Explanation at your level:
예배 means a church service. If you go to church on Sunday, you are going to 예배. It is a very important word for Christians in Korea. You can say 'I go to 예배' to tell your friends about your weekend plans.
When you want to talk about your religious life, use 예배. It refers to the time spent praying and singing at church. You will often hear people say '예배를 드리러 가요' which means 'I am going to offer worship/go to service.'
예배 is the standard term for a worship service. It is used in various contexts, such as 주일 예배 (Sunday service) or 수요 예배 (Wednesday service). Understanding this word helps you navigate social interactions within the Korean church community, which is a significant part of Korean culture.
The term 예배 carries a nuance of formality and devotion. Unlike casual meetings, an 예배 is a structured event. It is important to distinguish between 예배 (worship service) and 모임 (a general meeting or gathering), as the former implies a religious, sacred context.
In advanced discourse, 예배 can be discussed in terms of its liturgical significance. You might encounter discussions about 예배의 형식 (the form of worship) or 예배의 본질 (the essence of worship). It serves as a cultural anchor for understanding the intersection of Korean traditional 'etiquette' and modern religious practice.
At the C2 level, one recognizes the etymological depth of 예배. It bridges the gap between Confucian '예' (propriety) and the act of religious '배' (prostration/worship). It reflects how Korean Christianity adapted indigenous concepts of respect to express Western theological concepts, providing a fascinating case study in linguistic and cultural synthesis.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 예배 means worship service.
- Commonly used in Christian contexts.
- Use the verb '드리다' with it.
- It is a central part of Korean church culture.
When you hear the word 예배, think of a gathering with a higher purpose. It is the Korean word for a worship service, most commonly used in Christian contexts. It represents a structured time where people set aside their daily worries to focus on their faith.
The word carries a sense of reverence and respect. Whether it is a large Sunday service or a smaller mid-week prayer meeting, the core idea remains the same: a communal act of honoring the divine. It is a central pillar of church life in Korea.
The word 예배 is a Sino-Korean term. The first character, 예 (禮), means 'etiquette,' 'ceremony,' or 'politeness.' The second character, 배 (拜), means 'to bow' or 'to worship.' Together, they literally translate to 'the ceremony of bowing/worshiping.'
Historically, this term was adopted as Korean Christianity grew. It replaced older, more specific native terms to describe the Western concept of a 'church service.' It reflects the deep cultural integration of Confucian values of respect (예) combined with religious devotion (배).
You will most often hear 예배 used with verbs like 드리다 (to give/offer). In Korean, you don't just 'attend' a service; you 'offer' it. So, the most common phrase is 예배를 드리다.
It is used in both formal and informal settings, but always with a respectful tone. You might say, 'Sunday morning service' (주일 예배) or 'Dawn prayer service' (새벽 예배). It is a standard term that every church-goer uses daily.
While 예배 is a formal noun, it appears in several fixed expressions:
- 예배를 드리다: To hold/attend a service (The standard way to say 'go to church').
- 예배를 마치다: To conclude a service.
- 예배에 참석하다: To be present at a service.
- 예배 인도: Leading the worship service.
- 예배당: The chapel or sanctuary building itself.
예배 is a standard noun. It does not have plural forms in Korean, as the context clarifies whether you are talking about one service or many. It is pronounced with a clear 'ye' sound followed by 'bae'.
In terms of grammar, it acts as the object in the common phrase 예배를 드리다. It is a very stable word that doesn't change form based on tense or person, making it quite friendly for learners to pick up quickly.
Fun Fact
The character '예' (禮) is the same one used in '예의' (manners).
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'yeh-beh' with a short 'e' sound.
Similar to the UK pronunciation, very consistent.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'ye' as 'yea' (long sound)
- Dropping the 'ae' sound
- Adding a 'g' sound at the end
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Simple to use
Commonly used
Frequently heard
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun + 를 + Verb
예배를 드리다
Time + 에
일요일에 예배를 드려요
Honorifics
목사님께서 예배를 인도하십니다
Examples by Level
내일 예배에 가요.
Tomorrow / worship service / go.
Time marker.
예배가 몇 시예요?
Worship service / what time / is?
Question form.
