격려하다 (gyeok-ryeo-ha-da, gyeokryeohada) · 칭찬하다 (ching-chan-ha-da, chingchanhada)
격려하다 (gyeongryeohada) means to encourage someone during difficulties, while 칭찬하다 (chingchanhada) means to praise someone's good qualities or achievements.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Words or actions that uplift courage and strength in difficult situations
When to use
overcoming difficulties, comfort in hardship, giving courage
The nuance
Use 격려하다 mainly when someone is struggling or tired, to give them courage. It focuses on emotional support rather than results or achievements.
Words or actions that acknowledge and praise good or excellent qualities or achievements
When to use
acknowledging achievements, praising good behavior, complimenting appearance
The nuance
Use 칭찬하다 to specifically acknowledge and praise achievements, actions, or appearance. It is result-oriented and the praised subject is clear.
시험에서 떨어졌지만 친구가 격려해 줘서 힘이 났어요.
si-heom-e-seo tteol-eo-jyeoss-ji-man chin-gu-ga gyeok-ryeo-hae jwo-seo him-i nass-eo-yo., si heom e seo tteol eo jyeoss ji man chin gu ga gyeok ryeo hae jwo seo him i nass eo yo.
Encouraging after failure is the correct use of 격려하다.
그는 시험 점수가 높아서 친구들이 격려했다.
geu-neun si-heom jeom-su-ga nop-a-seo chin-gu-deul-i gyeok-ryeo-haess-da., geu neun si heom jeom su ga nop a seo chin gu deul i gyeok ryeo haess da.
When someone scores high, 칭찬하다 should be used; 격려하다 is for overcoming difficulties.
아이가 숙제를 잘해서 선생님이 칭찬했다.
a-i-ga suk-je-reul jal-hae-seo seon-saeng-nim-i ching-chan-haess-da., a i ga suk je reul jal hae seo seon saeng nim i ching chan haess da.
Correct use of 칭찬하다 for praising good behavior.
아이가 숙제를 못해서 선생님이 칭찬했다.
a-i-ga suk-je-reul mos-hae-seo seon-saeng-nim-i ching-chan-haess-da., a i ga suk je reul mos hae seo seon saeng nim i ching chan haess da.
Using 칭찬하다 for poor performance is wrong; 격려하다 fits better.
힘든 상황에서 부모님의 격려가 큰 도움이 되었다.
him-deun sang-hwang-e-seo bu-mo-nim-ui gyeok-ryeo-ga keun do-um-i doe-eoss-da., him deun sang hwang e seo bu mo nim ui gyeok ryeo ga keun do um i doe eoss da.
Typical use of 격려하다 to give courage in hardship.
친구가 새 옷을 입어서 격려해 주었다.
chin-gu-ga sae os-eul ip-eo-seo gyeok-ryeo-hae ju-eoss-da., chin gu ga sae os eul ip eo seo gyeok ryeo hae ju eoss da.
For appearance compliments, use 칭찬하다; 격려하다 is inappropriate.
동료가 프로젝트를 잘 마쳐서 상사에게 칭찬받았다.
dong-ryo-ga peu-ro-jek-teu-reul jal ma-chyeo-seo sang-sa-e-ge ching-chan-bat-ass-da., dong ryo ga peu ro jek teu reul jal ma chyeo seo sang sa e ge ching chan bat ass da.
Correct example of 칭찬하다 recognizing achievement.
동료가 프로젝트를 실패했는데 상사가 칭찬했다.
dong-ryo-ga peu-ro-jek-teu-reul sil-pae-haess-neun-de sang-sa-ga ching-chan-haess-da., dong ryo ga peu ro jek teu reul sil pae haess neun de sang sa ga ching chan haess da.
Praising failure with 칭찬하다 is unnatural; 격려하다 is correct.
Which word to use when giving courage in a difficult situation?
Which word to use when someone achieves good results?
Which word to use when complimenting a friend's new clothes?
Which word to use when telling a friend to cheer up after failing a test?
