This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun 9 min read

평안

pyeongan

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 평안 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 평안 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '평안' (pyeongan) is a word you might not use yourself very often, but you will see its 'cousin' every day: '안녕' (annyeong). Both words share the character '안' (an), which means peace or safety. While '안녕' is used to say hello and goodbye, '평안' is a much more formal version. Think of it like the difference between saying 'Hi' and 'I wish you great wellness.' You might hear this word in a very polite Korean drama or see it in a formal card. For now, just remember that when you see '평안,' it means someone is wishing for a life that is quiet, safe, and happy. It's like a very big, very polite 'hello' for your whole life. You don't need to worry about the difficult grammar yet; just recognize that '평안' equals 'peace.'

At the A2 level, you can start to distinguish between '평안' and '편안.' You already know '편안하다' means 'to be comfortable,' like a chair or a bed. '평안' is similar but it’s for your heart and your family. You might see the phrase '평안한 밤 되세요' (Have a peaceful night). This is a very polite way to say 'Goodnight' to an older person. At this level, you should try to recognize '평안' in formal greetings. It is a noun, but it is often used with '하다' to make '평안하다' (to be peaceful). Remember that '평안' is about your mind and your situation, not just about how soft your pillow is. If you want to sound very respectful to a teacher or a grandparent, using this word will make you sound very advanced and polite.

As a B1 learner, you should understand '평안' as a state of internal and external tranquility. This is the level where you move beyond simple physical comfort and start talking about '마음의 평안' (peace of mind). You should be able to use '평안' in formal writing, like an email to a professor or a business partner. For example, '그동안 평안하셨습니까?' (Have you been well/at peace?). This word implies that there have been no big problems or accidents in their life. You should also notice how it is used in religious or spiritual contexts to mean a deep, unshakable calm. At B1, you can start using '평안히' as an adverb, such as '평안히 계세요' (Stay in peace), which is a very traditional way to say goodbye when you are the one leaving.

At the B2 level, you should master the nuances between '평안,' '평온,' and '평화.' You understand that '평안' is specifically about a person's life and soul. You can use it to discuss complex topics like mental health or the pursuit of a stable life in a busy society. You should be comfortable using the word in its various forms: as a noun (평안을 찾다 - to find peace), an adjective (평안한 삶 - a peaceful life), and an adverb (평안히 잠들다 - to fall asleep peacefully). You also recognize its cultural weight; using '평안' conveys a sense of traditional Korean values, emphasizing stability and the absence of 'pungpa' (hardships). You can use this word to add a layer of sincerity and sophistication to your formal speeches or written essays.

For C1 learners, '평안' is a tool for expressing philosophical and literary depth. You can analyze how this word is used in modern Korean literature to contrast the chaotic urban experience with a traditional, idyllic past. You understand the Hanja roots (平 - level, 安 - safe) and can use this knowledge to explain the word to others. You are aware of the historical context of the word as a primary greeting in the Joseon era and how that legacy persists in modern formal etiquette. You can use '평안' in nuanced ways, such as describing a '평안한 죽음' (a peaceful death/passing) or the '평안함' (peacefulness) of a landscape that suggests safety and prosperity. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker in terms of register and context.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of the word's evocative power. You can use '평안' to engage in high-level discourse about theology, philosophy, or sociology. You understand its role in the 'Annyeong' hierarchy and how its usage has shifted over centuries. You can appreciate and use the word in poetic contexts, perhaps using it as a metaphor for a life well-lived or a heart that has overcome immense 'pungpa' (trials). You are sensitive to the subtle difference between '평안' and '안녕' in various dialects or historical settings. Whether you are writing a formal academic paper or a piece of creative fiction, you use '평안' to tap into a deep well of Korean cultural sentiment regarding the ideal state of human existence—one that is balanced, secure, and profoundly still.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

평안 in 30 Seconds

Pyeongan means deep peace and safety.
It is more formal than the word for comfort (pyeonan).
It is used to ask about an elder's well-being.
It refers to both mental calm and physical safety.

