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숭배하다

A1 verb #4,500 most common 8 min read

숭배하다

sungbaeha Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 숭배하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 숭배하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of **숭배하다** as a very strong version of 'to like' or 'to respect.' While you might not use it every day, you will see it in basic stories about history or religion. Imagine you are talking about a king in a fairy tale or a god in a myth—that is when you use this word. It is a verb, which means it is an action. You take a person or a thing (the object), add '을' or '를', and then say '숭배해요.' For example, '그들은 신을 숭배해요' means 'They worship God.' It is important to know that this is much stronger than saying 'I like pizza.' You only use it for things that are very, very special, like a hero or a creator. In your first few months of Korean, you might only hear this in cartoons or simple history books. Just remember: 숭배 = Worship.

As an A2 learner, you can start to understand the structure of **숭배하다** more clearly. It is a 'Noun + 하다' verb. The noun is **숭배** (worship). You can use this word when talking about cultural differences or traditions. For instance, in Korea, many people talk about 'ancestor worship,' which is '조상 숭배.' You might say, '한국 사람들은 조상을 숭배해요' (Korean people worship their ancestors). At this level, you should also notice that it is different from **존경하다** (to respect). You respect your teacher, but you worship a god. If you use **숭배하다** for your friend, people will think you are joking or being very dramatic. Try to recognize this word when you watch historical dramas (Sageuks), as characters often talk about worshipping the heavens or nature.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use **숭배하다** in more complex sentences and understand its metaphorical uses. You will encounter it in news articles or social discussions about 'idol culture' or 'materialism.' For example, '현대인들은 돈을 숭배하는 경향이 있다' (Modern people have a tendency to worship money). Here, it's not about a literal god, but about what people value most in their lives. You should also be comfortable with the passive form **숭배받다** (to be worshipped). You might describe a famous scientist by saying, '그는 과학계에서 숭배받는 인물이다' (He is a figure who is worshipped in the scientific community). This level requires you to distinguish between religious worship and the extreme admiration of ideas or people.

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuance of **숭배하다** in literature and formal debates. It is often used to critique social phenomena, such as the 'cult of personality' (개인 숭배). You should be able to discuss the historical significance of 'ancestor worship' (조상 숭배) in Confucianism and how it shaped Korean society. You will also see it used with adverbs like '맹목적으로' (blindly), which changes the tone to a negative one: '맹목적인 숭배는 위험하다' (Blind worship is dangerous). At this stage, you should be able to use the word to express deep, philosophical ideas about what humans choose to elevate to a sacred status. You can also compare it with similar verbs like **경배하다** or **추앙하다** and choose the one that fits the formality of your writing.

For C1 learners, **숭배하다** becomes a tool for deep cultural and psychological analysis. You should explore its usage in classical literature and theological texts. The word often appears in discussions about 'shamanism' (샤머니즘) and 'animism' (애니미즘), where various natural elements are worshipped. You should be able to identify the subtle differences between **숭배** (worship), **숭상** (reverence/to hold in high esteem), and **경외** (awe). For instance, '자연을 숭배하다' suggests a religious act, while '자연을 경외하다' suggests feeling a sense of overwhelming awe toward nature. Your ability to use these words accurately in an academic essay or a formal presentation will demonstrate a high level of linguistic sophistication. You should also be aware of the Hanja roots (崇 - lofty, 拜 - bow) to understand why the word carries such weight.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of **숭배하다** and can use it to articulate complex sociopolitical and existential arguments. You can analyze how the concept of 'worship' has shifted from the spiritual to the digital age, perhaps discussing the 'worship of algorithms' or 'digital idols.' You understand the historical evolution of the word from ancient rites to modern hyper-consumerism. In creative writing, you can use the word to create powerful imagery—describing a character who 'worships' a lost memory or a failed ideal. You are also capable of understanding the most formal and archaic forms of the word used in ancient texts or high-level religious discourse. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker who uses the word with precision, recognizing its power to elevate or to criticize.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

숭배하다 in 30 Seconds

To worship or revere someone or something with extreme devotion.
Used in religious contexts for gods or ancestors.
Used metaphorically for heroes, idols, or concepts like money.
Signifies a higher level of admiration than simple respect.

The Korean verb 숭배하다 (sungbaehada) is a profound term that translates primarily to 'to worship' or 'to revere.' Rooted in Hanja (Sino-Korean characters), it combines 崇 (숭), meaning 'lofty' or 'to honor,' and 拜 (배), meaning 'to bow' or 'to pay respects.' Together, they describe an act of deep, often religious, devotion or extreme admiration that goes beyond simple liking or even standard respect. In a traditional sense, this word was almost exclusively reserved for deities, ancestors, or natural spirits. However, in modern linguistic contexts, its usage has expanded to include the extreme, almost cult-like adoration of public figures, ideologies, or even material concepts like wealth. When you use 숭배하다, you are indicating that the object of the verb is placed on a pedestal, treated as sacred, or viewed as having a status far above the ordinary human experience.

Religious Devotion: This is the primary and most formal use. It refers to the act of practicing faith toward a higher power. For example, '그들은 태양신을 숭배했다' (They worshipped the sun god). It implies rituals, prayers, and a recognition of divine authority.

고대 이집트인들은 고양이를 신처럼 숭배했다.

Translation: Ancient Egyptians worshipped cats like gods.

Hero Worship and Fandom: In modern society, particularly within K-pop or sports culture, fans might 'worship' their idols. While '좋아하다' (to like) is common, '숭배하다' suggests a level of devotion where the fan sees the celebrity as infallible or transformative.

Furthermore, the word is often used in social critiques. Intellectuals might speak of '황금만능주의' (money-is-everything-ism) where people 숭배하다 money (돈을 숭배하다) above human values. This highlights a shift from spiritual worship to materialistic obsession. Understanding this word requires recognizing the weight of the 'bow' (배) within it—it is not just a feeling, but a metaphorical or physical positioning of oneself below the object of worship. Whether it is a monk in a temple or a programmer worshipping a specific tech genius, the core essence remains: an elevation of the other to a state of supreme importance.

일부 사람들은 성공을 유일한 가치로 여기며 숭배한다.

Historical Context: In Korean history, '조상 숭배' (ancestor worship) is a critical concept. It refers to the Confucian practice of honoring deceased family members through '제사' (memorial rituals), ensuring that the lineage remains connected and blessed.

Using 숭배하다 correctly involves understanding its transitive nature. It requires an object marked by the particles ~을 or ~를. Because the act of worship is an active, intentional process, the subject is almost always a person or a group of people. Grammatically, it follows the standard 'Subject-Object-Verb' (SOV) structure of Korean. However, the nuance changes depending on the level of formality and the specific ending used. For instance, in a sermon or a formal history lecture, you would hear 숭배합니다 or 숭배한다, whereas in a personal reflection, one might use 숭배해요.

그 부족은 숲의 정령을 숭배하며 살았습니다.

Sentence breakdown: [Subject: That tribe] [Object: Forest spirits] [Verb: Worshipped and lived].

Grammatical Patterns: 1. [Noun] + 을/를 숭배하다 (Basic)
2. [Noun] + 처럼 숭배하다 (To worship like a... )
3. 숭배하는 [Noun] (The [Noun] that [one] worships - Adnominal form)

One interesting aspect of 숭배하다 is how it interacts with the passive form. While '숭배받다' (to be worshipped) is common, it is often used to describe the status of the deity or the idol. For example, '그 가수는 전 세계 팬들에게 숭배받고 있다' (That singer is being worshipped by fans all over the world). This passive construction highlights the influence and reach of the person being admired. When constructing sentences, remember that the intensity of 숭배하다 is high; if you just want to say you admire a teacher, '존경하다' is much more natural. Save 숭배하다 for the 'gods' in your life, whether literal or figurative.

맹목적으로 누군가를 숭배하는 것은 위험할 수 있습니다.

In literary contexts, you might see the noun form 숭배 used with other verbs. '숭배를 바치다' (to offer worship/devotion) is a poetic way to express the act of giving one's heart to a higher power. This shows that the word is not just a functional verb but a vessel for deep emotional and spiritual expression. When practicing, try to pair it with different objects: '자연을 숭배하다' (worship nature), '전통을 숭배하다' (worship tradition), or even '권력을 숭배하다' (worship power).

