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Korean
Vocabulary
칭찬하다

A2 verb #3,500 most common 10 min read

칭찬하다

chingchanhada Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 칭찬하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 칭찬하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to express positive feelings. While the full word '칭찬하다' might be a bit long, you will encounter its meaning through simple phrases like '잘했어요' (You did well) or '좋아요' (It's good). At this stage, you should understand that 칭찬 is the noun for 'praise.' You might see it in your textbook when a teacher gives you a '칭찬 스티커' (praise sticker) for doing your homework. The focus here is on the basic idea of saying something good about someone else's work. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just recognize that when someone says '칭찬,' they are giving you a 'thumbs up' with words. You might practice saying '칭찬해 주세요' (Please praise me) as a fun way to ask for feedback from your language partner. Even at this basic level, understanding that praise is a huge part of Korean social life will help you feel more comfortable when people start using more complex forms of the word later on.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use '칭찬하다' in basic sentences. You are moving beyond simple 'good job' phrases and starting to describe actions. You should know how to conjugate it into the present (칭찬해요), past (칭찬했어요), and future (칭찬할 거예요) tenses. You will also learn the important '칭찬을 받다' (to receive praise) construction, which is very common when talking about your day. For example, '오늘 선생님한테 칭찬받았어요' (I was praised by the teacher today). At this level, you should also be aware of the object marker 을/를 and how it connects to the person you are praising. You might start to notice this word in K-dramas or simple webtoons where characters are seeking approval from their parents or bosses. It's a key word for expressing social success and positive reinforcement in everyday life. You'll also learn that it's polite to be a little bit humble when you receive a 칭찬, perhaps by saying '감사합니다' with a slight bow.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use '칭찬하다' with more nuanced grammar and in a wider variety of contexts. You should be comfortable using honorifics, such as '칭찬하시다,' when talking about someone of higher status. You will also learn to use the verb with more complex connectors, like '칭찬하면서' (while praising) or '칭찬하기 위해서' (in order to praise). At this stage, you should be able to explain *why* someone is being praised using the '~어서/아서' or '~(으)니까' structures. For example, '친절하게 도와줘서 친구를 칭찬했어요' (I praised my friend because they helped me kindly). You will also start to encounter synonyms like '칭찬을 아끼지 않다' (to not spare praise). Your understanding of the word should now include the social expectation of humility (겸손) in Korea. You'll learn that 칭찬하다 isn't just a verb; it's a social tool used to maintain harmony and encourage others in a group setting, such as a study group or a workplace team.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the cultural and social implications of '칭찬하다.' You will use it to discuss leadership, education, and psychological topics. You should be able to differentiate between '칭찬하다' and more formal terms like '치하하다' or '극찬하다.' You will also understand the potential downsides of praise, such as '과찬' (excessive praise) and how it can make someone feel '부담스럽다' (burdened). You should be able to use the word in debate or discussion formats, perhaps discussing whether 칭찬 is always beneficial for children's development. You'll also be familiar with idiomatic expressions like '칭찬은 고래도 춤추게 한다' and be able to use them appropriately in conversation. Your writing should reflect a sophisticated use of the word, using it with various noun-deriving endings like '칭찬함' or '칭찬하기' to create complex sentences. You are now looking at the word as a concept of social motivation and reinforcement theory.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the literary and academic uses of '칭찬하다' and its derivatives. You will encounter the word in classical literature, high-level news editorials, and academic papers on sociology or psychology. You should be able to analyze the nuance between '칭찬' (praise), '칭송' (extolment), and '찬양' (adoration/glorification). You will understand how the word functions in historical contexts, such as how a king might '치하' his subjects. Your vocabulary should include advanced Hanja-based words related to praise, such as '칭송받다,' '찬사를 보내다,' and '격찬하다.' You can discuss the '칭찬 문화' (praise culture) of Korea in depth, comparing it with other cultures. You should also be able to use the word metaphorically or in highly formal speeches. At this level, you aren't just using the word; you are mastering the entire semantic field of positive evaluation in the Korean language, including its historical roots and modern sociolinguistic applications.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '칭찬하다' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You understand the most subtle connotations and can use the word in any register, from extremely formal legal or diplomatic contexts to the most nuanced literary prose. You are aware of the philosophical debates surrounding the act of praising—such as the difference between '칭찬' (conditional praise) and '격려' (unconditional encouragement)—and can articulate these differences in high-level discussions. You can interpret and use archaic or poetic forms of praise found in 'Sijo' or ancient texts. You are also sensitive to the 'ironic' or 'sarcastic' use of praise in modern media and literature. Your ability to use 칭찬하다 includes a deep understanding of its Hanja components (稱讚) and how they relate to other words in the Sino-Korean lexicon. You can write critiques, speeches, and essays where praise is woven in with professional precision, balancing it with constructive criticism (비판) as needed.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

칭찬하다 in 30 Seconds

칭찬하다 is the standard Korean verb for 'to praise' or 'to compliment,' used widely in daily life, schools, and workplaces.
It is a transitive verb (someone-을/를 칭찬하다) and often appears in the passive form '칭찬을 받다' (to receive praise).
Cultural modesty is key; when praised, Koreans usually respond with humility rather than simple self-acceptance.
It differs from 축하하다 (congratulate), which is for events like birthdays, whereas 칭찬하다 is for achievements and character.

