Being humble means valuing others' contributions as much as or more than your own.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To show modesty regarding one's own achievements.
- A highly valued personality trait in Korean culture.
- Used to describe someone who is polite and humble.
개요
'겸손하다'는 자신의 위치를 낮추고 타인을 존중하는 태도를 뜻합니다. 한국 사회에서 예절과 인간관계를 중시하는 문화적 배경을 고려할 때 매우 중요한 덕목으로 여겨집니다. 2) 사용 패턴: 주로 사람의 성격이나 태도를 묘사할 때 쓰이며, '겸손한 사람', '겸손하게 말하다'와 같이 명사나 동사를 수식하는 형태로 자주 등장합니다. 3) 공통 문맥: 성공을 거두었음에도 불구하고 자신의 공을 남에게 돌릴 때, 혹은 누군가 칭찬을 했을 때 이를 사양하며 예의를 갖출 때 흔히 사용합니다. 4) 유의어 비교: '겸허하다'는 '겸손하다'보다 조금 더 격식 있고 진지한 느낌을 주며, '낮추다'는 행동 자체에 초점을 맞추는 반면 '겸손하다'는 전반적인 성품이나 태도를 강조합니다.
Examples
그분은 항상 겸손하게 행동하신다.
everydayHe always acts humbly.
겸손한 태도로 제안을 받아들였다.
formalI accepted the proposal with a humble attitude.
너 참 겸손하다.
informalYou are so humble.
학문적 성취에도 불구하고 그는 겸손함을 잃지 않았다.
academicDespite his academic achievements, he did not lose his humility.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
겸손이 미덕이다
Humility is a virtue.
겸손한 자세로 배우다
Learn with a humble attitude.
겸손을 떨다
To feign humility.
Often Confused With
Being timid means lacking courage or being overly shy. It is different from humility, which is a conscious choice to be modest.
Being servile or cringing. While humility is positive, acting 'bigul' is seen as negative and lacking self-respect.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '겸손하다' to describe positive personality traits. It is highly appropriate in formal settings to gain respect. Avoid using it to describe yourself in a way that sounds like you are fishing for compliments.
Common Mistakes
Do not confuse it with '소심하다' (timid). Using '겸손하다' when you actually mean 'unsure of oneself' can lead to miscommunication. Ensure the context reflects a positive choice of modesty, not a lack of ability.
Tips
Use humble phrases for better social relations
When receiving praise, try using '과찬이십니다' to show humility. This simple phrase makes you appear much more professional and polite.
Avoid over-humility in Western contexts
While humility is praised in Korea, being too humble in professional Western settings might be mistaken for a lack of confidence. Balance is key.
Confucian roots of Korean humility
Korean culture is heavily influenced by Confucianism, which emphasizes respect for others and self-restraint. Humility is seen as a sign of high character.
Word Origin
Derived from the Sino-Korean character '謙' (humble) and '遜' (yield). It reflects the Confucian value of yielding one's position to others.
Cultural Context
In Korea, humility is a key social lubricant. It is expected that successful people demonstrate humility to maintain social harmony.
Memory Tip
Think of the word '謙' (humble) which consists of 'speak' (言) and 'modest' (兼). Imagine someone speaking softly while bowing their head.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions성격과 행동 모두를 포함합니다. 평소 성품이 겸손한 사람도 있고, 특정 상황에서 겸손하게 행동하는 경우도 있습니다.
한국 문화에서는 '아니에요, 아직 부족합니다' 혹은 '과찬이십니다'라고 말하며 겸손함을 표현하는 것이 일반적입니다.
네, 다릅니다. 겸손은 자신의 능력을 알지만 뽐내지 않는 것이며, 자신감이 없는 것은 능력을 부정하는 것과 다릅니다.
네, 비즈니스 매너에서 상대방을 높이고 자신을 낮추는 것은 매우 중요한 예절로 여겨집니다.
Test Yourself
그는 성공한 후에도 항상 ___ 태도를 유지했다.
성공 후에도 태도를 낮추는 것은 겸손함의 대표적인 예시입니다.
다음 중 올바른 설명은?
겸손의 핵심은 자기 자신보다 타인을 배려하는 마음입니다.
그는 / 말한다 / 겸손하게
한국어의 기본 어순은 주어-부사-서술어입니다.
Score: /3
Summary
Being humble means valuing others' contributions as much as or more than your own.
- To show modesty regarding one's own achievements.
- A highly valued personality trait in Korean culture.
- Used to describe someone who is polite and humble.
Use humble phrases for better social relations
When receiving praise, try using '과찬이십니다' to show humility. This simple phrase makes you appear much more professional and polite.
Avoid over-humility in Western contexts
While humility is praised in Korea, being too humble in professional Western settings might be mistaken for a lack of confidence. Balance is key.
Confucian roots of Korean humility
Korean culture is heavily influenced by Confucianism, which emphasizes respect for others and self-restraint. Humility is seen as a sign of high character.
Examples
4 of 4그분은 항상 겸손하게 행동하신다.
He always acts humbly.
겸손한 태도로 제안을 받아들였다.
I accepted the proposal with a humble attitude.
너 참 겸손하다.
You are so humble.
학문적 성취에도 불구하고 그는 겸손함을 잃지 않았다.
Despite his academic achievements, he did not lose his humility.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More society words
수용하다
B2To accept, take in, or accommodate ideas, opinions, people, or external influences.
성인
A1An adult; a person who is fully grown or developed.
선진화
B1The process of making something advanced or modernized to reach the level of developed nations. It often refers to systems, technology, or social consciousness.
가중되다
B2To be increased or aggravated, especially in terms of pressure, burden, or negative circumstances.
지향
B2The act of aiming for a certain direction, goal, or ideal state.
소외
B2The state of being isolated or excluded from a group or society; alienation.
또한
A1Also; in addition; moreover.
대안
B2A plan, proposal, or option that can replace an existing one, usually to solve a problem. It is a key word in IELTS Task 2 for suggesting solutions.
비록
A1Although; even though.
도래
B1The arrival or beginning of a significant period, event, or era. It often describes the start of a new technology-driven age.
