False friends: Korean–English
160 traps for an English speaker: loanwords that came into Korean and changed their meaning on the way, single English words that Korean splits into several, phrases that go wrong when translated word for word, and native words that only sound like English. On the left is what you want to say, next to it the Korean word for it — and only then the trap. If all you know is what a word does not mean, you are still stuck in the conversation.
Everyday loanwords
English words in Hangul that you meet in your first weeks — at home, in shops and cafés, getting dressed — and that changed their meaning on the way into Korean.
| You mean | That is | Not this one | Because that means |
|---|---|---|---|
| service charge (a tip) | 봉사료 | 서비스 | something the shop gives you for free; also service, as in a service centre |
| 단골이라고 사장님이 서비스로 만두를 주셨어요.The owner gave us some dumplings on the house because we’re regulars.Tipping is not usual in Korea, and a 봉사료 is rare. When a waiter says 서비스예요 and puts down a dish you did not order, it is free. | |||
| cider (made from apples) | 사과주 | 사이다 | a clear, sweet, lemon-lime fizzy drink, with no apples and no alcohol |
| 목이 말라서 편의점에서 사이다를 한 캔 샀어요.I was thirsty, so I bought a can of lemonade at the convenience store.It tastes like British lemonade. As slang, 사이다 is a remark that clears the air like a cold fizzy drink — the frank thing everyone was waiting for somebody to say. | |||
| apartment (a small rented studio) | 원룸 | 아파트 | a flat in a large high-rise complex, often owned by the family that lives in it |
| 우리 가족은 강 근처에 있는 아파트에 살아요.My family lives in a flat in a high-rise block near the river.An 아파트 is a building type as much as a home: tall, numbered towers in a complex with its own car park and playground. A student’s single room with a kitchen corner is a 원룸. | |||
| villa (a large country house) | 별장 | 빌라 | a small low-rise block of flats, usually four or five storeys |
| 저희 집은 시장 뒤에 있는 빌라예요.We live in a small block of flats behind the market.Nothing grand about it: a 빌라 is usually cheaper than an 아파트 and has no lift. A house in the country for holidays is a 별장. | |||
| notebook (to write in) | 공책 | 노트북 | a laptop |
| 카페에서 노트북으로 일했어요.I worked on my laptop in a café.From “notebook computer”. Paper for writing in is a 공책, or a 노트 — which is the next trap. | |||
| note (a short message) | 메모 | 노트 | a notebook, an exercise book |
| 수업 내용을 노트에 정리했어요.I wrote up the lesson in my notebook.A quick note on a scrap of paper or a sticky note is a 메모; 메모해 두세요, make a note of it. A banknote is a 지폐. | |||
| manicure | 손톱 관리 | 매니큐어 | nail varnish |
| 빨간색 매니큐어를 발랐어요.I put on red nail varnish.The varnish itself is what Korean took. Having your nails done at a salon is 네일 or 손톱 관리. | |||
| rinse (to rinse something) | 헹구다 | 린스 | hair conditioner |
| 샴푸를 하고 나서 린스를 했어요.I washed my hair and then put conditioner on it.Rinsing out a glass or your mouth is 헹구다: 입을 헹구세요, rinse your mouth. | |||
| stand (a market stall) | 가판대 | 스탠드 | a desk lamp or a table lamp; also the stands in a stadium |
| 밤에 책을 읽을 때 스탠드를 켜요.I switch on the desk lamp when I read at night.A newspaper or snack stall on the street is a 가판대; a stall at a market or a fair is a 노점. | |||