The Korean verb 칭찬하다 (ching-chan-ha-da) is a cornerstone of positive social interaction in Korean culture. At its core, it means 'to praise' or 'to compliment.' While in English we often distinguish between a 'compliment' (usually about appearance or a small gesture) and 'praise' (usually for an achievement or character trait), 칭찬하다 covers both of these bases comfortably. It is composed of the noun 칭찬 (praise/compliment) and the verb 하다 (to do). You will hear this word in classrooms when a teacher encourages a student, in offices when a manager recognizes a job well done, and in homes when parents speak to their children. It is fundamentally an act of verbalizing approval or admiration for someone else's actions, abilities, or traits.

Social Function: 칭찬하다 is used to build rapport (jeong) and motivate others. In a hierarchical society like Korea, praise often flows from a person of higher status to a person of lower status, although it is increasingly common in peer-to-peer settings.

선생님께서 제 한국어 실력을 칭찬하셨어요.

The nuance of 칭찬하다 is deeply rooted in the concept of positive reinforcement. It is not just about saying something nice; it is about acknowledging effort. For example, if a child cleans their room, a parent would use 칭찬하다. If a colleague delivers a great presentation, you would use this verb to describe the act of telling them they did well. It is important to note that Koreans often react with humility to 칭찬, frequently waving off the praise with phrases like '아니에요' (No, it's not like that) to maintain social balance and avoid appearing arrogant.

Grammar Note: Since it is a transitive verb, it requires the object marker 을/를. You praise 'someone' (Person-을/를 칭찬하다). If you are receiving the praise, you use the passive-like construction '칭찬을 받다' (to receive praise) or '칭찬을 듣다' (to hear praise).

친구들이 제 요리를 칭찬해 줬어요.

In professional settings, 칭찬하다 might be replaced by more formal terms like '치하하다' (to commend) or '평가하다' (to evaluate positively), but 칭찬하다 remains the most versatile and common term for daily use. Whether you are talking about a teacher praising a student or a friend complimenting your new haircut, this is the word you need. It carries a warm, encouraging tone that is essential for navigating Korean social dynamics smoothly. Understanding when and how to use 칭찬하다—and how to receive it—is a vital step in moving from a beginner to an intermediate level of Korean fluency.

Cultural Context: Korean culture emphasizes the group over the individual, so 칭찬하다 is often used to boost morale within a group. However, because of the 'Cheon-man-e-yo' (You're welcome/Don't mention it) culture, the giver of the praise should be sincere, and the receiver should be modest.

그는 항상 다른 사람들을 칭찬하려고 노력해요.

부모님께 칭찬받고 싶어서 열심히 공부했어요.

감독님은 선수들의 노력을 아낌없이 칭찬했습니다.

Using 칭찬하다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and the situational context. As a verb, it follows standard Korean conjugation patterns for '하다' verbs. The most common structure is [Person/Thing] + 을/를 + 칭찬하다. For example, '아이를 칭찬하다' (to praise a child). When you want to specify *what* you are praising the person for, you can use the pattern [Person] + 의 + [Quality/Action] + 을/를 + 칭찬하다, such as '그의 용기를 칭찬하다' (to praise his courage). Alternatively, you can use the '~ㄴ/은/는 점을' construction: '성실한 점을 칭찬하다' (to praise the fact that they are diligent).

Honorifics: When the person doing the praising is someone of higher status (like a grandparent or a teacher), you must use the honorific form '칭찬하시다'. For example: '할머니께서 저를 칭찬하셨어요' (Grandmother praised me). This is crucial for showing respect to the subject of the sentence.

사장님께서 직원들의 성과를 칭찬하셨습니다.

Another frequent usage involves the auxiliary verb '~어/아 주다', which adds a nuance of 'doing something for someone.' Saying '칭찬해 줬어요' sounds more natural and warm in casual conversation than just '칭찬했어요.' It implies that the praise was a kind act. Furthermore, if you are the one being praised, you will most likely use '칭찬을 받다' (to receive praise). This is a passive expression that is very common: '오늘 학교에서 칭찬을 받았어요' (I received praise at school today). You can also use '칭찬을 듣다' (to hear praise), which is slightly more informal: '그는 똑똑하다는 칭찬을 자주 들어요' (He often hears praise that he is smart).

Negative Forms: The negative forms are '칭찬하지 않다' (not praise) or '안 칭찬하다'. However, in Korean, if someone doesn't praise, it's often more natural to say they 'criticized' (비난하다) or were 'stingy with praise' (칭찬에 인색하다).

그녀는 동료를 칭찬하는 데 인색하지 않아요.

In writing, 칭찬하다 is used to describe the actions of historical figures, book characters, or public figures. It is a 'standard' word, meaning it is neither too slangy nor too academic. In essays, you might see '칭찬을 아끼지 않다' (to not spare any praise), which is a common set phrase to indicate that someone was very generous with their compliments. Understanding these patterns allows you to express not just the act of praising, but the intensity and the social relationship involved in the act.

Sentence Structure Examples: 1. [Subject]가 [Object]를 칭찬하다. (Basic)
2. [Subject]가 [Object]에게 칭찬을 해 주다. (Giving a compliment)
3. [Subject]가 [Object]로부터 칭찬을 받다. (Receiving praise)

모두가 그의 정직함을 칭찬하고 있어요.

아이들은 칭찬받을 때 가장 행복해해요.

아버지는 제 성적표를 보시고 저를 칭찬해 주셨습니다.