The Korean word 평안 (Pyeongan) is a profound noun that transcends the simple English translation of 'peace.' Rooted deeply in the Hanja characters 平 (평 - level/flat) and 安 (안 - comfort/safety), it describes a holistic state of being where one is free from worry, disturbance, or physical ailment. Unlike the more common word '평화' (Pyeonghwa), which often refers to the absence of war or social conflict, 평안 is intensely personal and internal. It is the quietude of the soul and the stability of one's circumstances. In the modern context, you will encounter this word in formal greetings, religious blessings, and literary descriptions of a tranquil life.

Historical Nuance: Historically, in the Joseon Dynasty, asking about someone's '평안' was the standard way to inquire about their well-being. It wasn't just 'How are you?' but 'Is your life level and safe?' This suggests a balance between external stability and internal calm.

부모님께서 평안하시기를 기원합니다. (I pray that my parents are in a state of peace and tranquility.)

When we talk about '평안,' we are often referring to a lack of '풍파' (pungpa - wind and waves). Life is seen as a sea; when the sea is flat and the traveler is safe, that is 평안. It is commonly used in the phrase '평안하다' (to be peaceful) or '평안히' (peacefully). For example, when saying goodbye to someone going to sleep or going on a journey, using this word elevates the sentiment from a casual 'bye' to a sincere wish for their total security and mental rest. It is a word that carries weight, warmth, and a sense of traditional Korean grace.

Spiritual Context: In Korean Christianity and Buddhism, this word is used frequently. It represents a divine peace that surpasses human understanding, a state where the heart is anchored despite external chaos.

마음의 평안을 찾는 것이 가장 중요합니다. (Finding peace of mind is the most important thing.)

Furthermore, the word is often paired with '밤' (night). '평안한 밤' means a night without nightmares or interruptions, a deep and restful sleep. It is also used in the context of one's home life: '가정의 평안' (the peace of the household). If a family is '평안,' it means there are no major illnesses, financial crises, or internal disputes. It is the ultimate goal for many Korean families—to live a life that is steady, quiet, and safe from the storms of the world.

Using 평안 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as a noun that often transforms into an adjective (평안하다) or an adverb (평안히). Because it is a Sino-Korean word (Hanja-based), it feels more formal than native Korean synonyms like '편안' (comfort). While '편안' is about physical comfort (like a soft sofa), 평안 is about the existential state of being 'okay' in the deepest sense.

Grammatical Pattern 1: Noun + 을/를 기원하다: This is the most common way to wish someone peace. '평안을 기원합니다' (I wish you peace). It is used in cards, emails, and formal speeches.

새해에는 가정에 평안이 가득하시길 바랍니다. (I hope your home is filled with peace in the new year.)

Another frequent usage is the adverbial form 평안히. This is often used in the context of rest or passing away. '평안히 쉬세요' can mean 'Rest comfortably' (formal) or 'Rest in peace' (eulogy). The context dictates the gravity of the phrase. When you leave an elder's house, you might say '평안히 계십시오' (Please stay in peace), which is a very traditional and respectful way to say goodbye.

Grammatical Pattern 2: Noun + 의 (Possessive): Used to describe the state of something specific. '마음의 평안' (peace of mind), '영혼의 평안' (peace of the soul).

그는 명상을 통해 내면의 평안을 얻었다. (He gained inner peace through meditation.)

In literary writing, 평안 is often used to describe landscapes that evoke a sense of safety and stillness. A village nestled in a valley might be described as '평안한 마을.' This suggests not just that it is quiet, but that it is protected and prosperous in its stillness. When using it in speech, remember that it carries a 'high register'—it sounds sophisticated and thoughtful. Using it in a text message to a close friend might sound a bit overly dramatic or poetic unless you are being intentionally sincere during a hard time.

You will encounter 평안 in several distinct environments in Korea. First and foremost is in Historical Dramas (Sageuk). Characters, especially royalty or nobility, often ask, '그간 평안하셨습니까?' (Have you been at peace/well in the meantime?). This reflects the traditional importance of health and safety in an era where life was often precarious. Hearing this word in a drama immediately signals a certain level of social status or formal etiquette between the speakers.