| jumper (a knitted sweater) | 스웨터 | 점퍼 | a casual zip-up jacket, a windcheater |
| 바람이 불어서 점퍼를 입고 나갔어요.It was windy, so I put on a jacket and went out.A British trap: the knitted jumper is a 스웨터, or a 니트. A pinafore dress, which Americans call a jumper, is a 점퍼스커트. | |||
| one-piece (a swimsuit) | 원피스 수영복 | 원피스 | a dress |
| 언니가 결혼식에 꽃무늬 원피스를 입고 왔어요.My sister came to the wedding in a flowery dress.One piece, top and skirt together — any ordinary dress. The swimsuit needs the second word: 원피스 수영복. | |||
| padding (stuffing material) | 충전재 | 패딩 | a padded winter jacket, a puffer jacket |
| 오늘 너무 추워서 두꺼운 패딩을 입었어요.It’s freezing today, so I put on my thick padded jacket.Short for a padded jacket, the coat you see everywhere in winter. A long one that reaches the knees is a 롱패딩. | |||
| supermarket (a big one) | 마트 | 슈퍼 | a small neighbourhood grocery shop |
| 집 앞 슈퍼에서 두부를 샀어요.I bought some tofu at the corner shop outside my flat.Size decides the word: a 슈퍼 is round the corner and small; the big one with trolleys and a car park is a 마트. | |||
| cup (a teacup with a handle) | 찻잔 | 컵 | any drinking vessel — very often a glass or a paper cup |
| 컵에 물을 가득 따랐어요.I filled a glass with water.A 컵 is whatever you drink from, glass included. The one with a handle is a 머그컵 or, for tea, a 찻잔; a stemmed wine glass is a 잔. | |||
| gas (fuel for a car) | 휘발유 | 가스 | gas as in a gas cooker, a gas bill or a gas leak |
| 이번 달에는 가스 요금이 많이 나왔어요.The gas bill was high this month.An American trap: petrol is 휘발유, diesel 경유, and a petrol station a 주유소. | |||
| diet (what you normally eat) | 식단 | 다이어트 | a slimming diet; trying to lose weight |
| 여름 전에 다이어트를 시작했어요.I started a diet before the summer.Korean only borrowed the slimming. The food you eat day to day is your 식단, or simply 식사. | |||
| pot (for cooking) | 냄비 | 포트 | an electric kettle |
| 포트에 물을 끓여서 차를 마셨어요.I boiled water in the kettle and had some tea.The pot on the hob is a 냄비; a kettle on the stove is a 주전자. | |||
| skin (on your body) | 피부 | 스킨 | a facial toner, the watery lotion used after washing |
| 세수하고 나서 스킨을 발라요.After washing my face I put on toner.Your skin is 피부: 피부가 좋아요, you have good skin. The next step after 스킨 is 로션, a moisturiser. | |||
| take out (to remove) | 꺼내다 | 테이크아웃 | a takeaway: coffee or food to take with you |
| 커피를 테이크아웃해서 사무실에서 마셨어요.I got a coffee to take away and drank it at the office.Taking something out of a bag or a fridge is 꺼내다. At the counter you will also hear 가져가실 거예요?, is it to take away? | |||
| shower (of rain) | 소나기 | 샤워 | a shower you wash under |
| 운동하고 나서 샤워를 했어요.I had a shower after exercising.A short, heavy summer shower is a 소나기. A weather forecast says 비가 조금 오겠습니다 for light showers. | |||
| pension (money in old age) | 연금 | 펜션 | a holiday cottage or guesthouse in the countryside, rented by groups |
| 여름휴가 때 친구들이랑 바닷가 펜션에 놀러 갔어요.In the summer holidays I went with friends to a guesthouse by the sea.Money paid in retirement is a 연금: 국민연금, the state pension. | |||
| event (something that happens) | 사건 | 이벤트 | a promotion or a prize draw in a shop; a surprise somebody arranges for a partner |
