) is a serious blow to one's reputation in Korea. It implies a lack of character, not just a one-time mistake.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Seong' as 'Song' and 'Sil' as 'Seal'. A singer (Song) who performs with a 'Seal' of quality every night is '성실하다'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a farmer who goes out to the field every single day, rain or shine, to tend to his crops until they bear fruit (實).

Word Web

Hardworking Honest Reliable Consistent Faithful Earnest Trustworthy Diligent

Défi

Try to use '성실하다' in a sentence when describing your best friend's personality to someone else today.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Hanja characters 誠 (성 - Seong) meaning 'sincerity, truth, or faith' and 實 (실 - Sil) meaning 'fruit, reality, or solid.'

Sens originel : The original meaning implies 'truth that manifests as a solid result' or 'living in accordance with the truth.'

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Contexte culturel

Be careful not to use it sarcastically, as it can sound insulting to someone's life effort. In very rare cases, calling someone 'overly 성실' might imply they lack creativity or flexibility.

While English uses 'diligent' or 'hardworking,' '성실하다' has a stronger moral and 'character-defining' nuance that 'hardworking' sometimes lacks.

Yoo Jae-suk (Korean MC known as 'The Nation's MC' for his extreme 성실함). The 'Miracle on the Han River' (often attributed to the collective 성실함 of the Korean people). Confucian Analects (where 'Seong' is a central theme).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Job Interview

저는 성실한 성격입니다.
성실하게 일하겠습니다.
제 장점은 성실함입니다.
어떤 일이든 성실히 수행합니다.

School Report

수업 태도가 성실함.
과제를 성실하게 제출함.
학교 생활이 매우 성실함.
성실한 태도로 발전 가능성이 높음.

Marriage/Dating

성실한 남자가 좋아요.
그 사람은 참 성실해요.
성실하게 가족을 돌볼 사람이에요.
성실함이 가장 큰 매력이에요.

Legal/Tax

세금을 성실하게 납부하다.
성실 신고를 장려하다.
성실히 조사에 임하다.
성실한 의무 이행.

Daily Praise

오늘도 성실하시네요!
성실하게 운동하시네요.
진짜 성실하게 산다.
성실한 모습이 보기 좋아요.

Amorces de conversation

"주변에 정말 성실하다고 생각하는 사람이 있나요?"

"성실함과 재능 중에서 무엇이 더 중요하다고 생각하세요?"

"본인이 가장 성실하게 하는 일은 무엇인가요?"

"성실한 사람을 보면 어떤 느낌이 드나요?"

"성실하게 살기 위해 어떤 노력을 하시나요?"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 하루 내가 얼마나 성실하게 보냈는지 반성하며 적어보세요.

내가 생각하는 '성실함'의 정의에 대해 서술해 보세요.

성실함 덕분에 목표를 달성했던 경험이 있다면 공유해 주세요.

미래의 나에게 성실한 삶을 살 것을 당부하는 편지를 써보세요.

성실하지 못한 태도 때문에 후회했던 일이 있나요?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Not exactly. While 'hardworking' is part of it, 성실하다 implies a deeper character trait of being sincere, honest, and reliable. It's about *how* you work as much as *how much* you work. A person who works hard only when the boss is looking is not 성실하다.

No, 성실하다 is reserved for humans (or sometimes personified animals in stories) because it involves a moral choice and sincerity. For a machine that works well, you would use '성능이 좋다' or '잘 돌아간다'.

Both are adverbs. 성실하게 is more common in daily conversation. 성실히 is slightly more formal and is frequently used in written documents, speeches, or official instructions.

Yes, it is a very high compliment in Korea. It suggests the person has a strong character and is trustworthy. It is often the best thing you can say about an employee or a student.

No. 성실하다 is an adjective (descriptive verb), and in Korean, adjectives cannot take the progressive '-고 있다' form. You should say '성실해요' or '성실하게 생활하고 있어요'.

Yes, it can imply that someone is faithful and steady in a relationship, although '신실하다' or '일편단심' (single-hearted devotion) are more specific terms for romance.

The most direct opposite is '불성실하다' (insincere/negligent). '게으르다' (lazy) is also an antonym but focuses more on the lack of energy/action.

You can write '성실함을 바탕으로...' (Based on my sincerity/diligence...) or '매사에 성실한 태도로...' (With a sincere attitude in everything...). Always back it up with a specific achievement.

Yes, knowing that 'Seong' (誠) means truth/sincerity helps you understand why it's different from just being 'busy' (부지런하다). It's about the 'truth' of your efforts.

Yes, if you do your hobby with great dedication and consistency, you can say you do it '성실하게'. For example, '성실하게 피아노를 연습해요' (I practice the piano diligently).

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes