회개하다 30秒了解
- 회개하다 means to repent for sins or major moral failings, involving both regret and a change in behavior.
- It is primarily used in religious (Christian/Buddhist) or formal legal and ethical contexts in Korea.
- Unlike a simple apology (사과), it implies a deep internal transformation and a vertical relationship with morality.
- Commonly paired with '죄' (sin) or '잘못' (wrongdoing), and often associated with sincere tears or life changes.
The Korean verb 회개하다 (hoigae-hada) is a profound term that goes far beyond a simple apology. Rooted in Hanja (Sino-Korean characters), it consists of 悔 (뉘우칠 회), meaning to regret or feel remorse, and 改 (고칠 개), meaning to change or correct. Therefore, the literal and functional meaning of the word is not just to feel bad about one's actions, but to actively change one's direction and behavior. In modern Korean, this word is most frequently encountered in religious contexts, particularly within Christianity and Buddhism, where it refers to the act of confessing sins and turning back toward a path of righteousness. However, it can also appear in secular legal or moral discussions when someone undergoes a fundamental change of heart after committing a serious ethical transgression.
- Spiritual Weight
- In a church setting, a pastor might urge the congregation to '회개하십시오' (Please repent), implying a deep spiritual cleansing. It is distinct from '사과하다' (to apologize to a person) because '회개하다' involves a vertical relationship with a higher power or a deep internal moral compass.
그는 지난날의 잘못을 진심으로 회개하며 새로운 삶을 살기 시작했습니다. (He sincerely repented for his past mistakes and began living a new life.)
When people use this word, they are signaling a 'metanoia'—a complete transformation of the mind. It is not used for trivial mistakes like accidentally stepping on someone's foot or forgetting to buy milk. Using '회개하다' in such mundane situations would sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic. Instead, it is reserved for life-altering realizations of guilt. If a criminal expresses deep regret for their crimes in court, the media might describe it as '회개하는 태도' (a repenting attitude). This suggests that the individual is not just sorry for getting caught, but is genuinely pained by the moral weight of their actions.
- Formal Usage
- Because of its heavy connotations, it is almost always used in formal or literary registers. You will rarely hear it in casual street slang unless someone is being intentionally hyperbolic about a minor moral failing.
죄를 회개하고 용서를 구하는 것은 용기 있는 행동입니다. (Repenting for one's sins and seeking forgiveness is a courageous act.)
In summary, '회개하다' is a heavy, transformative verb. It bridges the gap between the past (what I did wrong) and the future (how I will be better). For English speakers, it is best understood as 'repent' in the biblical sense, but with a broader application to any deep moral reformation. Understanding this word helps you navigate complex emotional and spiritual conversations in Korean culture, particularly in the vibrant religious landscape of the country.
Using 회개하다 correctly requires an understanding of its typical objects and grammatical structures. As a '하다' verb, it functions similarly to most Korean verbs, but its semantic constraints are specific. The most common object for this verb is 죄 (sin) or 잘못 (mistake/wrongdoing). You will often see the construction '[Object]을/를 회개하다'. For example, '죄를 회개하다' means 'to repent for one's sins'.
- Grammatical Patterns
- It is frequently paired with adverbs like '진심으로' (sincerely) or '눈물로' (with tears). These adverbs emphasize the depth of the emotion involved in the act of repentance.
그는 눈물로 자신의 과거를 회개했습니다. (He repented for his past with tears.)
Another common usage involves the connective ending -고 to show a sequence of actions: '회개하고 [Action]'. This highlights the 'change' aspect of the word. For instance, '회개하고 새사람이 되다' (to repent and become a new person). This structure is essential in narrative writing or religious testimonies. You might also encounter it in the form of a noun phrase, '회개의 [Noun]', such as '회개의 기도' (a prayer of repentance) or '회개의 시간' (a time for repentance).
- Passive vs. Active
- '회개하다' is strictly active. The person must be the agent of their own change. You cannot 'be repented' by someone else, though you can be 'induced to repent' (회개하게 하다).
모든 사람이 자신의 죄를 회개해야 합니다. (Everyone must repent for their own sins.)