| 이번 주에 커피를 사면 쿠키를 주는 이벤트를 해요.This week there’s a promotion: buy a coffee and get a free biscuit.Something that happened is a 사건 or an 일; an organised event, a ceremony or a fair, is a 행사. | |||
| concept (an idea) | 개념 | 콘셉트 | the theme or image of a product, a shop or a pop group |
| 이 카페는 숲속 같은 콘셉트로 꾸몄어요.This café is decorated on the theme of a forest.An abstract idea, the kind a textbook explains, is a 개념. 콘셉트 is about how something is meant to look and feel. | |||
| maker (somebody who makes things) | 만드는 사람 | 메이커 | a well-known brand; branded goods |
| 이 운동화는 메이커라서 좀 비싸요.These trainers are a well-known brand, so they’re a bit expensive.The person or the firm that makes something is the 만드는 사람 or the 제조사. 메이커 is the label you pay extra for. | |||
| pro (in favour) | 찬성 | 프로 | per cent, in speech; also a professional, and a television programme |
| 이 셔츠는 지금 삼십 프로 할인해요.This shirt is thirty per cent off at the moment.Being for something is 찬성, and against 반대. In writing, per cent is 퍼센트; in a shop you hear 프로. | |||
| remote (far from everything) | 외딴 | 리모컨 | a remote control |
| 리모컨이 어디 있는지 모르겠어요.I don’t know where the remote is.Cut short from “remote control”. A remote village is a 외딴 마을; far away in general is 멀다. | |||
| sign (a notice or a signboard) | 간판 | 사인 | a signature; an autograph |
| 여기에 사인해 주세요.Please sign here.The sign above a shop is a 간판; a road sign is a 표지판. A signature on an official form is also 서명. | |||
| chicken (the animal) | 닭 | 치킨 | fried chicken, usually ordered in |
| 금요일 밤에는 치킨을 시켜 먹어요.On Friday nights we order fried chicken.The bird is a 닭, and its meat in a soup or a stew 닭고기. 치킨 is the takeaway, fried or in a sweet chilli glaze. | |||
| mask (for a costume party) | 가면 | 마스크 | a face mask against dust or germs |
| 미세먼지가 심해서 마스크를 썼어요.The fine dust was bad, so I wore a face mask.A mask that hides who you are is a 가면. A face mask is worn with 쓰다, like a hat. | |||
| driver (of a bus or taxi) | 기사님 | 드라이버 | a screwdriver; also a driver in golf |
| 드라이버로 나사를 풀었어요.I undid the screw with a screwdriver.The person driving a bus or a taxi is a 기사, and politely addressed as 기사님; a driver in general is a 운전자. | |||
| pants (trousers, in American English) | 바지 | 팬티 | underpants, knickers |
| 여행 가방에 양말하고 팬티를 챙겼어요.I packed socks and underwear in my suitcase.An American trap: trousers are 바지, and shorts 반바지, half-trousers. | |||
| toast (raising your glasses) | 건배 | 토스트 | toasted bread; a toasted sandwich from a street stall |
| 아침에 출근하면서 길에서 토스트를 사 먹었어요.On my way to work this morning I bought a toasted sandwich from a stall.Raising your glasses is 건배, and what you call out is 건배! too. A street-stall 토스트 comes with egg, cabbage and a little sugar. | |||
| homepage (the first page of a website) | 첫 화면 | 홈페이지 | any website — the whole site, not only its front page |
| 자세한 내용은 학교 홈페이지에서 확인하세요.Please check the school website for details.A Korean 홈페이지 is the site itself. The front page of it is the 첫 화면 or 메인 화면. | |||
Made in Korea
Words put together in Korea out of English parts. They sound English and no English speaker would understand them: a cheer, a selfie, a drink downed in one.