In South Korea, 칭찬하다 is a word that permeates almost every facet of life, but its frequency and usage vary by setting. One of the most common places you will hear it is in the educational system. Korean teachers are often encouraged to use praise as a pedagogical tool. In a classroom, you might hear a teacher say, '민수가 오늘 발표를 아주 잘해서 선생님이 칭찬해 주고 싶어요' (Minsu did a great job presenting today, so I want to praise him). This reinforces the idea that 칭찬 is a reward for hard work and social conformity.

Variety Shows and Media: On Korean variety shows (like 'Running Man' or 'Knowing Bros'), the word 칭찬 is frequently used in '칭찬 감옥' (praise prison) segments or '칭찬 릴레이' (praise relay) games. These segments are designed to create 'wholesome' or 'cringe-worthy' comedy by forcing celebrities to compliment each other, showing how praise can sometimes be awkward but is generally viewed as a positive social lubricant.

방송에서 연예인들이 서로를 칭찬하는 모습이 보기 좋네요.

In the workplace, 칭찬하다 is often discussed in the context of leadership. Many management books in Korea emphasize '칭찬 경영' (Praise Management), the idea that praising employees leads to higher productivity. If you work in a Korean company, you might hear a senior manager say, '김 대리는 항상 칭찬받을 만한 일을 해요' (Assistant Manager Kim always does things worthy of praise). It is a formal yet encouraging way to acknowledge professional excellence.

Daily Conversations: Among friends, the verb is often used to describe someone else's behavior. '사람들이 너 진짜 예쁘다고 칭찬하더라' (People were praising you, saying you're really pretty). It acts as a way to pass on good news and strengthen social bonds through third-party compliments.

그 영화는 평론가들에게 큰 칭찬을 받았습니다.

Finally, in K-pop fandom culture, fans often '칭찬하다' their idols for their hard work, visuals, or talent. You will see this word in YouTube comments, Twitter (X) threads, and fan letters. Phrases like '우리 지민이 칭찬해!' (Praise our Jimin!) are ubiquitous. It serves as a collective way for fans to show support and validation for their favorite artists, demonstrating that 칭찬하다 is not just an individual act but a community-building one as well.

팬들은 가수의 새 앨범을 입이 마르도록 칭찬했어요.

어머니는 제가 요리한 저녁 식사를 칭찬해 주셨어요.

그 아이는 칭찬받을 짓만 골라서 해요.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 칭찬하다 (to praise) with 축하하다 (to congratulate). While they are both positive, they are used in different contexts. You use 축하하다 for events like birthdays, weddings, or promotions ('생일 축하해요!'). You use 칭찬하다 for achievements, skills, or good behavior ('시험 잘 봐서 칭찬해요'). If you tell someone '칭찬해요!' on their birthday, it sounds like you are praising them for the 'achievement' of being born, which is quite odd in Korean!

Self-Praise: Another cultural pitfall is using 칭찬하다 for oneself. In English, you might say 'I should give myself a pat on the back.' In Korean, saying '저는 저를 칭찬해요' (I praise myself) can sound incredibly arrogant or self-centered. Koreans value '겸손' (humility). If you want to express that you are proud of yourself, it is better to say '제 자신이 자랑스러워요' (I am proud of myself) or '뿌듯해요' (I feel a sense of satisfaction), rather than using the verb 칭찬하다.

잘못된 사용: 생일 칭찬해요! (X) -> 생일 축하해요! (O)

Grammatically, learners often forget the object marker 을/를. Because 칭찬하다 is a transitive verb, you cannot just say '그를 칭찬해요' without the marker in formal writing, although it is sometimes dropped in very casual speech. Another common error is using the wrong particle for the person being praised. It should be [Person]을/를 칭찬하다, not [Person]에게 칭찬하다. While '칭찬을 해 주다' (to give a compliment) uses '에게' (to), the verb '칭찬하다' itself takes the object marker.

Confusing Noun and Verb: Learners sometimes say '칭찬해요' when they mean they *received* a compliment. Remember: 칭찬하다 is the *action* of giving praise. If you are the recipient, you must use '칭찬받다' or '칭찬을 듣다'.

잘못된 사용: 저는 선생님을 칭찬했어요 (I praised the teacher - unusual for a student) -> 선생님께 칭찬받았어요 (I was praised by the teacher).

Lastly, be careful with the intensity. Korean has many specific words for different types of praise. If you use 칭찬하다 for something truly monumental, like saving a life, it might feel a bit 'light.' In those cases, '극찬하다' (to highly praise) or '치하하다' (to formally commend) would be more appropriate. However, for 90% of daily interactions, 칭찬하다 is your safest and most natural choice.

그는 자신의 실수를 칭찬하는 것으로 착각했어요. (He mistook the criticism for praise.)

친구를 칭찬할 때는 구체적으로 하는 것이 좋아요.

너무 과하게 칭찬하면 오히려 상대방이 부담스러워해요.

While 칭찬하다 is the most common way to say 'praise,' Korean offers a variety of alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding these synonyms will help you sound more like a native speaker and better understand the subtle social cues in Korean communication.

Synonym Comparison

극찬하다 (Geuk-chan-ha-da): To praise highly or rave about. Used when the praise is extreme.
칭송하다 (Ching-song-ha-da): To extol or glorify. Used for heroic deeds or great figures.
치하하다 (Chi-ha-da): To commend formally. Often used by high-ranking officials or in government contexts.
추켜세우다 (Chu-kyeo-se-u-da): To flatter or 'puff up' someone. Can sometimes have a negative connotation of empty flattery.

비평가들은 그 영화를 극찬했습니다.