In higher-level Korean, you might see the term '회개할 기회' (opportunity to repent). This is often used in political or social commentary when discussing whether a public figure deserves a second chance after a scandal. The sentence might look like: '그에게 회개할 기회를 주어야 한다' (We must give him an opportunity to repent). This shows the word's flexibility beyond just the church walls into the broader social fabric of accountability and redemption.
The most prominent place you will hear 회개하다 is within the walls of a Korean church. South Korea has a very large Christian population, and '회개' is a cornerstone of the faith. During Sunday services, you will hear it in sermons, hymns, and collective prayers. It is a word that carries a sense of solemnity and sacredness. If you attend a Korean church service, keep your ears open for '회개합시다' (Let us repent), which is a common call to prayer.
- In Literature and Media
- Historical dramas (사극) often feature characters who have committed treason or murder. When they are finally caught, they might be told to '회개하라' (Repent!) before their execution. In modern K-Dramas, it might be used when a villain finally realizes the error of their ways in the final episode.
영화 속 주인공은 감옥에서 회개하는 시간을 가졌습니다. (The protagonist in the movie had a time of repentance in prison.)
Beyond religious and dramatic contexts, you might encounter this word in news reports concerning high-profile white-collar crimes or ethical scandals. If a CEO is found to have embezzled funds, the public often looks for signs of '회개'. If the CEO gives a formal apology but continues their behavior, the public might complain that there was '진정한 회개가 없었다' (no true repentance). This highlights the expectation of behavioral change associated with the word.
- Academic and Philosophical Settings
- In ethics classes or philosophy lectures, '회개' is discussed as a psychological phenomenon. Professors might analyze the difference between 'guilt' (죄책감) and 'repentance' (회개), noting that repentance is an outward-facing restorative act.
철학자는 회개의 도덕적 가치에 대해 설명했습니다. (The philosopher explained the moral value of repentance.)
Lastly, you might see this word in classical Korean poetry or older literature. It has been a part of the Korean lexicon for centuries, reflecting the influence of Confucian and Buddhist thought on the concept of self-rectification. Even though the modern usage is heavily influenced by Western Christianity, the core idea of 'fixing one's heart' is deeply embedded in the Korean psyche.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 회개하다 is using it in place of '사과하다' (to apologize). If you spill coffee on a friend's shirt and say '회개합니다', they will likely look at you with confusion or amusement. This is because '회개하다' implies a deep moral sin or a spiritual transgression. For social blunders, '죄송합니다' or '미안해' are the only appropriate choices. Using '회개하다' for small things makes you sound like you are in a melodrama.
- Confusion with '반성하다'
- Another common error is confusing '회개하다' with '반성하다'. While both involve looking back at mistakes, '반성하다' is more general and often used in schools (e.g., writing a reflection letter). '회개하다' is specifically about the religious or deep moral turning away from 'evil'.
X: 숙제를 안 해서 회개했습니다. (I repented for not doing my homework.)
O: 숙제를 안 해서 반성했습니다. (I reflected on not doing my homework.)
Wait, there's more. Learners often forget the object particle. While you can just say '회개하다', it is much more natural to specify what you are repenting for using the particle '을/를'. For example, '죄를 회개하다' is better than just '죄 회개하다'. Also, be careful with the pronunciation of the '회' (hoi) sound. If pronounced incorrectly, it might sound like '회' (raw fish), leading to some very strange accidental puns about repenting for sushi!
- Level of Formality
- Using '회개해' (informal) is very rare. Because the act of repentance is solemn, it almost always takes the '-요' or '-습니다' endings. Using it informally can come across as mocking the seriousness of the act.
잘못을 회개하십시오. (Please repent for your wrongdoings. - Formal/Imperative)
Finally, do not confuse '회개하다' (to repent) with '회계하다' (to do accounting). They sound nearly identical to the untrained ear, but '회계' (accounting) uses a different '계' (gye) character. Telling someone to 'repent' when you mean 'do the accounting' could lead to a very awkward office meeting!
To truly master 회개하다, you must see how it sits alongside its synonyms and near-synonyms. The Korean language has many words for 'regret' and 'reflection', each with a slightly different nuance. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right word for the right situation.