You are most likely to encounter 숭배하다 in three distinct environments: religious settings, historical documentaries, and social criticism in media. In a church, temple, or during a formal ritual like Jesa (ancestor memorial), the term is used with utmost sincerity. It describes the fundamental relationship between the human and the divine. If you watch a historical drama (Sageuk), you will hear kings or priests talking about '하늘을 숭배하다' (worshipping the heavens) to ensure a good harvest or national peace.

“우리는 조상님들을 진심으로 숭배해야 한다.”

Common phrase in a traditional family setting regarding ancestor rites.

Media and Social Commentary: News anchors or documentary narrators often use the word when discussing modern 'cults of personality' (개인 숭배). This is frequently heard in political contexts, describing how certain leaders are treated as infallible figures by their followers.

Another modern context is the world of 'Idol' (아이돌) culture. While the word 'idol' itself comes from a religious root, Korean media often uses 숭배하다 to describe the intense, global devotion fans have for K-pop stars. In variety shows, you might hear a comedian jokingly say, '저는 유재석 씨를 숭배해요' (I worship Yoo Jae-suk), which uses the word's heavy weight to create a humorous, hyperbolic effect of extreme respect.

그의 팬들은 그를 거의 종교처럼 숭배한다.

Finally, in literature and poetry, the word is used to describe an intense, selfless love. A protagonist might 'worship' the ground their lover walks on, using 숭배하다 to show that their love has reached a level of spiritual devotion. It is a word that signifies the highest peak of human admiration, making it a staple in epic storytelling and dramatic narratives.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 숭배하다 is using it where 존경하다 (to respect) or 사랑하다 (to love) would be more appropriate. Because 'worship' is a strong word in English, and '숭배' is even stronger in Korean, using it for a teacher, a boss, or a standard celebrity can make you sound like you are part of a cult. Unless the person is a literal deity or you are being intentionally hyperbolic, avoid using it for living people you just 'really like.'

Confusing with '예배하다': Learners often confuse '숭배하다' with '예배하다' (to worship/attend service). '예배하다' is specifically for the formal act of a religious service (like going to church on Sunday). '숭배하다' is the broader internal feeling and the general act of reverence. You '숭배' God, and you '예배' at a church.

❌ 저는 제 선생님을 숭배해요.
✅ 저는 제 선생님을 존경해요.

Unless your teacher is a deity, use 존경하다 (respect).

Another mistake is the incorrect use of particles. Since 숭배하다 is a transitive verb, you must use ~을/를. Some learners mistakenly use ~에게 (to someone) because they think of 'giving' worship. While you can say '숭배를 바치다' (offer worship to...), the verb 숭배하다 itself always takes the direct object particle. For example, '신에게 숭배하다' is grammatically awkward; '신을 숭배하다' is correct.

Lastly, don't confuse 숭배하다 with 찬양하다 (to praise). While they are related, 찬양하다 is the vocal act of singing or speaking praises, whereas 숭배하다 is the overarching act of devotion. You might 찬양 during an act of 숭배, but they are not interchangeable in all sentences.

To master 숭배하다, you must understand where it sits on the spectrum of 'admiration.' Korean has many words for liking and respecting, and choosing the wrong one can change the entire tone of your conversation. Below is a comparison of common alternatives.

존경하다 (Respect): The most common word for admiring someone's character, achievements, or position. It is used for parents, teachers, and historical figures. It lacks the 'divine' element of 숭배하다.
경배하다 (Adore/Worship): Very similar to 숭배하다 but often carries a more 'bowing in awe' nuance. It is frequently used in Christian hymns and formal religious contexts (e.g., '경배와 찬양' - Worship and Praise).
예배하다 (Religious Service): Specifically refers to the act of attending or performing a religious service. It is a more 'procedural' word than 숭배하다.

그는 영웅으로 추앙받고 있다.

추앙하다 (to revere/admire) is a slightly more formal, literary alternative often used for great leaders.

If you are talking about a hobby or a brand you love, instead of saying '아이폰을 숭배해요', say '아이폰을 정말 좋아해요' or '아이폰의 팬이에요'. Using 숭배하다 in these cases makes you sound like a 'fanatic.' In a political context, '개인 숭배' (cult of personality) is the standard term, but in a positive social context, you might use '추대하다' (to nominate/support a leader) or '따르다' (to follow/admire).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 拜 (배) originally depicted two hands held together in a gesture of bowing, which is still the core physical act of worship in many Asian cultures.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /suŋ.bɛ.ɦa.da/

US /suŋ.beɪ.hɑ.dɑ/

In Korean, stress is generally even across syllables, but a slight emphasis often falls on the first syllable '숭' to initiate the word clearly.