| You mean | That is | Not this one | Because that means |
|---|---|---|---|
| fighting (a fight) | 싸움 | 파이팅 | come on! you can do it! — a cheer of encouragement |
| 다들 조금만 더 힘내세요. 파이팅!Just a little longer, everyone. You can do it!Shouted before an exam, a match or a job interview, often with a raised fist. Often spelt 화이팅. A fight is a 싸움, and to fight 싸우다. | |||
| one shot (a single attempt) | 한 번 | 원샷 | down it in one — finishing a drink in a single go |
| 생일인 친구가 맥주를 원샷했어요.My friend whose birthday it was downed his beer in one.A single go at something is 한 번: 한 번 더 해 보세요, have another try. A shot of espresso in a café is a 샷. | |||
| relationship (between two people) | 관계 | 스킨십 | physical affection — hugging, holding hands, a kiss on the cheek |
| 우리 아빠는 스킨십을 좋아해서 자주 안아 주세요.My dad is very affectionate and often gives us a hug.Not only between partners: parents and children, and close friends, have 스킨십 too. A relationship is a 관계. | |||
| self-portrait (a painting) | 자화상 | 셀카 | a selfie |
| 친구들이랑 바다 앞에서 셀카를 찍었어요.My friends and I took a selfie in front of the sea.From “self camera”. A painted or drawn self-portrait is a 자화상. | |||
| phone (a landline; ringing somebody) | 전화 | 핸드폰 | a mobile phone — never a landline, and never the call itself |
| 핸드폰을 집에 두고 나왔어요.I left my mobile at home.From “hand phone”. A call is a 전화, and ringing somebody 전화하다: 이따가 전화할게요. Shops and forms often say 휴대폰. | |||
| one room (a single room in a house) | 방 하나 | 원룸 | a studio flat: one room with its own kitchen corner and bathroom |
| 학교 앞 원룸에서 혼자 살아요.I live on my own in a studio flat near the university.A single room in a house is 방 하나; a flat with two rooms is a 투룸. | |||
| office (a place of work) | 사무실 | 오피스텔 | a building of small flats that can be used as offices or homes — mostly lived in |
| 회사 근처 오피스텔로 이사했어요.I moved into a studio flat near the office.From office and hotel. The office you go to is a 사무실, and the company as a whole a 회사. | |||
| shopping (buying things) | 쇼핑 | 아이쇼핑 | window shopping: looking without buying |
| 돈이 없어서 아이쇼핑만 했어요.I had no money, so I only went window shopping.Shopping with the eyes. Buying things is 쇼핑, or 장을 보다 for food. | |||
| garage (where you park at home) | 차고 | 카센터 | a car repair garage |