주일 예배를 드려요.
Sunday / service / offer.
Object marker.
예배가 좋아요.
Worship service / is good.
Subject marker.
어디에서 예배를 드려요?
Where / at / service / offer?
Location marker.
예배 시간이 되었어요.
Worship service / time / became.
Past tense.
예배에 참석하세요.
Worship service / attend / please.
Polite command.
예배를 준비해요.
Worship service / prepare.
Verb usage.
오늘 예배는 아주 은혜로웠어요.
예배당은 아주 커요.
저는 매주 예배를 드려요.
예배 후에 만나요.
예배 시간이 변경되었어요.
그는 예배를 인도해요.
예배를 위해 기도해요.
가족과 함께 예배를 드려요.
오전 11시에 대예배가 시작됩니다.
예배를 드리는 동안에는 조용히 해주세요.
이번 주 예배 설교는 정말 감동적이었어요.
예배를 마치고 다 같이 식사를 해요.
그는 예배 준비 위원회에서 일해요.
예배의 형식이 많이 바뀌었어요.
새벽 예배를 드리는 것은 쉽지 않아요.
예배에 늦지 않도록 서두르세요.
예배의 본질은 하나님을 향한 경외심에 있습니다.
그 교회는 매주 다양한 예배 프로그램을 제공합니다.
예배를 통해 마음의 평안을 얻곤 합니다.
전통적인 예배 방식을 고수하는 교회도 많습니다.
예배 인도자의 역할은 매우 중요합니다.
예배당의 분위기가 매우 엄숙했습니다.
그는 매일 새벽 예배를 빠지지 않고 참석합니다.
예배를 드리는 것은 저에게 가장 중요한 일과입니다.
예배의 형식과 본질 사이의 균형을 찾는 것이 중요합니다.
현대적인 예배 스타일은 젊은 층에게 인기가 많습니다.
그는 예배학을 전공하여 깊은 지식을 가지고 있습니다.
예배의 전례적 요소는 교파마다 큰 차이를 보입니다.
예배를 드리는 행위는 신앙 공동체의 결속력을 강화합니다.
예배당 건축은 그 시대의 신학적 사상을 반영합니다.
예배 중에는 휴대폰 사용을 자제해 주십시오.
예배의 감동이 일주일 내내 지속되기를 바랍니다.
예배의 전례적 구조는 수세기에 걸쳐 발전해 왔습니다.
그는 예배의 신학적 정당성을 논문으로 발표했습니다.
예배는 단순히 의식을 넘어선 영적 교감의 장입니다.
문화적 맥락에 따른 예배의 토착화는 중요한 과제입니다.
예배의 미학은 공간과 소리의 조화에서 비롯됩니다.
교회 공동체는 예배를 통해 그들의 정체성을 확인합니다.
예배의 경건함은 참여자의 마음가짐에서 시작됩니다.
예배의 역사적 변천사를 연구하는 것은 매우 흥미롭습니다.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"예배를 드리다"
To hold a worship service
우리는 매주 예배를 드립니다.
neutral"예배에 빠지다"
To miss a service
아파서 예배에 빠졌어요.
casual"예배의 감동"
The moving feeling of worship
예배의 감동이 큽니다.
formal"예배를 인도하다"
To lead the service
그가 예배를 인도합니다.
neutral"예배를 사모하다"
To yearn for worship
예배를 사모하는 마음이 중요해요.
formal"예배의 자리"
The place/position of worship
예배의 자리를 지키세요.
literaryEasily Confused
Both are religious services.
미사 is specifically Catholic; 예배 is generally Protestant.
천주교는 미사를 드리고 개신교는 예배를 드립니다.
Both are religious services.
예불 is Buddhist.
절에서는 예불을 드립니다.
Both happen in church.
기도회 is specifically for prayer, not a full service.
오늘은 예배 대신 기도회를 합니다.
Both involve groups.
집회 is a general assembly, often political or social.
광장에서 집회가 열립니다.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 예배를 드리다
우리는 예배를 드립니다.
Time + 예배가 있다
일요일에 예배가 있습니다.
예배 후에 + Verb
예배 후에 만나요.
예배를 인도하는 + Noun
예배를 인도하는 목사님.