Rhymes With

공부하다 (to study) 준비하다 (to prepare) 방해하다 (to disturb) 항해하다 (to sail) 오해하다 (to misunderstand) 후회하다 (to regret) 경배하다 (to adore) 예배하다 (to worship)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '숭' like 'soon' - it must have the 'ng' (ㅇ) ending.
Pronouncing '배' like 'bee' - it should be an 'eh' or 'ay' sound.
Making the 'h' in 'ha' too silent; it should be audible but soft.
Confusing '숭' with '성' (seong).
Stressing the 'da' at the end too much.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is simple, but it often appears in complex historical or religious texts.

Writing 4/5

Using the correct nuance without sounding overly dramatic requires practice.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but it's rarely used in everyday casual speech.

Listening 3/5

Easily recognizable in historical dramas and news broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

신 (God) 사람 (Person) 사랑하다 (To love) 존경하다 (To respect) 하다 (To do)

Learn Next

경배하다 (To adore/worship) 예배 (Religious service) 신성하다 (To be sacred) 의식 (Ritual) 신앙 (Faith)

Advanced

우상화 (Deification) 경외심 (Awe) 추앙 (Reverence) 봉헌 (Dedication/Offering) 교리 (Doctrine)

Grammar to Know

~을/를 (Direct Object Particle)

신을 숭배하다.

~처럼 (Like/As)

그를 신처럼 숭배하다.

~받다 (Passive voice for '하다' verbs)

그는 대중에게 숭배받는다.

~하는 (Adnominal present tense)

숭배하는 마음.

~기 위해 (In order to)

신을 숭배하기 위해 모였다.

Examples by Level

그들은 신을 숭배해요.

They worship God.

Basic Subject-Object-Verb structure.

우리는 영웅을 숭배합니다.

We worship the hero.

Formal ending -합니다.

사람들은 태양을 숭배했어요.

People worshipped the sun.

Past tense -했어요.

누구를 숭배해요?

Who do you worship?

Interrogative form.

저는 자연을 숭배해요.

I worship nature.

Direct object '자연' with '을'.

그 부족은 달을 숭배해요.

That tribe worships the moon.

Subject '부족' (tribe).

신을 숭배하는 사람들을 보세요.

Look at the people who worship God.

Adnominal form '숭배하는' modifying '사람들'.

할아버지는 조상을 숭배해요.

Grandfather worships the ancestors.

Topic '조상' (ancestors).

한국에서는 조상을 숭배하는 전통이 있어요.

In Korea, there is a tradition of worshipping ancestors.

Noun modification '숭배하는 전통'.

그는 자신의 가수를 신처럼 숭배해요.

He worships his singer like a god.

Comparison '신처럼' (like a god).

옛날 사람들은 바다를 숭배했습니다.

People in the old days worshipped the sea.

Formal past tense.

우리는 진리를 숭배해야 합니다.

We must worship the truth.

Obligation '-해야 합니다'.

그 영화배우는 전 세계에서 숭배받아요.

That movie actor is worshipped all over the world.

Passive form '숭배받다'.

우리는 돈을 숭배하면 안 돼요.

We should not worship money.

Prohibition '-하면 안 돼요'.

그들은 나무를 숭배하며 기도를 해요.

They worship the tree and pray.

Connective '-하며' (while/and).

이것은 조상을 숭배하기 위한 음식이에요.

This is food for worshipping ancestors.

Purpose '-하기 위한'.

어떤 사람들은 권력을 맹목적으로 숭배합니다.

Some people blindly worship power.

Adverb '맹목적으로' (blindly).

그 종교는 유일신을 숭배하는 것을 원칙으로 합니다.

That religion makes it a principle to worship a single god.

Noun clause '-하는 것'.

현대 사회에서 기술을 숭배하는 경향이 강해지고 있다.

In modern society, the tendency to worship technology is growing stronger.

Present progressive '-고 있다'.

그는 평생 동안 평화를 숭배하며 살았다.

He lived his whole life worshipping peace.

Duration '평생 동안'.

우리는 위대한 예술가들을 숭배할 필요가 없습니다.

We don't need to worship great artists.