- 회개하다 vs. 반성하다
- '반성하다' (banseong-hada) is the most common alternative. It means to reflect on one's behavior. It is used in schools, at work, and in daily life. It lacks the religious 'sin' connotation of '회개하다'.
- 회개하다 vs. 뉘우치다
- '뉘우치다' (niuichida) is a pure Korean word (not Hanja-based) that focuses on the feeling of remorse. It is more emotional and less formal than '회개하다'.
그는 자신의 잘못을 깊이 뉘우치고 있습니다. (He is deeply regretting his mistake.)
Then there is '참회하다' (chamhoe-hada). This word is almost identical to '회개하다' but is specifically associated with Buddhism. While a Christian '회개's, a Buddhist '참회's. If you are at a Buddhist temple, '참회' is the word you will see on signs and in liturgy. Another high-level term is '자백하다' (jabaek-hada), which means 'to confess'. This is used in legal contexts (confessing a crime) or in the Catholic 'Confession' (고해성사).
- Summary Table
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- 회개하다: Religious (Christian), moral transformation.
- 반성하다: General reflection, school/work.
- 뉘우치다: Pure Korean, heavy emotion.
- 참회하다: Religious (Buddhist).
- 사과하다: To apologize to someone directly.
진정한 회개는 말보다 행동으로 보여주는 것입니다. (True repentance is shown through actions rather than words.)
Finally, consider '개과천선' (gaegwacheonseon), a four-character idiom (사자성어) meaning 'to leave one's bad ways and become a good person'. This is often the result of '회개'. Using these synonyms correctly will make your Korean sound much more natural and nuanced, showing that you understand the cultural and contextual layers of the language.
How Formal Is It?
趣味小知识
While the word exists in Chinese (huǐgǎi) and Japanese (kaigai), the specific religious weight it carries in modern Korean is largely due to the influence of early 20th-century Protestant revivals in Korea, such as the 1907 Pyongyang Revival.
发音指南
- Pronouncing '회' like 'he' (English). It must have the 'w' glide.
- Confusing it with '회계' (accounting), where '계' is pronounced similarly to 'geh'.
- Making the 'h' in '하다' too silent; it should be clearly articulated.
难度评级
The Hanja characters are common in high-level texts but the word itself is recognizable even to beginners due to its frequency in culture.
Using it with the correct nuance (avoiding it for small mistakes) requires cultural knowledge.
Pronunciation of '회' can be tricky for English speakers.
Easily confused with '회계' (accounting) in fast speech.
接下来学什么
前置知识
接下来学习
高级
需要掌握的语法
하다 Verbs (Noun + 하다)
회개 (Noun) + 하다 (Verb) = 회개하다
-어/아야 하다 (Obligation)
우리는 죄를 회개해야 합니다.
-ㄴ/은 후에 (After)
회개한 후에 마음이 가벼워졌어요.
-기 위해 (In order to)
회개하기 위해 산으로 들어갔다.
-는 것 (Nominalization)
회개하는 것은 어렵지만 필요합니다.
按水平分级的例句
저는 잘못을 회개해요.
I repent for my mistake.
Simple present tense with the polite ending -해요.
그는 죄를 회개했습니다.
He repented for his sins.
Past tense with the formal ending -습니다.
회개하고 싶어요.
I want to repent.
-고 싶다 expresses desire.
우리는 모두 회개해야 합니다.
We must all repent.
-해야 하다 expresses obligation.
진심으로 회개하세요.
Please repent sincerely.
-하세요 is the polite imperative/request form.
그녀는 매일 회개합니다.
She repents every day.
Adverb '매일' (every day) emphasizes frequency.
회개는 중요해요.
Repentance is important.
Noun form '회개' used as a subject with the topic particle -는.
아이도 잘못을 회개했어요.
Even the child repented for the mistake.
Particle -도 means 'also' or 'even'.
잘못을 회개하면 마음이 편해져요.
If you repent for your mistakes, your heart becomes comfortable.
-면 (if) condition clause.
그는 회개하기 위해 교회를 갔어요.
He went to church to repent.
-기 위해 (in order to) purpose clause.
회개하는 사람을 용서해 주세요.
Please forgive the person who is repenting.