In Religious Settings: If you visit a Korean church, the greeting '평강' (a close synonym) or '평안' is ubiquitous. It is the equivalent of the Hebrew 'Shalom.' Pastors will often end their sermons by wishing the congregation '평안.' Similarly, in Buddhist temples, the concept of 'Pyeongan' is linked to the cessation of suffering and the calming of the mind's 'waves.'

'주님의 평안이 함께하시길.' (May the Lord's peace be with you.) - Common religious greeting.

Secondly, you will hear it in Formal Speeches and News Broadcasts. During holidays like Chuseok or Seollal, news anchors or politicians will wish the nation '평안한 명절' (a peaceful holiday). This isn't just about having fun; it's a wish that no accidents occur and that families remain harmonious. It is a collective wish for the well-being of the society.

Lastly, 평안 appears frequently in Literature and Poetry. It is a 'beautiful' word in Korean. Authors use it to contrast with the 'shik-keu-reoun' (noisy) and 'bok-jap-han' (complicated) modern world. If a character retreats to the countryside, the author will describe their life as having finally found '평안.' It represents the idealized Korean life—one of simplicity, health, and a quiet heart. When you hear it in everyday life today, it's often in the phrase '평안히 주무세요' (Sleep peacefully), which is the most polite way to say 'Goodnight' to someone much older than you, like a grandparent.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 평안 is confusing it with its close relatives: 편안 (Pyeonan) and 평화 (Pyeonghwa). While they all share the character 平 (Pyeong), their applications are distinct and using the wrong one can make a sentence sound unnatural or physically impossible.

Mistake 1: 평안 vs. 편안: '편안' (Pyeonan) refers to physical comfort or a relaxed state. '평안' (Pyeongan) refers to a deep, existential peace. You cannot have a '평안한 소파' (peaceful sofa); it must be a '편안한 소파' (comfortable sofa). Conversely, '편안' is often too shallow to describe the state of one's soul in a formal context.

❌ 이 침대는 정말 평안해요. (This bed is very 'peace-of-soul'.)
✅ 이 침대는 정말 편안해요. (This bed is very comfortable.)

Another common error is using 평안 when 평화 is required. '평화' is the word for 'Peace' in the sense of 'World Peace' (세계 평화) or 'Peace Treaty' (평화 협정). If you say '평안 협정,' Koreans will understand you, but it sounds like you are trying to make the treaty feel 'comfortable' rather than 'peaceful' in a political sense. 평안 is a state of being; 평화 is a state of affairs.

Finally, learners often over-use 평안 in casual conversation. It is a high-level word. If you are talking to your same-age friend about how your weekend was, saying '평안했어' sounds like you are a monk or a character from a 19th-century novel. Instead, use '편하게 쉬었어' (I rested comfortably) or '조용했어' (It was quiet). Save 평안 for moments of deep sincerity, formal writing, or when discussing mental health and spiritual well-being.

To truly master 평안, you must see where it sits in the constellation of Korean words for 'calm' and 'peace.' Depending on the nuance you want—whether it's the silence of a forest, the comfort of a chair, or the absence of war—you will need a different word.

평화 (Pyeonghwa) vs. 평안 (Pyeongan): '평화' is objective and social. It is the opposite of 'war.' '평안' is subjective and personal. It is the opposite of 'anxiety' or 'trouble.'
평온 (Pyeong-on) vs. 평안 (Pyeongan): '평온' (平溫) literally means 'level temperature.' It describes a state that is calm and stable, like a quiet afternoon. It is very similar to 평안, but '평온' focuses more on the *quietness* of the atmosphere, while '평안' focuses on the *safety and well-being* of the person.

바다가 참 평온하네요. (The sea is very calm/tranquil.) - Better than 평안 here because the sea doesn't have 'well-being.'