Lack of necessity '-할 필요가 없다'.

과거에는 왕을 신의 아들로 숭배했습니다.

In the past, kings were worshipped as sons of God.

Status marker '-(으)로'.

그녀는 자연의 아름다움을 숭배하는 시를 썼다.

She wrote poems worshipping the beauty of nature.

Object '아름다움' (beauty).

맹목적인 숭배는 개인의 판단력을 흐리게 합니다.

Blind worship clouds an individual's judgment.

Causative nuance '흐리게 하다'.

개인 숭배는 독재 정권의 전형적인 특징 중 하나입니다.

Cult of personality is one of the typical characteristics of dictatorial regimes.

Noun phrase '개인 숭배' (cult of personality).

그 학자는 지식을 숭배하기보다는 지혜를 추구했다.

That scholar sought wisdom rather than worshipping knowledge.

Contrast '-하기보다는'.

일부 팬들의 숭배는 가끔 도를 넘기도 합니다.

The worship of some fans sometimes goes too far.

Idiom '도를 넘다' (to cross the line).

고대 문명은 각기 다른 신들을 숭배하며 발전했습니다.

Ancient civilizations developed while worshipping different gods.

Adverbial '각기 다른' (each different).

우리는 물질적인 풍요만을 숭배해서는 안 됩니다.

We must not worship only material abundance.

Strong prohibition '-해서는 안 된다'.

그는 자신의 조국을 신성한 존재로 숭배했다.

He worshipped his homeland as a sacred entity.

Adjective '신성한' (sacred).

숭배의 대상이 무엇이든, 인간은 무언가를 믿고 싶어 한다.

Whatever the object of worship is, humans want to believe in something.

Concessive '-든'.

예술을 숭배하는 마음이 그를 위대한 화가로 만들었다.

His heart of worshipping art made him a great painter.

Subject clause '숭배하는 마음'.

토테미즘은 특정 동식물을 영적 존재로 숭배하는 원시 신앙이다.

Totemism is a primitive belief that worships certain animals or plants as spiritual beings.

Technical term '토테미즘'.

그 소설은 이성을 숭배하는 근대 철학의 한계를 비판한다.

The novel criticizes the limits of modern philosophy that worships reason.

Critique '한계를 비판하다'.

민주주의 사회에서 특정 정치인에 대한 숭배는 경계해야 할 요소이다.

In a democratic society, worship of a specific politician is an element to be wary of.

Prepositional '에 대한'.

그는 고전 음악의 거장들을 거의 종교적 수준으로 숭배한다.

He worships the masters of classical music at an almost religious level.

Level indicator '수준으로'.

인간은 공포를 극복하기 위해 초자연적 힘을 숭배하기 시작했을 것이다.

Humans likely began to worship supernatural forces to overcome fear.

Speculative '-했을 것이다'.

과학 기술에 대한 맹목적 숭배가 초래할 미래를 고민해야 한다.

We must consider the future that blind worship of science and technology will bring about.

Resultative '초래할'.

숭배라는 행위는 인간의 근원적인 고독에서 비롯된 것일지도 모른다.

The act of worship might originate from human's fundamental loneliness.

Origin '에서 비롯되다'.

그녀는 전통의 가치를 숭배하며 그것을 보존하는 데 평생을 바쳤다.

Worshipping the value of tradition, she dedicated her life to preserving it.

Dedication '평생을 바치다'.

탈근대 사회에서는 거대 담론 대신 파편화된 취향을 숭배하는 현상이 나타난다.

In post-modern society, a phenomenon of worshipping fragmented tastes instead of grand narratives appears.

Socio-philosophical terminology.

숭배의 기저에는 대상에 대한 절대적 복종과 자아의 투영이 공존한다.

At the base of worship, absolute obedience to the object and the projection of the self coexist.

Abstract nouns '기저', '투영'.

그 작가는 자본의 논리를 숭배하는 세태를 날카로운 필치로 풍자했다.

The writer satirized the social trend of worshipping the logic of capital with a sharp writing style.

Satire '풍자하다'.

신성함이 사라진 시대에 인간은 무엇을 숭배함으로써 구원을 얻으려 하는가?

In an era where sacredness has vanished, what do humans try to gain salvation by worshipping?

Method '-함으로써'.