| 타이어에 문제가 있어서 카센터에 갔어요.Something was wrong with a tyre, so I went to the garage.Where you keep your car is a 차고, or more often a car park, 주차장. | |||
| health (being healthy) | 건강 | 헬스 | working out at a gym |
| 요즘 매일 저녁 헬스를 해요.I work out at the gym every evening at the moment.The gym itself is a 헬스장. Being healthy is 건강: 건강하세요, look after yourself. | |||
| self (oneself) | 자기 | 셀프 | self-service — help yourself |
| 이 식당은 물이 셀프예요.Water is self-service in this restaurant.A sign saying 물은 셀프 means you fetch your own water. Oneself is 자기 or 자신. | |||
| Dutch (from the Netherlands) | 네덜란드 | 더치페이 | splitting the bill, everyone paying their own share |
| 오늘은 더치페이로 해요.Let’s split the bill today.Going Dutch, in one word. Among friends one person often pays and the other pays next time; 제가 살게요 means it is on me. | |||
| morning call (ringing somebody in the morning) | 아침 전화 | 모닝콜 | an alarm call — a wake-up call at a hotel, or the alarm on your phone |
| 호텔에 여섯 시 모닝콜을 부탁했어요.I asked the hotel for a wake-up call at six.Any morning alarm is a 모닝콜, including the one you set yourself. The alarm clock is an 알람. | |||
| man-to-man (one to one) | 일대일 | 맨투맨 | a crew-neck sweatshirt |
| 회색 맨투맨에 청바지를 입었어요.I wore a grey sweatshirt and jeans.Talking one to one, or a one-to-one lesson, is 일대일. | |||
| a cheque (on paper) | 수표 | 체크카드 | a debit card |
| 저는 신용 카드보다 체크카드를 자주 써요.I use my debit card more often than a credit card.Paper cheques are rare in Korea; a 수표 is usually a bank cheque for a large sum. | |||
| empty | 비다 | 엠티 | a trip away with your class, club or department, from “membership training” |
| 다음 주에 과 친구들이랑 엠티를 가요.Next week I’m going away with the people from my department.Said as the two letters M and T. An empty room is a 빈방, from 비다, to be empty. | |||
| sunbathing | 일광욕 | 선팅 | the dark tint film on car windows |
| 여름이 오기 전에 차 유리에 선팅을 했어요.I had the car windows tinted before the summer.Often written 썬팅. Lying in the sun is 일광욕. | |||
| overeat | 과식하다 | 오바이트 | being sick, throwing up — informal, from “overeat” |
| 술을 너무 많이 마셔서 오바이트를 했어요.I drank far too much and was sick.Eating too much is 과식하다. The neutral word for being sick is 토하다. | |||
Borrowed by way of Japanese or German
Words that reached Korean through another language and kept what that language made of them: a motorbike from an “auto bicycle”, a part-time job from the German word for work.