If you want to describe a physical feeling of being at ease, use 안락 (Anrak). This is often used for 'luxury' or 'comfort,' like '안락의자' (an easy chair/recliner). If you want to describe a silence that is almost lonely or profound, use 정적 (Jeongjeok). For a more common, everyday way to say someone is doing well, use the standard 안녕 (Annyeong). While 'Annyeong' is used as a greeting, its literal meaning is 'peace/health,' making it the casual cousin of 평안.

In summary, choose 평안 when you want to sound sincere, respectful, or poetic about someone's internal state. It is a word that suggests a lack of '풍파' (storms) and a presence of '안정' (stability). By understanding these alternatives, you can navigate the subtle emotional landscapes of the Korean language with much greater precision.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Pyeongan is also the name of a historical province in North Korea, which was named by combining the first characters of its two largest cities, Pyeongyang and Anju.

Pronunciation Guide

UK pʰjʌŋ.an

US pʰjʌŋ.an

Equal stress on both syllables, though the first syllable '평' might feel slightly longer due to the 'ng' ending.

Rhymes With

동안 (Dongan) 공안 (Gongan) 방안 (Bangan) 성안 (Seongan) 천안 (Cheonan) 현안 (Hyeonan) 정안 (Jeongan) 강안 (Gangan)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Pyeongan' like 'Pyeong-on' (changing the 'a' to 'o').
Missing the aspiration on the initial 'P' sound.
Merging the two syllables into 'Pyon-gan' instead of 'Pyeong-an'.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'Pyeonan' (comfort).
Over-stressing the 'ng' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Recognizable in formal texts but requires understanding Hanja nuance.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal sentence endings and markers.

Speaking 3/5

Common in greetings, though register must be carefully chosen.

Listening 3/5

Often heard in dramas and religious settings.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

안녕 편안 마음 밤 가족

Learn Next

평화 평온 안정 안심 고요

Advanced

안녕질서 거안사위 태평성대 안빈낙도 평정심

Grammar to Know

Honorific -시-

평안하'시'기를 바랍니다.

Adverbial -히

평안'히' 주무세요.

Noun combining with 하다

마음이 평안'하다'.

Wish/Hope -길 바란다

평안하시'길 바랍니다'.

Possessive -의

마음'의' 평안.

Examples by Level

평안하세요?

Are you at peace? (Very formal)

평안 + 하세요 (honorific ending)

가족이 평안해요.

My family is at peace.

평안 + 해요 (polite ending)

평안한 밤 되세요.

Have a peaceful night.

평안한 (adjective form) + 밤 (night)

마음이 평안해요.

My mind is at peace.

마음 (mind/heart) + 이 (subject marker)

평안을 빌어요.

I wish you peace.

평안 + 을 (object marker) + 빌어요 (wish)

할머니, 평안하세요?

Grandmother, are you well?

Direct address to an elder.

우리 집은 평안해요.

Our house is peaceful.

우리 집 (our house)

평안히 가세요.

Go in peace.

평안히 (adverb) + 가세요 (go)

부모님의 평안을 기원합니다.

I pray for my parents' peace.

기원합니다 (formal 'I pray/wish')

평안한 주말 보내세요.

Have a peaceful weekend.

보내세요 (spend time)

그분은 평안히 쉬고 계세요.

That person is resting peacefully.

-고 계세요 (honorific progressive)

마음의 평안이 중요해요.

Peace of mind is important.

마음의 (possessive 'of the mind')

새해 평안하시길 바랍니다.

I hope you are at peace in the new year.

-길 바랍니다 (I hope that...)

평안한 얼굴을 하고 있어요.

He has a peaceful face.

얼굴을 하고 있다 (to wear a face/expression)

모두가 평안했으면 좋겠어요.

I wish everyone could be at peace.

-었으면 좋겠어요 (I wish/hope)

평안히 주무셨어요?

Did you sleep peacefully? (to an elder)

주무시다 (honorific of 'to sleep')

명상을 하면 마음의 평안을 얻을 수 있습니다.

If you meditate, you can gain peace of mind.

-(으)면 (if) + 을 수 있다 (can)

그 섬은 아주 평안하고 조용합니다.