숭배받는 자의 고독은 그를 숭배하는 대중의 열망만큼이나 깊다.

The loneliness of the worshipped is as deep as the aspiration of the masses who worship him.

Comparison '-만큼이나'.

역사적으로 숭배의 대상은 시대의 이데올로기를 반영하는 거울이었다.

Historically, the object of worship has been a mirror reflecting the ideology of the era.

Historical analysis.

이데올로기를 숭배하는 것은 때로 인간성을 말살하는 결과를 낳기도 한다.

Worshipping an ideology sometimes results in the destruction of humanity.

Destruction '말살하다'.

진정한 예술은 숭배의 차원을 넘어 인간 실존에 대한 근원적 질문을 던진다.

True art goes beyond the dimension of worship and poses fundamental questions about human existence.

Beyond '차원을 넘어'.

Common Collocations

신을 숭배하다

조상을 숭배하다

우상을 숭배하다

맹목적으로 숭배하다

돈을 숭배하다

영웅을 숭배하다

자연을 숭배하다

개인 숭배

숭배의 대상

태양을 숭배하다

Common Phrases

우상 숭배

— Idolatry; worshipping an image or false god. Used in religious or critical contexts.

그 종교는 우상 숭배를 엄격히 금지합니다.

조상 숭배

— Ancestor worship. A core part of traditional Korean Confucian culture.

조상 숭배는 한국의 오랜 전통입니다.

개인 숭배

— Cult of personality. Excessive public admiration of a political leader.

독재자는 종종 개인 숭배를 이용합니다.

영웅 숭배

— Hero worship. Admiring a person for their great deeds as if they were divine.

그의 업적은 영웅 숭배를 불러일으키기에 충분했다.

숭배를 받다

— To be worshipped. Used when a person or deity is the object of devotion.

그 가수는 전 세계 팬들에게 숭배를 받고 있다.

맹목적 숭배

— Blind worship. Following someone or something without thinking critically.

맹목적 숭배는 사회적 문제를 야기할 수 있다.

숭배의 일환으로

— As part of worship. Used to explain the reason for a ritual.

그들은 숭배의 일환으로 춤을 추었다.

자연 숭배

— Nature worship. Believing that nature or natural elements are divine.

고대인들에게 자연 숭배는 당연한 것이었다.

황금 숭배

— Worshipping gold/wealth. A metaphor for extreme materialism.

현대인들의 황금 숭배가 심각한 수준이다.

숭배를 바치다

— To offer worship. A formal and poetic way to say one is worshipping.

그들은 신전에서 신에게 숭배를 바쳤다.

Often Confused With

숭배하다 vs 예배하다

Specifically refers to the act of religious service/ceremony, while 숭배하다 is the broader act of worship/reverence.

숭배하다 vs 존경하다

Standard respect. 숭배하다 is much stronger and implies a divine or supreme status.

숭배하다 vs 찬양하다

To praise or glorify, often vocally. 숭배하다 is the total devotion.

Idioms & Expressions

"신처럼 모시다"

— To treat someone like a god. Very similar to 숭배하다 but uses the verb 모시다 (to serve/attend).

그는 아내를 신처럼 모시며 산다.

Neutral

"발치에도 못 가다"

— Cannot even reach the feet of someone. Used to show how much higher a 'worshipped' person is.

나는 그 천재의 발치에도 못 간다.

Informal

"입에 침이 마르도록 칭찬하다"

— To praise someone so much that one's mouth goes dry. Often a precursor to 숭배.

그는 그 감독을 입에 침이 마르도록 칭찬했다.

Informal

"하늘처럼 받들다"

— To revere someone as high as the sky.

백성들은 그 왕을 하늘처럼 받들었다.

Formal

"금지옥엽으로 기르다"

— To raise a child like a precious gold or jade leaf. A form of parental 'worship' or extreme care.

그녀는 외동딸을 금지옥엽으로 길렀다.

Neutral

"신격화하다"

— To deify someone; to make someone into a god.

그 지도자를 신격화하려는 시도가 있었다.

Academic/Formal

"눈에 넣어도 안 아프다"

— So precious that it wouldn't hurt even if put in the eye. Describes extreme adoration.

손주는 눈에 넣어도 안 아픈 존재다.

Neutral

"떠받들다"

— To support or hold someone up high with great respect.

그는 사장님을 아주 상전처럼 떠받든다.