| You mean | That is | Not this one | Because that means |
|---|---|---|---|
| work (a job) | 일 | 아르바이트 | a part-time job, typically a student’s — from German Arbeit, work |
| 방학 동안 편의점에서 아르바이트를 했어요.In the holidays I had a part-time job at a convenience store.Usually cut to 알바. A full-time job is 일 or 직장, and work in general 일. | |||
| plaster (for a small cut) | 반창고 | 깁스 | a plaster cast on a broken limb — from German Gips, plaster |
| 다리가 부러져서 한 달 동안 깁스를 했어요.I broke my leg and had it in plaster for a month.A British trap: the small sticking plaster is a 반창고, or in everyday speech a 밴드. | |||
| hope | 희망 | 호프 | a beer bar — from German Hof, as in a brewery’s beer hall |
| 퇴근하고 동료들이랑 호프에서 맥주를 마셨어요.After work I had a beer with colleagues at a bar.Also 호프집. Hope is 희망, and to hope 바라다. | |||
| auto (a car) | 자동차 | 오토바이 | a motorbike — a Japanese “auto bicycle” |
| 배달원이 오토바이를 타고 왔어요.The delivery man came on a motorbike.A car is a 자동차, or just 차. A scooter is a 스쿠터, and a bicycle a 자전거. | |||
| cunning (clever, sly) | 교활하다 | 커닝 | cheating in an exam |
| 시험 시간에 커닝을 하다가 선생님께 걸렸어요.I was caught cheating by the teacher during the exam.Often written 컨닝. Sly and cunning is 교활하다; crafty, in a milder way, 꾀가 많다. | |||
| missing (lost) | 없어지다 | 미싱 | a sewing machine — the second half of the English phrase |
| 할머니는 미싱으로 커튼을 직접 만드셨어요.My grandmother made the curtains herself on her sewing machine.Something that has gone missing has 없어졌어요; a missing person is a 실종자. | |||
| consent | 동의 | 콘센트 | a wall socket, a power point |
| 충전기를 콘센트에 꽂았어요.I plugged the charger into the socket.Agreement or permission is 동의: 동의하십니까?, do you agree? The plug itself is a 플러그. | |||
| sharp (of a knife) | 날카롭다 | 샤프 | a propelling pencil, a mechanical pencil |
| 필통에 샤프하고 지우개가 있어요.There’s a propelling pencil and a rubber in my pencil case.A knife that cuts well is 날카롭다 or 잘 들다. The thin leads for a 샤프 are 샤프심. | |||
| gum (chewing gum) | 껌 | 고무 | rubber — from Dutch, by way of Japanese |
| 고무장갑을 끼고 설거지를 해요.I do the washing-up in rubber gloves.Chewing gum is 껌, a separate loanword. A rubber band is a 고무줄; a rubber for pencil marks is a 지우개. | |||
| permanent (lasting for ever) | 영구적 | 파마 | a perm, at the hairdresser |
| 미용실에서 파마를 했어요.I had a perm at the hairdresser’s.Cut down from “permanent wave”. Something that lasts for ever is 영구적. | |||
| training (practice for a job or a sport) | 훈련 | 추리닝 | a tracksuit; comfortable clothes for lounging at home |
| 주말에는 집에서 추리닝을 입고 쉬어요.At weekends I relax at home in a tracksuit.Informal, and often written 츄리닝; the standard word is 트레이닝복. Training for a sport is a 훈련, and for a job an 연수. | |||
| vacancy (a free room or job) | 빈방 | 바캉스 | a summer holiday trip, to the sea or the mountains — from French |
| 올여름 바캉스는 바닷가로 가요.This summer we’re going to the seaside for our holiday.A free room is a 빈방; a job vacancy is a 빈자리. The neutral word for a holiday is 휴가. | |||
| rear car (the last carriage of a train) | 맨 뒤 칸 | 리어카 | a two-wheeled handcart, pushed or pulled by hand |
| 할아버지가 리어카에 상자를 싣고 가셨어요.An old man went by pulling boxes on a handcart.Put together in Japan from English parts. The carriages of a train are 칸: 맨 뒤 칸, the very last one. | |||
| shirt (any shirt) | 셔츠 | 와이셔츠 | a collared dress shirt worn with a suit, in any colour |
| 면접 때 하늘색 와이셔츠를 입었어요.I wore a light blue shirt to the interview.From “white shirt”, heard through Japanese — the colour dropped out long ago. A T-shirt is a 티셔츠, often just 티. | |||
| vinyl (a record) | 레코드판 | 비닐 | plastic film; a plastic bag |
| 남은 빵은 비닐에 싸서 냉장고에 넣으세요.Wrap the leftover bread in plastic and put it in the fridge.A plastic carrier bag is a 비닐봉지. A greenhouse covered in plastic is a 비닐하우스. | |||
| handle (of a door) | 손잡이 | 핸들 | a steering wheel; the handlebars of a bike |
| 운전할 때는 핸들을 두 손으로 잡으세요.Hold the steering wheel with both hands when you drive.A door handle, or the handle of a bag or a pan, is a 손잡이. | |||
| punk (the music) | 펑크 음악 | 펑크 | a puncture; and letting people down by not turning up |
| 오는 길에 타이어가 펑크 나서 늦었어요.I had a puncture on the way here, so I’m late.From “puncture”. 약속을 펑크 내다 is to stand somebody up. The music needs the extra word. | |||
At school, at work, among people
What goes wrong at university, in an office, in an e-mail — and when talking about the people on television.
