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한국어
자존심 — meaning in English: Pride
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pride
연인
yeon
여성
yeoseong
대화
daehwa
자존심
jajonsim
이익
iig
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use 자존심 when discussing personal achievements or setbacks, particularly in social contexts. For instance, someone might say they lost their 자존심 after failing an important exam, highlighting the emotional weight of pride in their self-image.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is '프라이드' (peuraideu), which is a direct borrowing from English and carries a modern, casual tone. While 자존심 often conveys a deeper, emotional connection to one's self-worth, 프라이드 might be used in lighter or more celebratory contexts, such as expressing pride in a sports team.
Culture
The word 자존심 derives from the Hanja characters 自尊心, which literally translate to 'self-respect heart.' In Korean culture, pride is not just about personal achievement; it also reflects on family and community honor, making 자존심 a powerful concept in social interactions. Historically, maintaining 자존심 is seen as essential to one's dignity, often influencing both personal relationships and professional dealings.
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