Neutral

"환상을 가지다"

— To have an illusion/fantasy about someone. Often leads to blind worship.

연예인에 대해 너무 환상을 가지지 마라.

Neutral

"넋을 잃다"

— To lose one's soul/be entranced. The state of being in awe during worship.

그녀의 연주에 모두가 넋을 잃었다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

숭배하다 vs 숭상하다

Similar Hanja roots and meaning.

숭상하다 is more about valuing or prizing an ideal or spirit highly, while 숭배하다 is more about active worship of an entity.

우리 민족은 평화를 숭상한다.

숭배하다 vs 경배하다

Both mean worship.

경배하다 focuses more on the physical or spiritual act of bowing/adoring in a religious context.

만왕의 왕을 경배하라.

숭배하다 vs 추앙하다

Both imply high reverence.

추앙하다 is often used for great historical or social leaders whom people look up to immensely.

그는 성자로 추앙받았다.

숭배하다 vs 흠모하다

Both involve deep admiration.

흠모하다 is more about longing and loving someone from afar with great respect, often romantic or artistic.

그녀는 그 시인을 흠모했다.

숭배하다 vs 추대하다

Both involve elevating someone.

추대하다 is a formal act of putting someone in a position of leadership/honor.

그를 위원장으로 추대했다.

Sentence Patterns

저는 [Noun]을/를 숭배해요.

저는 신을 숭배해요.

[Noun]은/는 [Noun]을/를 숭배했습니다.

그들은 태양을 숭배했습니다.

[Noun]을/를 맹목적으로 숭배하지 마세요.

돈을 맹목적으로 숭배하지 마세요.

[Noun]에게 숭배받는 것은 어려운 일이다.

대중에게 숭배받는 것은 어려운 일이다.

[Noun]을/를 숭배하는 것은 [Noun]의 특징이다.

자연을 숭배하는 것은 그 부족의 특징이다.

숭배의 기저에는 [Noun]이/가 자리 잡고 있다.

숭배의 기저에는 두려움이 자리 잡고 있다.

All

[Noun]을/를 [Noun]처럼 숭배하다.

그 가수를 신처럼 숭배하다.

All

조상 숭배는 [Noun]이다.

조상 숭배는 전통이다.

Word Family

Nouns

숭배 (Worship/Adoration)

숭배자 (Worshipper)

숭배 대상 (Object of worship)

우상 숭배 (Idolatry)

Verbs

숭배하다 (To worship)

숭배받다 (To be worshipped)

숭배시키다 (To make someone worship)

Adjectives

숭배할 만한 (Worthy of worship)

숭배적인 (Worshipful)

존경 (Respect)

신앙 (Faith)

우상 (Idol)

찬양 (Praise)

경외 (Awe)

How to Use It

frequency

Medium. High in specific domains like religion, history, and social criticism.

Common Mistakes

Using 숭배하다 for a teacher. → 선생님을 존경해요.
숭배하다 is too strong for a teacher-student relationship; it implies the teacher is a deity.
Using에게 instead of 을/를. → 신을 숭배하다.
숭배하다 is a transitive verb and takes a direct object, not an indirect object.
Confusing 숭배하다 with 예배하다. → 일요일에 예배해요.
예배하다 is for the service itself; 숭배하다 is the act of devotion to the deity.
Using it for food you love. → 떡볶이를 정말 좋아해요.
Unless you are starting a religion for spicy rice cakes, 숭배하다 is inappropriately heavy.
Misspelling as 성배하다. → 숭배하다.
'성배' means 'Holy Grail.' Make sure to use '숭' (lofty).

Tips

Don't overdo it

Avoid using 숭배하다 for things you just like. It makes you sound like a fanatic. Stick to '존경하다' for people you admire.

Remember the Particle

Always use 을/를 with 숭배하다. It is a transitive verb that needs a direct object.

Ancestor Rites

When talking about Korean traditions, '조상 숭배' is the key term for understanding the respect shown to deceased family members.

Passive Form

Use '숭배받다' when you want to say someone 'is worshipped.' This is common when talking about celebrities or historical figures.

Religious Nuance

In a Christian context, '경배하다' is often preferred in songs, while '숭배하다' is used in more general or theological discussions.

Modern Slang

Younger people might use '숭배' jokingly when someone does something incredibly cool, like 'God-tier' in English.