That island is very peaceful and quiet.

-고 (and) connecting adjectives

그는 평안한 노후를 보내고 싶어 합니다.

He wants to spend a peaceful old age.

노후 (old age/retirement years)

갑작스러운 사고 없이 평안하게 살고 싶어요.

I want to live peacefully without sudden accidents.

없이 (without) + -게 (adverbial suffix)

선생님, 그동안 평안하셨습니까?

Teacher, have you been well all this time?

그동안 (during that time/meanwhile)

음악은 우리에게 평안을 줍니다.

Music gives us peace.

우리에게 (to us)

평안한 분위기 속에서 회의가 진행되었습니다.

The meeting proceeded in a peaceful atmosphere.

속에서 (inside/within)

그의 목소리는 사람들에게 평안을 찾아줍니다.

His voice finds peace for people.

찾아주다 (to find and give)

진정한 평안은 외부가 아니라 내면에서 옵니다.

True peace comes from within, not from the outside.

A 아니라 B (Not A but B)

전쟁이 끝나고 마을에 다시 평안이 찾아왔다.

After the war ended, peace returned to the village.

찾아오다 (to come/visit/return)

부모님께 평안을 드리는 것이 효도의 시작입니다.

Giving peace to your parents is the beginning of filial piety.

드리는 것 (giving - honorific)

그의 평안한 미소는 주변 사람들을 안심시켰다.

His peaceful smile reassured the people around him.

안심시키다 (to reassure/make feel safe)

우리는 영혼의 평안을 위해 기도했습니다.

We prayed for the peace of the soul.

위해 (for the sake of)

경제적인 안정은 가정의 평안에 큰 도움이 됩니다.

Economic stability is a big help to a family's peace.

도움이 되다 (to be a help)

그녀는 복잡한 도시를 떠나 평안을 찾았다.

She left the complicated city and found peace.

떠나 (leaving/parting)

평안히 잠든 아이의 모습이 천사 같습니다.

The sleeping child looks like an angel.

잠든 (sleeping/fallen asleep)

시인은 고독 속에서 비로소 평안을 발견했다.

The poet finally discovered peace in solitude.

비로소 (finally/for the first time)

평안한 임종을 맞이하는 것은 큰 복입니다.

It is a great blessing to have a peaceful passing.

임종 (one's last moments/deathbed)

사회적 갈등이 해소되어야 진정한 국민적 평안이 온다.

Only when social conflicts are resolved can true national peace come.

-(으)려야 (in order to...)

그의 글은 독자들에게 깊은 평안과 위로를 선사한다.

His writing presents deep peace and comfort to readers.

선사하다 (to present/gift)

격동의 시대를 지나 그는 평안한 말년을 보내고 있다.

After passing through a turbulent era, he is spending his later years in peace.

격동 (turbulence/upheaval)

내면의 평안 없이는 어떤 성공도 무의미하다.

Without inner peace, any success is meaningless.

무의미하다 (meaningless)

마을의 평안을 기원하는 제사가 매년 열립니다.

A ritual to pray for the village's peace is held every year.

열립니다 (is held/opened)

평안히 흐르는 강물을 보며 상념에 잠겼다.

Watching the peacefully flowing river, I was lost in thought.

상념에 잠기다 (to be lost in thought)

평안(平安)이라는 글자에는 삶의 균형과 안정이 담겨 있다.

The word 'Pyeongan' contains the balance and stability of life.

담겨 있다 (is contained/embodied)

그는 모든 욕심을 내려놓고 궁극적인 평안에 도달했다.

He let go of all greed and reached ultimate peace.

내려놓다 (to lay down/let go)

역사적 비극 속에서도 인간은 평안을 갈구해 왔다.

Even amidst historical tragedies, humans have craved peace.

갈구하다 (to crave/long for)

평안한 상태란 단순히 소음이 없는 것이 아니라 질서가 있는 상태이다.

A peaceful state is not simply the absence of noise, but a state of order.

단순히 ~이 아니라 (not simply ~ but)

그의 철학은 고통 속에서도 평안을 유지하는 법을 가르친다.