If you are looking for more casual or idiomatic ways to express praise, you might use phrases like '비행기 태우다' (literally 'to give someone a ride on an airplane'), which means to over-praise or flatter someone so much they feel like they are flying. Another common expression is '입이 마르도록 칭찬하다' (to praise until one's mouth is dry), which emphasizes the frequency and sincerity of the praise. These idiomatic expressions add color to your Korean and show a deeper understanding of the language.

Register Differences: Casual: 칭찬해 주다, 잘했다고 하다
Neutral: 칭찬하다, 좋게 말하다
Formal: 치하하다, 높이 평가하다

대통령은 군인들의 노고를 치하했습니다.

In summary, while 칭찬하다 is your go-to word, being aware of 극찬하다 for big moments and 치하하다 for formal ones will make your Korean much more precise. Also, pay attention to the difference between sincere praise and '립서비스' (lip service), a Konglish term used to describe empty compliments. By choosing the right word, you show respect not just for the person you are praising, but for the nuances of the Korean language itself.

그는 동료의 성공을 진심으로 높이 평가했습니다.

너무 비행기 태우지 마세요, 부끄러워요.

역사는 그를 위대한 지도자로 칭송하고 있습니다.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 讚 is also found in the word '찬송가' (hymn), showing its deep roots in the idea of glorification and high praise.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕʰiŋ.tɕʰan.ɦa.da/

US /tʃɪŋ.tʃɑːn.hɑː.dɑː/

In Korean, stress is generally equal across syllables, but there is a slight melodic rise on the first or second syllable depending on the sentence intonation.

Rhymes With

운전하다 (un-jeon-ha-da) 발전하다 (bal-jeon-ha-da) 실천하다 (sil-cheon-ha-da) 안전하다 (an-jeon-ha-da) 완전하다 (wan-jeon-ha-da) 선전하다 (seon-jeon-ha-da) 강연하다 (gang-yeon-ha-da) 공연하다 (gong-yeon-ha-da)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ching' like 'shing' (it must be aspirated 'ch').
Pronouncing 'chan' like 'can' (keep the 'ch' sound).
Making the 'h' too strong (it should be light).
Stress on the last syllable 'da' (it should be neutral).
Confusing the vowels 'i' (이) and 'a' (아).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is common and easy to recognize in text. The Hanja characters are also standard for intermediate learners.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct use of object markers and understanding when to use the honorific form '칭찬하시다'.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, though the aspirated 'ch' sounds need to be distinct.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in media and daily life, making it easy to pick up in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

하다 (to do) 좋다 (to be good) 말하다 (to speak) 선생님 (teacher) 친구 (friend)

Learn Next

격려하다 (to encourage) 축하하다 (to congratulate) 인정하다 (to acknowledge) 존경하다 (to respect) 감동하다 (to be moved)

Advanced

치하하다 (to commend) 극찬하다 (to rave about) 칭송하다 (to extol) 찬양하다 (to glorify) 찬사를 보내다 (to send acclaim)

Grammar to Know

~어/아 주다 (Doing something for someone)

친구를 칭찬해 줬어요.

~(으)로부터 받다 (To receive from)

사장님으로부터 칭찬을 받았어요.

~다고 하다 (Indirect quotation)

그가 저를 예쁘다고 칭찬했어요.

~ㄹ/을 만하다 (To be worth doing)

그는 칭찬받을 만한 사람이에요.

~(으)시 (Honorific)

할머니께서 저를 칭찬하셨어요.

Examples by Level

선생님이 저를 칭찬했어요.

The teacher praised me.

Basic Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) structure with past tense.

엄마, 저 칭찬해 주세요!

Mom, please praise me!

Using ~해 주세요 to ask for an action.

친구의 옷을 칭찬해요.

I praise (compliment) my friend's clothes.

Possessive particle '의' with object marker '를'.

잘했다고 칭찬했어요.

I praised (them) saying they did well.

Quoting particle ~고 with the verb 잘하다.

칭찬은 기분이 좋아요.

Praise feels good.

칭찬 used as a noun (subject).

요리를 칭찬해 줬어요.

They praised my cooking (for me).

Using ~어 주다 to show a kind gesture.

우리 강아지를 칭찬해요.

I praise my puppy.

Direct object '강아지' with '를'.

그는 저를 자주 칭찬해요.

He praises me often.

Adverb '자주' (often) modifying the verb.

오늘 학교에서 칭찬을 받았어요.

I received praise at school today.

Passive-like construction '칭찬을 받다'.

아버지는 제 성적을 칭찬하셨어요.

My father praised my grades.

Honorific suffix ~시 used for 'father'.

동생이 숙제를 다 해서 칭찬해 줬어요.

I praised my younger sibling because they finished their homework.

Reason connector ~아/어서.

한국어 실력을 칭찬받으니까 기뻐요.

I'm happy because I'm being praised for my Korean skills.

Reason connector ~(으)니까 with '칭찬받다'.

서로 칭찬하는 것은 중요해요.

Praising each other is important.

Noun-making ending ~는 것.

그녀는 항상 남을 칭찬하려고 해요.

She always tries to praise others.

Intentional ending ~(으)려고 하다.

칭찬을 들으면 더 열심히 하고 싶어요.

When I hear praise, I want to work harder.

Conditional connector ~(으)면.

너무 과하게 칭찬하지 마세요.

Please don't praise too excessively.

Negative command ~지 마세요.

선생님께서 제 정직함을 높이 칭찬하셨습니다.

The teacher highly praised my honesty.

Adverb '높이' (highly) and formal honorifics.