| You mean | That is | Not this one | Because that means |
|---|---|---|---|
| meeting (at work) | 회의 | 미팅 | a group blind date between students; also a meeting with an outside client |
| 대학생 때 친구들이랑 미팅에 나갔어요.At university I went on group blind dates with my friends.A meeting of colleagues around a table is a 회의: 세 시에 회의가 있어요. A blind date for two is a 소개팅. | |||
| report (to a manager) | 보고 | 리포트 | a written assignment for a university course |
| 이번 주까지 리포트를 내야 해요.I have to hand in an essay by the end of this week.Reporting to your manager is 보고, and a written report at work a 보고서. Often written 레포트. | |||
| print (a picture printed as art) | 판화 | 프린트 | a handout given out in class; a printout |
| 선생님이 수업 시작 전에 프린트를 나눠 주셨어요.The teacher handed out a worksheet before the lesson.A print as a work of art is a 판화. Printing something out is 출력하다 or 뽑다. | |||
| specs (glasses) | 안경 | 스펙 | the grades, certificates and experience on a job application |
| 요즘은 취업하려면 스펙이 좋아야 해요.These days you need a strong CV to get a job.From “specifications”, like a machine’s. Glasses are 안경. | |||
| orientation (a sense of direction) | 방향 감각 | 오리엔테이션 | the introductory days for new students or staff |
| 입학 전에 신입생 오리엔테이션이 있어요.There’s an induction for new students before term starts.Often cut to 오티. A good sense of direction is 방향 감각이 좋다. | |||
| workshop (where things are made) | 작업장 | 워크숍 | a company retreat or a training day away from the office |
| 다음 달에 회사 사람들이랑 워크숍을 가요.Next month I’m going on a company retreat with my colleagues.A place where things are made or repaired is a 작업장 or a 공방. | |||
| white (the colour) | 흰색 | 화이트 | correction fluid, correction tape |
| 틀린 글자를 화이트로 지웠어요.I covered up the wrong letter with correction fluid.The colour is 흰색 or 하얀색; white as an adjective is 하얗다. | |||
| staff (all the employees) | 직원 | 스태프 | the crew behind a film, a show or an event |
| 공연이 끝나고 스태프들이 무대를 정리했어요.After the performance the crew cleared the stage.The people who work for a company are its 직원; a staff room in a school is a 교무실. | |||
| talent (a gift for something) | 재능 | 탤런트 | a television actor or actress |
| 그 탤런트는 요즘 드라마에 자주 나와요.That actor is in a lot of dramas at the moment.A gift for something is a 재능: 음악에 재능이 있어요. A film actor is a 배우. | |||
| idol (a statue that is worshipped) | 우상 | 아이돌 | a member of a pop group trained and managed by an agency |
| 제 조카는 아이돌 가수가 되고 싶어 해요.My niece wants to become a pop idol.An idol you look up to is an 우상, and a role model a 롤 모델. | |||
| fan (to cool yourself) | 선풍기 | 팬 | a fan of a singer, a team or a show |
| 저는 그 가수의 오랜 팬이에요.I’ve been a fan of that singer for a long time.An electric fan is a 선풍기; a hand fan is a 부채. A fan club is a 팬클럽. | |||
| part (a piece of something) | 부분 | 파트 | your section at work or in a band; the part you are responsible for |
| 저는 이 프로젝트에서 디자인 파트를 맡았어요.On this project I’m in charge of the design side.A part of something is a 부분; a spare part for a machine is a 부품. | |||
| couple (two of something) | 두 개 | 커플 | a couple in a relationship; matching things that couples wear |
| 두 사람은 커플 반지를 꼈어요.The two of them wore matching rings.A couple of things is 두 개 or 두세 개, two or three. Matching T-shirts for a couple are 커플티. | |||
| dash (to rush) | 서두르다 | 대시 | making a move on somebody, asking somebody out |
| 같은 반 친구가 저한테 대시했어요.A boy in my class asked me out.Rushing somewhere is 서두르다, or 뛰어가다 if you run. | |||
| claim (to say something is true) | 주장하다 | 클레임 | a complaint from a customer |
| 고객의 클레임 때문에 하루 종일 바빴어요.I was busy all day because of a customer complaint.Claiming that something is true is 주장하다; an insurance claim is a 보험금 청구. | |||
| mail (letters, the post) | 우편 | 메일 | |
| 회의 자료를 메일로 보냈어요.I sent the documents for the meeting by e-mail.Letters and parcels are 우편, and the post office 우체국. A text message on a phone is a 문자. | |||
| silver (the metal) | 은 | 실버 | older people, as in products and services for them |
| 요즘은 실버 세대를 위한 상품이 많아요.There are lots of products for older people these days.The metal is 은, and silver as a colour 은색. Old people in general are 노인, or politely 어르신. | |||
Describing people and moods
English adjectives and nouns that Korean uses to describe a person, a mood or an attitude, and that describe something slightly different from what the English word does.