His philosophy teaches how to maintain peace even in suffering.

유지하는 법 (how to maintain)

무덤가에 핀 꽃들이 고인의 평안을 대변하는 듯하다.

The flowers blooming by the grave seem to represent the peace of the deceased.

대변하다 (to represent/speak for)

가장 평안한 순간에 우리는 죽음을 생각하게 된다.

In our most peaceful moments, we come to think of death.

-게 된다 (come to/end up)

문명의 소음 속에서 평안을 지켜내는 것은 현대인의 숙제다.

Protecting peace amidst the noise of civilization is the task of modern people.

지켜내다 (to protect/defend successfully)

Common Collocations

평안을 빌다

마음의 평안

가정의 평안

평안한 삶

평안히 잠들다

평안을 유지하다

평안을 누리다

영혼의 평안

평안을 해치다

내면의 평안

Common Phrases

평안히 계십시오

— A very formal way to say goodbye to someone staying behind.

어르신, 평안히 계십시오.

평안히 가십시오

— A very formal way to say goodbye to someone leaving.

평안히 가십시오, 사장님.

그간 평안하셨습니까?

— A formal greeting asking if someone has been well recently.

선생님, 그간 평안하셨습니까?

평안한 밤 되세요

— A polite way to wish someone a good, restful night.

오늘 고생 많으셨습니다. 평안한 밤 되세요.

가내 평안하시길

— Wishing peace for someone's entire household/family.

가내 평안하시길 기원합니다.

평안을 기원합니다

— A standard formal closing in letters or emails.

항상 평안을 기원합니다.

마음이 평안하다

— To feel peaceful inside.

바다를 보니 마음이 평안하네요.

평안을 찾다

— To find or achieve a state of peace.

그는 시골에서 평안을 찾았다.

평안이 깃들다

— For peace to settle or dwell in a place/heart.

이 집에 평안이 깃들기를.

평안한 얼굴

— A face that looks calm and without worry.

그는 평안한 얼굴로 웃었다.

Often Confused With

평안 vs 편안

Physical comfort vs. Soul/Life peace.

평안 vs 평온

Atmospheric calm vs. Personal safety/peace.

평안 vs 평화

Political/Social peace vs. Internal/Situational peace.

Idioms & Expressions

"마음이 평안해야 만사가 형통하다"

— When the mind is at peace, everything goes well.

욕심을 버리세요. 마음이 평안해야 만사가 형통합니다.

Proverbial

"평안 감사도 저 싫으면 그만이다"

— Even a good position (like the Governor of Pyeongan) is nothing if you don't like it.

좋은 직장이지만 적성에 안 맞으면 소용없어. 평안 감사도 저 싫으면 그만이라잖아.

Common Idiom

"평안한 날에 위태로움을 생각하라"

— In times of peace, prepare for danger ( 거안사위 - 居安思危 ).

지금 잘 나간다고 방심하지 마. 평안한 날에 위태로움을 생각해야 해.

Literary/Proverbial

"바람 잘 날 없다"

— Opposite idiom: Not a day without wind (no peace).

우리 집은 아이들이 많아서 바람 잘 날이 없어요.

Common

"평안의 포구"

— A harbor of peace (a safe place).

그녀는 나에게 평안의 포구 같은 존재다.

Poetic

"영원한 평안"

— Eternal peace (often referring to death).

그는 이제 고통 없는 영원한 평안에 들었다.

Eulogy

"평안을 깨뜨리다"

— To shatter the peace.

갑작스러운 전화벨 소리가 평안을 깨뜨렸다.

Neutral

"평안의 길"

— The path of peace.

모두가 평안의 길로 가기를 바랍니다.

Spiritual

"평안의 열매"

— The fruit of peace (results of a peaceful life).

노력 끝에 평안의 열매를 맺었다.

Metaphorical

"평안을 구하다"

— To seek peace.

소란스러운 곳을 피해 평안을 구했다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

평안 vs 편안 (Pyeonan)

Both sound similar and mean 'peace/comfort.'