-는 (present progressive modifier) modifying '사람'.
그녀는 눈물을 흘리며 회개했어요.
She repented while shedding tears.
-(으)며 (while) simultaneous action.
회개할 때까지 기다릴게요.
I will wait until you repent.
-을 때까지 (until the time when).
진정한 회개가 필요합니다.
True repentance is needed.
Adjective '진정한' (true/sincere) modifying '회개'.
그는 회개한 후에 새사람이 되었어요.
After repenting, he became a new person.
-ㄴ 후에 (after doing something).
어떻게 회개해야 할까요?
How should I repent?
-어/아야 할까요 (should I/we...?).
과거의 잘못을 회개하고 새로운 인생을 시작했다.
He repented for his past mistakes and started a new life.
Plain style (-다) used in writing/narrative.
회개하지 않으면 죄책감에서 벗어날 수 없다.
If you don't repent, you cannot escape from guilt.
-지 않으면 (if not) and -을 수 없다 (cannot).
목사님은 우리에게 회개의 중요성을 가르치셨다.
The pastor taught us the importance of repentance.
Honorific -시 used for the pastor.
그는 자신의 죄를 회개하는 기도를 드렸다.
He offered a prayer of repenting for his sins.
'기도를 드리다' is a formal way to say 'to pray'.
회개할 기회는 누구에게나 주어져야 한다.
The opportunity to repent should be given to everyone.
Passive form '주어지다' (to be given).
그는 말로만 회개할 뿐 행동은 바뀌지 않았다.
He only repented with words, but his actions did not change.
-을 뿐 (only/just).
진심으로 회개한다면 용서받을 수 있을 것이다.
If you sincerely repent, you will likely be forgiven.
-ㄴ다면 (conditional) and -을 것이다 (future/probability).
회개는 자기 자신을 돌아보는 것에서 시작된다.
Repentance begins with looking back at oneself.
-는 것 (nominalizer) and '시작되다' (to be started).
그의 회개는 많은 사람들에게 감동을 주었다.
His repentance moved many people.
Noun '회개' as the subject of the sentence.
범죄자가 진심으로 회개하는 모습은 보기 드물다.
It is rare to see a criminal sincerely repenting.
Modifier '-는 모습' (the sight/appearance of doing).
종교적인 관점에서 회개는 영혼의 정화를 의미한다.
From a religious perspective, repentance means the purification of the soul.
'-적 관점' (perspective) and '의미하다' (to mean).
그는 죽기 직전에야 비로소 자신의 삶을 회개했다.
Only right before he died did he finally repent for his life.
'-어/아야 비로소' (only then/finally).
회개하지 않는 자에게는 미래가 없다고 그는 믿었다.
He believed that there is no future for those who do not repent.
Quotation form '-고 믿다'.
사회의 비난 속에서 그는 회개의 시간을 가졌다.
Amidst social criticism, he had a time of repentance.
'- 속에서' (amidst/inside).
진정한 회개는 피해자에 대한 보상을 포함해야 한다.
True repentance must include compensation for the victim.
'-에 대한' (about/toward).
회개하는 마음으로 이 편지를 씁니다.
I write this letter with a repenting heart.
'-는 마음으로' (with the heart/feeling of).
회개는 단순히 과거를 후회하는 것 이상의 실천적 결단을 요구한다.
Repentance requires a practical decision that goes beyond simply regretting the past.
'- 이상의' (more than) and '요구하다' (to demand/require).
철학적으로 볼 때, 회개는 주체성의 회복을 위한 필수적 과정이다.
Philosophically speaking, repentance is an essential process for the restoration of subjectivity.
'-적으로 볼 때' (from a ... point of view).
그의 삶은 회개와 용서의 서사로 가득 차 있다.
His life is full of the narrative of repentance and forgiveness.
'-로 가득 차 있다' (to be full of).
국가적 차원의 회개 없이는 민족의 화해는 불가능하다.
Without repentance on a national level, national reconciliation is impossible.
'- 차원' (level/dimension).
그는 자신의 오만을 회개하며 고개를 숙였다.
He bowed his head, repenting for his arrogance.
'-하며' (while/and) connecting actions.