칭찬을 아끼지 않는 리더가 되고 싶어요.

I want to be a leader who does not spare praise.

Relative clause ending ~는 with the phrase '칭찬을 아끼지 않다'.

그는 동료들로부터 성실하다고 칭찬을 듣습니다.

He hears praise from his colleagues that he is diligent.

Indirect quotation ~다고 with '칭찬을 듣다'.

아이의 작은 성취도 칭찬해 주는 것이 교육에 좋습니다.

Praising even a child's small achievements is good for education.

Subject marker '도' (even) and nominalized phrase.

칭찬받을 만한 일을 했으니 상을 줄게요.

Since you did something worthy of praise, I'll give you a prize.

Structure ~ㄹ/을 만하다 (worthy of).

감독님은 선수들의 팀워크를 입이 마르도록 칭찬하셨어요.

The coach praised the players' teamwork until his mouth was dry.

Idiomatic expression '입이 마르도록'.

칭찬은 고래도 춤추게 한다는 말이 있잖아요.

You know the saying that praise makes even a whale dance.

Causative form ~게 하다 with the quoting particle ~는다는.

그녀를 칭찬하기보다는 질투하는 사람들이 많아요.

There are many people who are jealous of her rather than praising her.

Comparison structure ~기보다는.

회사의 성장을 이끈 그의 리더십은 극찬받아 마땅합니다.

His leadership, which led the company's growth, deserves high praise.

Passive '극찬받다' with '~아/어 마땅하다' (deserve to).

칭찬과 격려는 아이의 자존감을 높이는 데 큰 역할을 합니다.

Praise and encouragement play a big role in raising a child's self-esteem.

Noun coordination '과' and the phrase '~는 데 역할을 하다'.

비평가들은 그의 신작 소설을 올해의 수작이라며 칭찬했습니다.

Critics praised his new novel, calling it a masterpiece of the year.

Quoting particle ~(이)라며 (while saying that).

무분별한 칭찬은 오히려 독이 될 수도 있다는 지적이 있습니다.

There is a point that indiscriminate praise can actually be poisonous.

Complex noun phrase with '수도 있다' (might).

그 배우는 연기력뿐만 아니라 인성으로도 칭찬이 자자합니다.

That actor is widely praised not only for his acting but also for his character.

Structure '뿐만 아니라' (not only... but also) and '칭찬이 자자하다' (praise is widespread).

동료의 아이디어를 칭찬함으로써 긍정적인 분위기를 조성합시다.

Let's create a positive atmosphere by praising our colleagues' ideas.

Instrumental ending ~(으)로써 (by doing).

그는 상사의 칭찬에 비행기 타지 말라며 겸손하게 대답했습니다.

He responded humbly to his boss's praise, saying 'don't give me a ride on an airplane' (don't over-flatter me).

Idiom '비행기 타다' in a quoted negative command.

정부는 이번 방역 대책의 성공을 대대적으로 칭찬하고 나섰습니다.

The government came forward to extensively praise the success of the quarantine measures.

Auxiliary verb '~고 나서다' (to step forward and do).

역사학자들은 그의 개혁 정책을 시대를 앞서간 혜안이라 칭송합니다.

Historians extol his reform policies as foresight that was ahead of its time.

Advanced synonym '칭송하다' and quoting particle ~(이)라.

그의 헌신적인 삶은 종교를 초월하여 많은 이들에게 칭송받고 있습니다.

His devoted life is being extolled by many, transcending religion.

Passive honorific '칭송받다' and '초월하여' (transcending).

이번 수상은 그가 그동안 받아온 칭찬의 결실이라 할 수 있습니다.

This award can be said to be the fruit of the praise he has received so far.

Relative clause '받아온' (that he has been receiving) and '~라 할 수 있다'.

과도한 칭찬은 자칫 아이에게 타인의 시선에 의존하는 성향을 심어줄 수 있습니다.

Excessive praise can inadvertently instill a tendency in a child to depend on others' views.

Adverb '자칫' (perchance/easily) and complex object phrase.

그 작가의 문체는 평단으로부터 유려하고 섬세하다는 극찬을 이끌어냈습니다.

The writer's style drew high praise from critics for being elegant and delicate.

Causative '이끌어내다' (to draw out) and quoting clause.

치하와 격려의 메시지는 국가적 위기 상황에서 국민들에게 큰 힘이 됩니다.

Messages of commendation and encouragement become a great source of strength for the people in national crisis situations.

Formal synonym '치하' used as a noun.

그는 타인의 성취를 진심으로 칭찬할 줄 아는 도량을 가진 인물입니다.

He is a person of magnanimity who knows how to sincerely praise others' achievements.

Structure '~ㄹ/을 줄 아다' (to know how to) and noun '도량' (magnanimity).

칭찬의 역설, 즉 칭찬이 동기 부여를 저해할 수 있다는 연구 결과에 주목해야 합니다.

We must pay attention to the paradox of praise, namely the research results that praise can hinder motivation.

Apposition '즉' (namely) and '주목해야 한다' (must pay attention).

성인의 반열에 오른 그의 덕망은 후세에까지 길이 칭송될 것입니다.

His virtue, having reached the ranks of a sage, will be extolled forever by future generations.

Passive future '칭송될 것이다' and literary terms like '반열' and '덕망'.

진정한 칭찬이란 상대의 존재 자체에 대한 긍정에서 비롯되어야 합니다.

True praise must stem from a positive affirmation of the other person's very existence.

Topic marker '(이)란' (as for the thing called...) and '비롯되다' (to originate).