Pyeonan is for bodies and furniture; Pyeongan is for souls and lives.

편안한 소파 (O), 평안한 소파 (X)

평안 vs 평온 (Pyeong-on)

Both mean 'calm.'

Pyeong-on is the absence of noise/motion; Pyeongan is the absence of trouble/danger.

평온한 호수 (O), 평안한 호수 (X - unless the lake is alive)

평안 vs 평화 (Pyeonghwa)

Both translate to 'peace.'

Pyeonghwa is for groups and nations; Pyeongan is for individuals.

세계 평화 (O), 세계 평안 (X - sounds strange)

평안 vs 안녕 (Annyeong)

Both relate to well-being.

Annyeong is a common, general state; Pyeongan is a more elevated, formal state.

친구야 안녕? (O), 친구야 평안? (X - too formal)

평안 vs 병안 (Byeongan)

Sounds almost identical.

Byeongan means 'an illness'; Pyeongan means 'peace.'

평안을 빕니다 (I wish you peace) vs. 병안을 빕니다 (I wish you illness - DO NOT SAY THIS)

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + 평안해요.

가족이 평안해요.

평안한 [Noun] + 되세요.

평안한 밤 되세요.

[Noun]의 평안을 [Verb].

마음의 평안을 찾아요.

[Action]을 통해 평안을 얻다.

명상을 통해 평안을 얻었어요.

평안히 [Verb]-는 [Noun].

평안히 흐르는 강물.

[Concept] 속에서 평안을 유지하다.

고통 속에서 평안을 유지하다.

[Subject]께서 평안하시길 기원합니다.

부모님께서 평안하시길 기원합니다.

평안히 [Verb]세요.

평안히 계세요.

Word Family

Nouns

평안 (Peace)

평안도 (Pyeongan Province)

평안함 (Peacefulness)

Verbs

평안하다 (To be peaceful)

평안해지다 (To become peaceful)

Adjectives

평안한 (Peaceful)

평화 (Peace/Political)

평온 (Tranquility)

안녕 (Well-being)

안정 (Stability)

편안 (Physical comfort)

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal/literary contexts; Moderate in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 평안 for a comfortable chair. → 편안한 의자
평안 is for mental/situational peace, not physical comfort.
Saying '세계 평안' for world peace. → 세계 평화
평화 is the correct term for political/global peace.
Using 평안 in a very casual text to a friend. → 잘 지내?
평안 is too formal and heavy for casual daily chats.
Confusing 평안 (peace) with 병안 (illness). → 평안
The sounds are similar but the meanings are opposites. Be careful with pronunciation.
Using 평안 as a verb without '하다'. → 평안하다
평안 is a noun; you must add '하다' to use it as a predicate.

Tips

Letter Closings

Always end a formal letter to an elder with '평안을 기원합니다.' It is the most respectful way to close.

Sageuk Dramas

Pay attention to the word '평안' in historical dramas. It helps you identify the social hierarchy between characters.

Holiday Wishes

During Chuseok, use '평안한 명절 보내세요' to sound like a native speaker who values family stability.

Pyeongan vs. Pyeonan

Remember: Pyeongan = Soul/Life. Pyeonan = Body/Furniture. This distinction is key for B1 learners.

Don't Forget the 'Ng'

Make sure to write '평안' (Pyeongan) not '편안' (Pyeonan) if you mean deep peace. The 'ng' makes a big difference.

Tone Matters

Say '평안' slowly and softly. It is a 'heavy' word that requires a gentle delivery to match its meaning.

Poetry Context

In poems, '평안' often symbolizes the end of a long, difficult journey. Look for it in the final stanzas.

Adverbial Form

Practice the phrase '평안히 계십시오.' It's a 'level-up' greeting that will impress any Korean speaker.

Hanja Connection

Link 'Pyeong' to 'Pyeongchang' (the Olympic city) and 'An' to 'Annyeong.' Both are about peaceful places/feelings.