문학 작품 속에서 회개는 종종 인물의 내적 성장을 상징한다.
In literary works, repentance often symbolizes the internal growth of a character.
'상징하다' (to symbolize).
진실한 회개는 공동체의 상처를 치유하는 힘이 있다.
Sincere repentance has the power to heal the wounds of a community.
'-는 힘이 있다' (has the power to).
회개할 줄 모르는 인간의 완고함이 비극을 초래했다.
The stubbornness of a human who doesn't know how to repent brought about tragedy.
'-을 줄 모르다' (to not know how to/to not be able to).
회개라는 메타노이아는 인간 존재의 근원적인 변혁을 수반한다.
The metanoia called repentance entails a fundamental transformation of human existence.
Academic terminology like '수반하다' (to entail).
죄의 자각에서 비롯된 회개는 윤리적 주체로 거듭나는 문턱이다.
Repentance stemming from the awareness of sin is the threshold to being reborn as an ethical subject.
'-에서 비롯된' (stemming from).
그는 참회와 회개의 미묘한 신학적 차이를 논문으로 발표했다.
He published a paper on the subtle theological differences between 'chamhoe' and 'hoigae'.
'-와/과의 차이' (difference between).
역사적 과오에 대한 진정한 회개만이 미래로 나아가는 유일한 길이다.
Only true repentance for historical errors is the only way to move toward the future.
'-만이' (only) emphasizing the sole condition.
회개의 부재는 도덕적 불감증이 만연한 현대 사회의 단면을 보여준다.
The absence of repentance shows a cross-section of modern society where moral insensitivity is rampant.
Complex noun phrases like '도덕적 불감증' (moral insensitivity).
그의 회개는 자기 기만에서 벗어나 진실을 마주하는 고통스러운 과정이었다.
His repentance was a painful process of escaping self-deception and facing the truth.
'-에서 벗어나' (escaping from).
신 앞에서 단독자로 서서 행하는 회개는 종교적 실존의 극치이다.
Repentance performed by standing as a solitary individual before God is the height of religious existence.
Existentialist phrasing like '단독자로 서서'.
회개의 눈물이 대지를 적실 때 비로소 새로운 생명이 싹튼다.
Only when the tears of repentance soak the earth does new life sprout.
Poetic and metaphorical language.
常见搭配
常用短语
— A command or strong urge for someone to repent. Often heard in religious street preaching.
천국이 가까웠으니 회개하십시오!
— Used to criticize someone who shows no remorse or refuses to admit they are wrong.
그는 여전히 회개할 줄 모르는 안하무인이다.
— A biblical phrase meaning actions that prove one has truly repented.
회개에 합당한 열매를 맺어야 합니다.
— Repentance that is not just words but involves a real change of heart.
우리에게 필요한 것은 진정한 회개입니다.
— A religious term referring to a spiritual influence that leads one to repent.
그 교회에 회개의 영이 임했다.
— Repentance and confession mentioned together for emphasis.
그는 회개와 자복의 시간을 가졌다.
— A heart or spirit that is in a state of repenting.
하나님은 회개하는 심령을 기뻐하신다.
— To have no intention of repenting or changing.
그는 전혀 회개할 마음이 없어 보였다.
— A chance given to someone to make things right.
이것이 마지막 회개의 기회입니다.
— To live one's life in a continuous state of humility and self-correction.
평생을 회개하며 사는 수행자의 모습.
容易混淆的词
To do accounting. Sounds almost identical but has a completely different meaning and Hanja.
To apologize. '사과' is between people for mistakes; '회개' is moral/spiritual.
To regret. '후회' is just feeling bad about the past; '회개' includes changing for the future.
习语与表达
— To correct one's faults and move toward goodness. This is the idiomatic result of '회개하다'.
그는 개과천선하여 완전히 다른 사람이 되었다.
Literary/Formal— To take on a completely new appearance or character, often used after a period of deep repentance.
그 선수는 회개 후 환골탈태한 실력을 보여주었다.
Literary— The 'swamp of self-reproach'. A state of being stuck in regret without moving to the 'change' part of repentance.
회개하지 못하고 자책의 늪에 빠져 있다.