예배를 통해 + Verb
예배를 통해 위로를 받아요.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
In Korean, you 'offer' worship (드리다) rather than 'do' it (하다).
While 'go to worship' is understood, 'go to offer worship' is more natural.
Using '보러' (to watch/see) treats worship like a movie, which is disrespectful.
You don't just 'listen' to a service; you participate in it.
Both are okay, but '마쳤어요' is more formal for the conclusion of a ceremony.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a bow (배) for respect (예).
When Native Speakers Use It
When talking about their weekend plans.
Cultural Insight
It reflects the deep importance of church in Korea.
Grammar Shortcut
Always pair it with '드리다'.
Say It Right
Keep the 'ae' sound clear.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say '예배를 보러 가요'.
Did You Know?
It's a Sino-Korean word.
Study Smart
Learn it with '주일' (Sunday).
Cultural Insight
It is a pillar of community life.
Grammar Shortcut
It is a noun, not a verb.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Ye' (Yes!) and 'Bae' (Bow). 'Yes, I bow to worship!'
Visual Association
A person bowing in a quiet, bright church.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to say '주일 예배' to a friend who goes to church.
Word Origin
Sino-Korean
Original meaning: Ceremony of bowing
Cultural Context
Highly religious term; use with respect in appropriate settings.
Equivalent to 'Church Service' or 'Worship Service'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At church
- 예배 시간이 다 되었어요
- 예배를 드리러 왔어요
- 예배가 정말 은혜로웠어요
Planning the week
- 이번 주 예배에 갈 거예요
- 예배 후에 점심 먹어요
- 예배 일정을 확인해요
Talking to church members
- 예배 잘 드렸어요?
- 오늘 예배 설교 좋았죠?
- 다음 예배 때 봬요
Academic/Formal
- 예배의 역사를 연구합니다
- 예배 형식을 논의합니다
- 예배학을 공부합니다
Conversation Starters
"이번 주 예배에 참석하실 건가요?"
"다니시는 교회는 예배가 몇 시에 시작하나요?"
"예배를 드리고 나면 어떤 기분이 드시나요?"
"예배 인도자가 바뀌었다는 소식 들으셨어요?"
"가장 기억에 남는 예배가 있으신가요?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your experience at a church service.
Why is attending worship important to you?
Compare your current church service to one you attended in the past.
Reflect on the meaning of '예배' in your daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsUsually not; other religions use specific terms like '예불' for Buddhism.
No, it can be on any day (e.g., Wednesday service).
'교회' is the church (place/institution), '예배' is the service (event).
It is better to say '예배를 드려요'.
Yes, it is treated with respect.
No, Korean nouns don't have plural forms like English.
In church settings and religious conversations.
Only if discussing religious matters.
Test Yourself
매주 일요일에 ___를 드려요.
The context of 'Sunday' and 'offering' points to worship service.
Which verb is used with 예배?
In Korean, we 'offer' worship.
예배 is a casual word for a party.
It is a formal religious term.
Word
Meaning
Matching terms to their meanings.
Time + Object + Verb order.
Score: /5
Summary
To worship in Korean is to 'offer' a service, expressed as '예배를 드리다'.
- 예배 means worship service.
- Commonly used in Christian contexts.
- Use the verb '드리다' with it.
- It is a central part of Korean church culture.
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a bow (배) for respect (예).
When Native Speakers Use It
When talking about their weekend plans.
Cultural Insight
It reflects the deep importance of church in Korea.
Grammar Shortcut
Always pair it with '드리다'.
Example
교회에서 예배를 드렸습니다.
Related Content
More religion words
행하다
A1To act/Perform; to carry out an action.
홀로
B1Alone; by oneself.
제사
A2Ancestral rites; a ceremony honoring ancestors.
천사
A2Angel; a spiritual being acting as an attendant or messenger of God.
깨우다
A1To awaken; to rouse from sleep or ignorance.
신자
A2Believer; a person who has faith in a religion.
인자하다
A1To be benevolent; kind and compassionate.
성경
A2Bible; the holy book of Christianity.
복되다
A1To be blessed; endowed with divine favor.
축복
A2Blessing; a divine favor or gift.