Synonym Mastery

Don't just use '평안.' Learn '평온' for weather to show you understand the subtle differences in Korean.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Pyeong' (flat) ground where you can walk 'An' (safely). No bumps, no falls—just peace.

Visual Association

A perfectly still lake reflecting a mountain. The water is 'flat' (Pyeong) and the scene feels 'safe' (An).

Word Web

Mind Family Night Greeting Safety Stability Quiet Well-being

Challenge

Try to use '평안한 밤 되세요' instead of '잘 자' (sleep well) when talking to an older person or someone you respect today.

Word Origin

Sino-Korean word derived from Chinese characters. The first character 平 (평) means 'flat, level, or even.' The second character 安 (안) means 'safe, comfortable, or quiet.'

Original meaning: A state where the ground is level (no obstacles) and the person is safe.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

Avoid using '평안히 쉬세요' to someone who is just taking a short break; it can sometimes sound like you are referring to their death (Rest in Peace) if the tone is too heavy.

While English speakers use 'Peace' for both world peace and inner peace, Korean splits these into 'Pyeonghwa' and 'Pyeongan.'

The greeting '평안을 빕니다' is a standard Catholic/Christian liturgical greeting in Korea. Pyeongan-do is a famous northern province known for its distinct dialect and food. Many traditional Korean poems (Sijo) use 'Pyeongan' to describe the ideal retired life in nature.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Greetings to Elders

평안하셨습니까?
평안히 계십시오.
평안히 주무세요.
평안을 빕니다.

Religious Settings

평안이 함께하시길.
마음의 평안.
영혼의 평안.
주님의 평안.

Formal Correspondence

가내 평안하시길 기원합니다.
평안한 연말 되세요.
항상 평안하십시오.
평안을 전합니다.

Self-Reflection/Mental Health

내면의 평안.
평안을 찾다.
평안을 유지하다.
평안한 상태.

Literary Descriptions

평안한 마을.
평안한 풍경.
평안한 노후.
평안한 죽음.

Conversation Starters

"요즘 마음의 평안을 위해 무엇을 하시나요?"

"평안한 노후를 위해 가장 중요한 것이 무엇이라고 생각하세요?"

"부모님께 평안하시냐고 안부 전화를 드린 적이 있나요?"

"복잡한 도시에서 평안을 찾는 당신만의 방법이 있나요?"

"가장 평안함을 느끼는 장소는 어디인가요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 하루 중 가장 평안했던 순간에 대해 써 보세요. 왜 그렇게 느꼈나요?

내가 생각하는 '진정한 평안'의 정의는 무엇인지 한글로 설명해 보세요.

가족의 평안을 위해 내가 할 수 있는 일 세 가지를 적어 보세요.

마음의 평안을 방해하는 것들이 무엇인지 쓰고, 그것을 어떻게 해결할지 계획해 보세요.

10년 후 나의 모습이 평안하기 위해 지금 준비해야 할 것은 무엇인가요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You can, but it sounds very poetic or serious. It's better to use '편해' or '좋아' for casual settings. Use '평안' if you are being deeply sincere about their life.

'평안하다' is the adjective/verb (to be peaceful), while '평안히' is the adverb (peacefully). Use '평안히' before other verbs like '계세요' (stay) or '주무세요' (sleep).

It is used heavily in Korean Christianity and Buddhism, but it is not exclusively religious. It is a general formal word for well-being used in many contexts.

It is written as 平安. 平 means level/even, and 安 means safe/peaceful.

Yes, but it implies the place is safe and stable, not just quiet. A '평안한 마을' is a village where people live safely without trouble.

Yes, it is part of traditional Korean and is used in both North and South, though the South uses it more in religious and polite contexts today.

'평안한 밤' is more formal and implies a wish for a night free of any bad events or bad dreams, showing more care.

It was the title for the Governor of Pyeongan Province in the past. It appears in the famous idiom '평안 감사도 저 싫으면 그만이다.'

Yes, '평안' (Pyeongan) or '안' (An) can be used in Korean names, though it is more common as a word than a first name.

The most direct opposite is '불안' (anxiety/unease) or '고통' (suffering).