B1 adjective Neutral

성실하다

/sʰʌŋɕʰilhada/

To be diligent, faithful, and sincere in performing one's duties or tasks.

Examples

3 of 5
1

그 학생은 출석이 매우 성실하다.

That student is very diligent in attendance.

2

성실한 태도가 성공의 비결입니다.

A sincere attitude is the secret to success.

3

연구 결과의 성실한 보고는 학자의 의무이다.

Faithful reporting of research results is a scholar's duty.

Word Family

Noun
성실/성실성
Adverb
성실히/성실하게
Adjective
성실하다
💡

Memory Tip

Seong (Sincerity) + Sil (Real). Being real and sincere.

Quick Quiz

그는 아무리 힘든 일이라도 끝까지 ______ 해낸다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 성실하게

Examples

1

그 학생은 출석이 매우 성실하다.

everyday

That student is very diligent in attendance.

2

성실한 태도가 성공의 비결입니다.

formal

A sincere attitude is the secret to success.

3

연구 결과의 성실한 보고는 학자의 의무이다.

academic

Faithful reporting of research results is a scholar's duty.

4

우리 회사는 성실한 인재를 찾고 있습니다.

business

Our company is looking for diligent talents.

5

너 진짜 성실하게 산다.

informal

You really live a diligent life.

Word Family

Noun
성실/성실성
Adverb
성실히/성실하게
Adjective
성실하다

Common Collocations

성실한 태도 diligent attitude
성실하게 답변하다 to answer sincerely/faithfully
성실히 이행하다 to faithfully implement
성실한 노력 diligent effort
성실성이 부족하다 to lack sincerity/diligence

Common Phrases

성실 납세

faithful tax payment

성실 보고

sincere reporting

근면 성실

diligence and sincerity

Often Confused With

성실하다 vs 정직하다

정직하다 is about being honest (not lying), while 성실하다 is about working hard and being reliable.

📝

Usage Notes

A key personality trait often discussed in job interviews or school references.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Often translated only as 'honest', but it primarily means 'diligent/hard-working' in Korean.

💡

Memory Tip

Seong (Sincerity) + Sil (Real). Being real and sincere.

📖

Word Origin

From Sino-Korean 誠實 (Sincere-Real).

Grammar Patterns

성실한 + Noun 성실하게 + Verb
🌍

Cultural Context

Confucian values in Korea place high importance on '성실' for social success.

Quick Quiz

그는 아무리 힘든 일이라도 끝까지 ______ 해낸다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 성실하게

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