권력자의 칭찬이 때로는 아첨과 구별하기 어려운 모호한 경계에 놓이기도 합니다.

The praise of those in power sometimes lies on an ambiguous boundary that is hard to distinguish from flattery.

Nominalized phrase '구별하기 어려운' and '놓이기도 한다'.

그의 작품 세계는 동양적 미학의 정수를 담아냈다는 점에서 세계적인 찬사를 받았습니다.

His world of work received worldwide acclaim for capturing the essence of Eastern aesthetics.

Noun '찬사' (acclaim) and the '점' (point/fact) structure.

칭찬의 사회적 효용성을 논함에 있어 문화적 맥락의 차이를 간과해서는 안 됩니다.

In discussing the social utility of praise, one must not overlook the differences in cultural context.

Formal ending '~함에 있어' and '간과해서는 안 된다' (must not overlook).

그는 자신에게 쏟아지는 세간의 칭찬을 경계하며 오로지 학문에만 정진했습니다.

He was wary of the public praise being poured upon him and devoted himself solely to his studies.

Verb '경계하다' (to be wary/on guard) and '정진하다' (to devote oneself).

수사학적으로 볼 때, 칭찬은 청중의 마음을 여는 가장 강력한 도구 중 하나입니다.

From a rhetorical perspective, praise is one of the most powerful tools for opening an audience's heart.

Adverbial '수사학적으로 볼 때' (rhetorically speaking).

고전 문학 속에서 영웅을 칭송하는 방식은 그 시대가 지향하던 가치를 반영합니다.

The way heroes are extolled in classical literature reflects the values that the era aspired to.

Relative clause '지향하던' (that was aspired to) and '반영하다' (to reflect).

Common Collocations

칭찬을 아끼지 않다

입이 마르도록 칭찬하다

칭찬을 듣다

칭찬을 받다

칭찬을 해 주다

자자한 칭찬

칭찬 릴레이

침이 마르도록 칭찬하다

칭찬에 인색하다

칭찬 세례

Common Phrases

칭찬해!

— I praise you! / Good job! (Very casual, often used between friends or to younger people).

시험 잘 봤어? 칭찬해!

칭찬 한 마디

— A word of praise. Used when asking for or giving a quick compliment.

동료에게 칭찬 한 마디 건네보세요.

칭찬 스티커

— A praise sticker. Common in Korean kindergartens and elementary schools for rewards.

오늘 착한 일을 해서 칭찬 스티커를 받았어요.

칭찬 봇물

— A flood of praise. Used when many people start praising at once.

댓글창에 칭찬 봇물이 터졌어요.

칭찬의 힘

— The power of praise. Often used in motivational contexts.

칭찬의 힘은 놀랍습니다.

칭찬 사절

— Refusing praise. A humble (sometimes humorous) way to say 'stop complimenting me'.

과한 칭찬은 사절입니다.

칭찬 감옥

— Praise prison. A variety show trope where someone is trapped until they receive enough praise.

그는 칭찬 감옥에 갇혀서 얼굴이 빨개졌어요.

칭찬 일색

— Nothing but praise. Used when every comment about something is positive.

그 영화에 대한 평가는 칭찬 일색입니다.

칭찬 릴레이

— Praise relay. An activity where people take turns praising the next person.

가족끼리 칭찬 릴레이를 해 보는 건 어때요?

칭찬 거리

— Something to praise. A reason or topic for a compliment.

오늘 칭찬 거리가 참 많네요.

Often Confused With

칭찬하다 vs 축하하다

축하하다 is for events (birthdays, weddings). 칭찬하다 is for achievements or character traits.

칭찬하다 vs 격려하다

격려하다 is to encourage someone who might be struggling. 칭찬하다 is to approve of something they already did well.

칭찬하다 vs 인정하다

인정하다 is to acknowledge or admit something is true. While it can be a form of praise, it is more objective.

Idioms & Expressions

"칭찬은 고래도 춤추게 한다"

— Praise makes even a whale dance. This means that encouragement can motivate anyone to do great things.

칭찬은 고래도 춤추게 한다고 하니, 아이를 더 많이 칭찬해 주세요.

Neutral/Proverb

"입이 마르도록 칭찬하다"

— To praise someone so much that your mouth becomes dry. Indicates very frequent and sincere praise.

선생님은 그 학생을 입이 마르도록 칭찬하셨어요.

Casual/Neutral

"비행기 태우다"

— To give someone a ride on an airplane. Idiomatically, it means to over-praise or flatter someone.

에이, 너무 비행기 태우지 마세요. 부끄러워요.

Casual

"침이 마르도록 칭찬하다"

— Similar to '입이 마르도록', it means to talk about something positively without stopping.

그는 새로 산 핸드폰을 침이 마르도록 칭찬했어요.

Casual

"빈말이라도 칭찬하다"

— To praise someone even if it's just empty words or lip service.

빈말이라도 칭찬해 주니 고맙네요.

Neutral

"칭찬 세례를 퍼붓다"

— To pour a 'baptism' of praise. To shower someone with many compliments at once.

사람들은 승리한 선수에게 칭찬 세례를 퍼부었습니다.

Neutral/Media

"칭찬 보따리를 풀다"

— To unpack a bundle of praise. To start giving a long list of compliments.

할머니는 손주를 보자마자 칭찬 보따리를 푸셨어요.

Casual/Warm

"귀가 따갑도록 칭찬을 듣다"

— To hear praise so much that your ears hurt (figuratively). Used when praise is very frequent.