Adverbs Matter

Use '맹목적으로' (blindly) to give the word a negative, critical nuance.

Sageuk Dramas

Watch historical dramas to hear how the word is used for kings, heavens, and gods.

Respect vs Worship

If you want to be like them, use 존경. If you think they are above human level, use 숭배.

Hanja Help

Remember 拜 (배) as the 'bow' character used in '세배' (New Year's bow).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'SUper' (숭) 'BAE' (배) - someone you love so much they are like a god, so you worship them.

Visual Association

Imagine a person bowing deeply (배) toward a tall, lofty (숭) mountain or a golden statue.

Word Web

God Idol Bow Altar Faith Ancestor Love Respect

Challenge

Try to write three things you '숭배' (metaphorically) and explain why using the '~기 때문에' (because) grammar.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja (Sino-Korean characters) 崇 (숭) and 拜 (배). 崇 means high, lofty, or to honor. 拜 means to bow, to pay respects, or to worship.

Original meaning: To bow down before something lofty or high.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word in a religious context with Koreans, as many are deeply Christian, Buddhist, or Catholic, and using '숭배' for secular things might be seen as slightly irreverent depending on the company.

In English, 'worship' is primarily religious. In Korean, 숭배 is also primarily religious but is more frequently used in historical and formal social critiques than the English word might be in casual conversation.

The 'Cult of Personality' (개인 숭배) of leaders in North Korea. The concept of 'Idol' (우상) in K-pop fandom. Historical rites for 'Dangun' (단군), the legendary founder of Korea.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Religious Service

신을 숭배하다
기도를 올리다
찬양을 부르다
성경을 읽다

Historical Drama

하늘을 숭배하다
왕을 받들다
제사를 지내다
신의 뜻

Modern Fandom

아이돌을 숭배하다
덕질을 하다
응원하다
최애 (Favorite)

Social Criticism

돈을 숭배하다
물질주의
맹목적 따름
비판적 사고

Family Traditions

조상 숭배
차례
가풍
효도

Conversation Starters

"당신은 누군가를 숭배해 본 적이 있나요?"

"고대 문명들이 자연을 숭배한 이유는 무엇일까요?"

"현대 사회에서 사람들이 가장 많이 숭배하는 것은 무엇이라고 생각하세요?"

"연예인을 숭배하는 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하시나요?"

"조상 숭배 전통이 현대에도 중요하다고 보시나요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 만약 어떤 영웅을 숭배한다면, 그 이유는 무엇일까?

돈을 숭배하는 사회의 문제점에 대해 써 보세요.

자연을 숭배하는 마음이 환경 보호에 도움이 될까요?

내가 가장 존경하거나 숭배하는 인물에 대해 소개해 보세요.

맹목적인 숭배가 개인의 삶에 미치는 영향에 대해 고찰해 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You can, but it sounds very extreme. It implies you treat them like a deity. It's usually better to use '사랑하다' (love) or '아끼다' (cherish) unless you are being intentionally dramatic or poetic.

숭배 is the concept of worship and the inner feeling of devotion. 예배 is the formal act of a religious service, like a church service. You '숭배' God, and you '예배' at a church.

Not necessarily. In modern contexts, it is often used negatively, such as '돈을 숭배하다' (worshipping money) or '개인 숭배' (cult of personality), implying an unhealthy or blind obsession.

It is '조상 숭배' (josang sungbae). It is a very common term in Korea when discussing Confucian traditions and family rituals like Jesa.

Yes, but often metaphorically or to describe the intensity of the fandom. While the stars are called 'idols' (우상), fans usually say they '좋아하다' or '응원하다' them. '숭배하다' is used by media to describe the phenomenon.

Yes, '자연을 숭배하다' (to worship nature) is a common phrase when talking about animism or certain spiritual beliefs.

The most common objects are '신' (God), '조상' (ancestors), and '우상' (idols/false gods).

Yes, you can say '숭배하시다' if you are talking about a highly respected person who is doing the worshipping, though it is rare.

Yes, it is a relatively formal and heavy word. It is not used frequently in casual, daily conversation about mundane things.

It is 崇 (숭 - lofty/high) and 拜 (배 - bow/worship). Understanding these helps remember the 'high' status of the object and the 'bowing' act of the subject.