Metaphorical— To experience great hardship, often leading to a moment of '회개' and realization.
그는 눈물 젖은 빵을 먹으며 지난날을 회개했다.
Common— To bow one's head in shame or repentance.
그는 자신의 잘못 앞에 깊이 머리를 숙였다.
Visual/Idiomatic— To beat one's chest in deep remorse or sorrow during repentance.
그는 가슴을 치며 자신의 무지를 회개했다.
Emotional— To become a 'new person' after repenting.
회개하고 나서 그는 정말 새사람이 되었다.
Common— To liquidate or settle one's past, often used alongside repentance to mean starting fresh.
어두운 과거를 청산하고 회개하는 삶을 살다.
Formal— To empty one's mind/heart, often a prerequisite for true repentance.
마음을 비우고 진심으로 회개하십시오.
Common/Buddhist— A sign or look of regret.
그의 표정에는 뉘우침의 기색이 역력했다.
Formal容易混淆
Pronunciation is very similar.
회개 is moral/religious; 회계 is financial.
회계사는 장부를 보고, 죄인은 죄를 회개한다.
Both involve looking at past mistakes.
반성 is general/secular; 회개 is deep/religious.
학생은 반성문을 쓰고, 신자는 회개 기도를 한다.
They mean the same thing.
회개 is used by Christians; 참회 is used by Buddhists.
교회에서는 회개하고, 절에서는 참회한다.
Related to admitting sins.
고해 is the specific ritual of confession in Catholicism.
가톨릭 신자는 신부님께 고해성사를 한다.
Both involve feeling bad about the past.
후회 doesn't necessarily mean you will change; 회개 does.
주식 투자를 후회하지만, 죄를 회개하지는 않는다.
句型
저는 [잘못]을 회개해요.
저는 거짓말을 회개해요.
[잘못]을 회개하면 [결과].
잘못을 회개하면 용서받아요.
[사람]은 회개하고 [새로운 행동].
그는 회개하고 착한 일을 시작했다.
진정한 회개는 [명사]를 수반한다.
진정한 회개는 행동의 변화를 수반한다.
[명사]적 차원에서의 회개가 필요하다.
국가적 차원에서의 회개가 필요하다.
회개는 [추상적 명사]의 문턱이다.
회개는 영적 각성의 문턱이다.
[부사] 회개하다.
간절히 회개하다.
회개의 [명사].
회개의 시간.
词族
名词
动词
形容词
相关
如何使用
High in religious/literary contexts; Low in casual conversation.
-
Using '회개하다' for a small social error.
→
사과하다 or 미안해하다.
'회개하다' is too heavy and religious for things like being late or spilling water.
-
Confusing '회개' with '회계'.
→
회개 (repentance), 회계 (accounting).
Telling your accountant to 'repent' instead of 'do the books' is a major mistake.
-
Saying '회개되다' (passive).
→
회개하다 (active).
Repentance is something you must do yourself; it is an active choice.
-
Using '회개하다' in a Buddhist temple.
→
참회하다.
While they mean the same, '참회' is the specific Buddhist terminology.
-
Forgetting the 'change' aspect.
→
Feeling regret AND changing behavior.
If you just feel bad without changing, it is just '후회' (regret), not '회개'.
小贴士
Context Matters
Only use '회개하다' in serious, moral, or religious contexts to avoid sounding strange.
Object Particles
Always use '을/를' with the thing you are repenting for, like '죄를 회개하다'.
Distinguish from Accounting
Be careful not to say '회계' (accounting) when you mean '회개' (repentance).
Religious Nuance
Remember that '회개' is for Christians and '참회' is for Buddhists.
Use Adverbs
Pair it with '진심으로' (sincerely) to make your writing sound more natural and emotional.
Learn the Hanja
Knowing 悔 (regret) and 改 (change) will help you remember the two-part meaning.
Solemn Tone
Say it with gravity. It is not a word for light chatter.
Church Settings
If you are in a Korean church, you will hear this word very often.
Daily Alternative
Use '반성하다' for everyday self-reflection instead of '회개하다'.
Resulting Action
Link '회개하다' with '개과천선하다' to show the full journey of change.