그의 성실함에 대해서는 귀가 따갑도록 칭찬을 들었어요.

Casual

"칭찬으로 도배하다"

— To 'wallpaper' with praise. To fill a space (like a comment section) entirely with compliments.

그의 SNS는 팬들의 칭찬으로 도배되었습니다.

Slang/Modern

"칭찬에 춤을 추다"

— To dance to praise. To be very happy and motivated because of compliments.

그 아이는 엄마의 칭찬에 춤을 추듯 기뻐했어요.

Literary/Warm

Easily Confused

칭찬하다 vs 칭송하다

Both mean praise.

칭송하다 is much higher in register and used for grand achievements or historical figures, whereas 칭찬하다 is for daily life.

세종대왕의 업적을 칭송하다 (Extol King Sejong's deeds).

칭찬하다 vs 찬양하다

Both involve positive words.

찬양하다 often has a religious or fanatical tone (glorifying God or an idol), while 칭찬하다 is a standard compliment.

신을 찬양하다 (Glorify God).

칭찬하다 vs 치하하다

Both mean to praise/commend.

치하하다 is an official term used by leaders to commend subordinates, usually in a formal ceremony or speech.

장군이 병사들을 치하했다 (The general commended the soldiers).

칭찬하다 vs 추켜세우다

Both involve saying good things.

추켜세우다 can imply flattery or 'pumping someone up,' sometimes excessively, whereas 칭찬하다 is usually seen as sincere.

그는 나를 너무 추켜세워서 몸 둘 바를 모르게 했다.

칭찬하다 vs 극찬하다

Both mean to praise.

극찬하다 is 'extreme praise' (극 = extreme). It is used when someone is blown away by something, like a masterpiece.

관객들은 그의 연기를 극찬했다.

Sentence Patterns

[Person]을/를 칭찬하다

아이를 칭찬해요.

[Person]에게 칭찬을 받다

엄마에게 칭찬을 받았어요.

[Action]~어서 칭찬하다

도와줘서 칭찬했어요.

입이 마르도록 칭찬하다

그녀를 입이 마르도록 칭찬했어요.

칭찬을 아끼지 않다

그는 칭찬을 아끼지 않는 사람이에요.

칭찬받을 만하다

이 결과는 칭찬받을 만합니다.

[Quality]~을/를 높이 칭찬하다

그의 용기를 높이 칭찬합니다.

칭찬의 역설

칭찬의 역설에 대해 토론해 봅시다.

Word Family

Nouns

칭찬 (Praise/Compliment)

칭찬자 (Praiser)

칭찬거리 (Subject of praise)

Verbs

칭찬받다 (To be praised/receive praise)

칭찬해 주다 (To give praise/compliment someone)

칭찬하시다 (Honorific form of 칭찬하다)

Adjectives

칭찬할 만한 (Praiseworthy)

칭찬스러운 (Praiseworthy/Glorious)

격려 (Encouragement)

축하 (Congratulation)

인정 (Recognition)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in educational, familial, and social contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 칭찬하다 for birthdays. → 축하하다
칭찬하다 is for merit or qualities; 축하하다 is for events and celebrations. You don't praise someone for getting older!
Saying '저를 칭찬해요' (I praise myself). → 제 자신이 자랑스러워요.
Self-praise sounds unnatural and arrogant in Korean. Use 'proud' (자랑스럽다) or 'satisfied' (뿌듯하다) instead.
Forgetting the honorific when a teacher praises. → 선생님께서 칭찬하셨어요.
When the subject of the verb is a respected person, you must use the honorific marker ~(으)시.
Using the wrong particle: '친구에게 칭찬하다'. → 친구를 칭찬하다.
칭찬하다 is a transitive verb taking the object marker 을/를. If you use '에게', you must use '칭찬을 해 주다'.
Using 칭찬하다 for a historical hero. → 칭송하다
While not 'wrong,' 칭찬하다 sounds too casual for grand historical figures. 칭송하다 (to extol) is the appropriate high-level term.

Tips

The Art of Humility

When someone praises you in Korea, don't just say 'I know' or 'Thank you' with a big ego. A slight bow and a humble '아니에요' (No, it's not much) goes a long way in making a good impression.

Object Markers Matter

Remember that 칭찬하다 is a transitive verb. Always use 을/를 for the person or thing you are praising. For example, '동생을 칭찬해요' is correct, while '동생에게 칭찬해요' is slightly awkward.

Praise vs. Congratulations

Never say '생일 칭찬해요' for a birthday. Use '축하해요'. Use 칭찬하다 only when someone has 'earned' the praise through effort or character.

Receiving Praise

If you are the one getting the compliment, the verb changes! Use '칭찬받다' (to be praised) instead of '칭찬하다'. This is a common mistake for beginners.

Praising Superiors

Be careful when praising someone much older or higher in rank. Instead of '사장님을 칭찬해요,' say '사장님, 정말 대단하십니다' (CEO, you are truly amazing). It sounds more respectful.

The Whale Saying

Memorize '칭찬은 고래도 춤추게 한다.' It's a great conversation starter and shows you understand the Korean value of encouragement.

Use '해 주다'

Adding '~해 주다' (칭찬해 줬어요) makes the praise sound like a kind favor, which is very common and natural in spoken Korean.

Formal Contexts

In essays or news reports, use '높이 평가하다' or '극찬을 받다' to sound more professional than the basic '칭찬하다'.

Listen for 'Hanja'

Recognizing the '칭' (稱) and '찬' (讚) sounds will help you understand other related words like '찬사' (acclaim) or '칭송' (extolment).