记住它
记忆技巧
Think of 'HOI-GAE'. 'HOI' sounds like 'HOY' (as in 'Hoy, I messed up!'). 'GAE' sounds like 'GATE'. You are standing at the 'GATE' of a new life after saying 'HOY' to your mistakes.
视觉联想
Imagine a person walking down a dark road, stopping, turning 180 degrees, and walking toward a bright light. That U-turn is '회개'.
Word Web
挑战
Try to write a diary entry using '회개하다' to describe a time you truly changed your mind about something important. Use it at least three times.
词源
Derived from the Hanja characters 悔 (뉘우칠 회) and 改 (고칠 개).
原始含义： The character 悔 represents the mind (忄) and a phonetic element (每), meaning to regret. The character 改 represents a hand with a stick (攵) and a person (己), symbolizing the act of correcting or changing behavior by force or discipline.
Sino-Korean (Hanja-eo).文化背景
Be careful not to use this word lightly. Using it in a joke about a minor mistake can be seen as disrespectful to those with strong religious beliefs.
In English-speaking cultures, 'repentance' is often seen as purely religious. In Korea, while still religious, it has a slightly broader ethical application in literature and media.
在生活中练习
真实语境
Religious Service
- 회개 기도합시다.
- 죄를 회개합니다.
- 회개하고 복음을 믿으라.
- 회개의 시간입니다.
Legal/Courtroom
- 피고인은 회개하고 있습니까?
- 회개하는 태도를 보이다.
- 진정한 회개가 없습니다.
- 반성문과 회개.
Literature/Storytelling
- 그는 지난날을 회개했다.
- 회개의 눈물을 흘리다.
- 회개 끝에 얻은 평화.
- 주인공의 회개.
Ethical Discussion
- 우리는 역사를 회개해야 한다.
- 회개 없는 용서는 없다.
- 회개의 도덕적 가치.
- 진심 어린 회개.
Personal Reflection
- 나는 내 오만을 회개한다.
- 회개하는 마음으로 살자.
- 혼자만의 회개 시간.
- 과거를 회개하다.
对话开场白
"영화에서 주인공이 회개하는 장면을 보셨나요?"
"진정한 회개란 무엇이라고 생각하세요?"
"사람이 정말로 회개하고 변할 수 있을까요?"
"한국 교회에서 회개라는 단어를 자주 쓰나요?"
"잘못을 했을 때 어떻게 회개하는 게 좋을까요?"
日记主题
내가 살면서 진심으로 회개했던 순간에 대해 써보세요.
회개와 사과의 차이점은 무엇이라고 생각합니까?
오늘 하루 중 회개하고 싶은 행동이 있다면 무엇인가요?
진정한 회개가 사회를 어떻게 변화시킬 수 있을까요?
회개한 후의 기분은 어떠했는지 묘사해 보세요.
常见问题
10 个问题No, that would be too dramatic. '회개하다' is for serious moral or religious sins. For a missed birthday, use '미안해' or '사과할게'.
Mostly, yes. While it can be used ethically, its strongest association in modern Korea is with the Christian faith. Buddhists use '참회'.
'반성' is like checking your homework for mistakes. '회개' is like realizing your whole life path was wrong and turning around.
Yes, it is quite formal and serious. You won't hear it in lighthearted situations.
It is like 'h' + 'way'. Try to say 'hway' quickly.
Yes, news reports often use this word to describe whether a criminal shows genuine remorse for their actions.
Yes, it is '회개자' (hoigae-ja).
Only as a joke (slang). '어제 과식한 거 회개 중이야' (I'm repenting for overeating yesterday).
Not always, but it usually involves a 'higher' moral standard or a deep conscience.
There isn't one perfect verb, but '뻔뻔하다' (to be shameless) or '죄를 계속 짓다' (to keep sinning) are opposite in spirit.
自我测试 200 个问题
Write a sentence using '회개하다' and '진심으로'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Please repent for your sins.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a short prayer of repentance (1 sentence).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
How do you say 'I want to repent' in polite Korean?
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Translate: 'After repenting, he became a new person.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use '회개할 기회' in a sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Tears of repentance'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a criminal repenting.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Repentance is the start of change.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '눈물로' and '회개하다'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'There is no true repentance.'