칭찬 릴레이

If you have a Korean study group, try a 'Praise Relay' (칭찬 릴레이). It's a great way to practice the verb and build team spirit!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ching' as 'Cheer' and 'Chan' as 'Champion'. When you 칭찬하다, you 'Cheer for a Champion'!

Visual Association

Imagine a teacher putting a gold 'star' sticker (칭찬 스티커) on a student's forehead while saying 'Ching-chan-hae!'

Word Web

Praise Compliment Good Job Encourage Teacher Parent Achievement Smile

Challenge

Try to 칭찬하다 three different people today in Korean. Use '칭찬해요!' for friends and '칭찬해 주셔서 감사합니다' when you receive one.

Word Origin

칭찬 (稱讚) is a Sino-Korean word. The first character 稱 (칭) means 'to name,' 'to weigh,' or 'to praise.' The second character 讚 (찬) means 'to help,' 'to support,' or 'to praise.' Together, they form the concept of giving high verbal value to someone.

Original meaning: Originally, it implied naming someone's virtues and supporting them through words.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to praise a superior's 'looks' or 'physical appearance' too casually, as 칭찬하다 is often used from higher-to-lower status. For superiors, use '멋지십니다' (You look cool/great) or '대단하십니다' (You are amazing) instead.

In English-speaking cultures, praise is often given freely and accepted with a 'Thank you.' In Korea, a 'Thank you' is fine, but adding a humble denial is often seen as more 'refined' or 'polite.'

The book 'Praise Makes Even a Whale Dance' (칭찬은 고래도 춤추게 한다) by Kenneth Blanchard is a legendary bestseller in Korea. The K-pop song 'Praise' (칭찬해) by various artists often focuses on the warmth of being recognized. Variety shows like 'Running Man' often feature segments where members must praise each other to win points.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

School/Education

선생님께 칭찬받았어요.
칭찬 스티커를 모아요.
성적을 칭찬하다.
태도를 칭찬하다.

Workplace

성과를 칭찬하다.
부하 직원을 칭찬하다.
칭찬을 아끼지 않다.
실력을 인정받다.

Family

아이를 칭찬해 주다.
부모님께 칭찬을 듣다.
심부름을 해서 칭찬받다.
동생을 칭찬하다.

Social/Friends

옷이 예쁘다고 칭찬하다.
요리 실력을 칭찬하다.
서로 칭찬해 주다.
칭찬 릴레이를 하다.

Media/Critics

영화가 극찬을 받다.
연기력을 칭찬하다.
칭찬 일색이다.
찬사를 보내다.

Conversation Starters

"최근에 누구에게 칭찬을 받았나요? (Who praised you recently?)"

"칭찬을 들으면 기분이 어때요? (How do you feel when you hear praise?)"

"한국 사람들은 칭찬에 어떻게 반응하나요? (How do Koreans react to praise?)"

"아이를 키울 때 칭찬이 왜 중요한가요? (Why is praise important when raising a child?)"

"칭찬은 고래도 춤추게 한다는 말을 믿으세요? (Do you believe the saying that praise makes even a whale dance?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 받은 칭찬에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about a compliment you received today.)

내가 다른 사람을 칭찬했던 경험을 적어 보세요. (Record an experience where you praised someone else.)

칭찬의 긍정적인 효과에 대해 자신의 생각을 써 보세요. (Write your thoughts on the positive effects of praise.)

어떤 점을 칭찬받을 때 가장 기분이 좋은가요? (What kind of praise makes you feel the best?)

칭찬을 잘하는 방법은 무엇이라고 생각하나요? (What do you think is the best way to give praise?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very arrogant. It is better to use '제 자신이 자랑스러워요' (I am proud of myself) or '뿌듯해요' (I feel a sense of achievement). In Korean culture, self-praise is generally discouraged to maintain humility.

칭찬하다 is used to praise someone's skills, actions, or qualities (e.g., 'You are so smart'). 축하하다 is used to congratulate someone on a specific happy event (e.g., 'Happy Birthday' or 'Congratulations on your wedding').

It is less common. Usually, praise flows from 'top to bottom' (teacher to student, parent to child). If a younger person wants to 'praise' an older person, they usually use words like '존경하다' (respect) or '대단하시네요' (you are amazing) to avoid sounding like they are 'evaluating' their elder.

The most common way is '칭찬을 받았어요' (I received praise) or '칭찬을 들었어요' (I heard praise). You can also use '칭찬받았어요'.

It literally means 'to give someone a ride on an airplane,' but idiomatically it means to over-praise or flatter someone so much that they feel 'lifted up.' It is often used as a humble response: '비행기 태우지 마세요' (Don't flatter me too much).

Yes! You can 칭찬하다 your dog or cat when they follow a command or behave well. '강아지를 칭찬해 줬어요' is perfectly natural.

It is a 'praise sticker' given to children in Korea when they do something good. It's a very common cultural element in elementary schools and homes to motivate kids.

Yes, '칭찬하시다' is the honorific version used when the person doing the praising is someone you respect. In very formal settings, '치하하다' or '높이 평가하다' are used.

The most polite way is to be humble. Say '아니에요' (No, it's not like that), '감사합니다' (Thank you), or '아직 부족합니다' (I am still lacking/have much to learn).

The most direct opposite is '비난하다' (to criticize/blame) or '꾸짖다' (to scold). '욕하다' (to speak ill of/curse) is also an opposite in a broader sense.