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Write a sentence using the noun form '회개'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I am repenting for my arrogance.'
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Use '회개하며' in a sentence.
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Translate: 'Everyone must repent.'
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Write a sentence using '뉘우치다' and '회개하다' together.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'A prayer of repentance'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about national repentance.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'He has no heart to repent.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '회개하십시오!'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce '회개하다' clearly.
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'I sincerely repent' in Korean.
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Ask 'Did you repent?' politely.
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'Please forgive me, I repent.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Pronounce '회개의 눈물' correctly.
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'Let's repent together.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'I will repent for my mistakes.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'Repentance is important.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'He is repenting.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'I want to repent.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'Repent and live a new life.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'True repentance' in Korean.
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'Time to repent.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'Don't repent with words only.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'I am repenting every day.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'Give me a chance to repent.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'Repent for the past.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'Repentance brings peace.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'A sincere heart of repentance.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Say 'I bow my head and repent.'
Read this aloud:
你说的：
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Listen to the sentence: '그는 죄를 회개했어요.' What did he repent for?
Identify the word: '회개' vs '회계' in a sentence about a church.
Listen: '진심으로 회개하십시오.' Is this a request or a command?
Listen: '회개의 눈물이 흘렀다.' What is flowing?
Listen: '회개하고 싶지 않아요.' Does the person want to repent?
Listen: '그는 회개한 후에 변했어요.' When did he change?
Listen: '회개할 기회를 잃었다.' What did they lose?
Listen: '우리는 모두 회개자입니다.' What are we all?
Listen: '회개는 선택이 아닙니다.' Is repentance optional according to this?
Listen: '간절히 회개하는 기도.' What kind of prayer is it?
Listen: '회개는 마음의 청소다.' What is repentance compared to?
Listen: '그는 회개하며 울었다.' What two things did he do?
Listen: '회개 없는 사과는 가짜다.' What makes an apology fake?
Listen: '회개하십시오, 천국이 가깝습니다.' What is near?
Listen: '그의 회개는 진실했다.' Was his repentance sincere?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word '회개하다' is the Korean equivalent of 'to repent.' Use it when discussing deep moral changes or religious confessions. For example: '그는 죄를 회개하고 새사람이 되었다' (He repented for his sins and became a new person). Avoid using it for minor social mistakes.
- 회개하다 means to repent for sins or major moral failings, involving both regret and a change in behavior.
- It is primarily used in religious (Christian/Buddhist) or formal legal and ethical contexts in Korea.
- Unlike a simple apology (사과), it implies a deep internal transformation and a vertical relationship with morality.
- Commonly paired with '죄' (sin) or '잘못' (wrongdoing), and often associated with sincere tears or life changes.
Context Matters
Only use '회개하다' in serious, moral, or religious contexts to avoid sounding strange.
Object Particles
Always use '을/를' with the thing you are repenting for, like '죄를 회개하다'.
Distinguish from Accounting
Be careful not to say '회계' (accounting) when you mean '회개' (repentance).
Religious Nuance
Remember that '회개' is for Christians and '참회' is for Buddhists.
相关内容
这个词在其他语言中
更多religion词汇
행하다
A1正式或道德地“做”或“执行”。例如，“行善”（선행을 행하다）。
홀로
B1独自或靠自己，常用于诗意或文学语境中。
제사
A2祭祀（Jesa）是韩国传统的祭祖仪式，通过摆放祭品和行礼来缅怀先人。
천사
A2Angel; a spiritual being acting as an attendant or messenger of God.
깨우다
A1叫醒某人。也可以指唤醒某人的某种意识、情感或精神。 (Chinese: To wake someone from sleep. Can also mean to make someone aware of something or to stir their feelings or mind.)
신자
A2信徒；信仰宗教的人。指具有宗教信仰并遵循其教义的个人。
인자하다
A1仁慈，慈祥。通常用来形容长辈或有德行的人，表现出深厚的关怀与慈爱。
성경
A2圣经是基督教的圣书。它由旧约和新约组成。
복되다
A1有福的；蒙受神恩的。
축복
A2祝福；神圣的恩宠或礼物。