| You mean | That is | Not this one | Because that means |
|---|---|---|---|
| cool (a little cold) | 시원하다 | 쿨하다 | easy-going, not one to hold a grudge |
| 제 동생은 화가 나도 금방 잊어버려서 다들 쿨하다고 해요.My brother forgets it quickly even when he gets angry, so everyone says he’s easy-going.Pleasantly cool weather, or a cold drink, is 시원하다; unpleasantly cold is 춥다. | |||
| simple (easy) | 쉽다 | 심플하다 | plain and uncluttered, of a design or of clothes |
| 친구들이 제 옷이 너무 심플하다고 해요.My friends say my clothes are too plain.A question that is easy to answer is 쉽다; a method that is simple to follow is 간단하다. | |||
| hot (high in temperature) | 뜨겁다 | 핫하다 | popular right now; the place to be |
| 요즘 이 동네가 제일 핫하다고 해요.They say this neighbourhood is the place to be right now.Hot to the touch is 뜨겁다, hot weather 덥다, and spicy 맵다. | |||
| sense (one of the five senses) | 감각 | 센스 | tact and a good eye: knowing what is needed without being told |
| 민지 씨는 센스가 있어서 선물을 잘 골라요.Minji has a good eye, so she picks presents well.Sight, hearing and the others are 감각. 센스 있다 is high praise for a colleague who saw what was needed and did it. | |||
| over (finished) | 끝나다 | 오버 | going over the top, overreacting |
| 작은 일에 너무 오버하지 마세요.Don’t overreact to such a small thing.When something is over, it has 끝났어요. Often said as 오바. | |||
| tension (strain, nervousness) | 긴장 | 텐션 | energy and excitement; how lively somebody is |
| 오늘 우리 팀 텐션이 정말 높아요.Our team is really fired up today.Nervousness before an exam is 긴장: 긴장돼요, I am nervous. Tension between two people is 갈등. | |||
| mental (of the mind) | 정신적 | 멘탈 | nerve, mental toughness |
| 그 선수는 멘탈이 강해서 실수를 해도 흔들리지 않아요.That player has strong nerves, so even a mistake doesn’t throw him.Of the mind, as in mental health, is 정신: 정신 건강. 멘탈이 나갔어요 means somebody has gone to pieces. | |||
| mind (the mind) | 마음 | 마인드 | an attitude, a mindset |
| 일을 할 때는 긍정적인 마인드가 중요해요.At work a positive attitude is important.The mind as the seat of feelings is 마음; the mind that thinks is 생각 or 정신. | |||
| complex (complicated) | 복잡하다 | 콤플렉스 | a hang-up about something, especially your looks |
| 저는 어릴 때부터 키에 콤플렉스가 있었어요.I’ve been self-conscious about my height since I was a child.Complicated is 복잡하다, which also describes a crowded street. | |||
| show (a performance) | 공연 | 쇼 | a show — and an act put on to fool people |
| 아픈 척 쇼하지 마세요.Stop putting on an act pretending to be ill.A performance on a stage is a 공연. 쇼하지 마 between friends means stop pretending. | |||
| reaction (a response to something) | 반응 | 리액션 | how lively somebody responds while you talk: nodding, laughing, exclaiming |
| 제 친구는 리액션이 좋아서 이야기하기 편해요.My friend reacts so warmly that she’s easy to talk to.A reaction in general, including a chemical one or an allergic one, is a 반응. | |||
| tough (hard, difficult) | 힘들다 | 터프하다 | rugged and macho |
| 사람들은 우리 형이 터프하다고 하지만 사실 마음이 여려요.People say my brother is macho, but actually he’s soft-hearted.A tough day or a tough job is 힘들다; a tough question is 어렵다. | |||
| smart (well dressed) | 깔끔하다 | 스마트하다 | clever, quick-thinking |
| 제 동료는 일을 아주 스마트하게 처리해요.My colleague handles his work very cleverly.A British trap: neat and well turned out is 깔끔하다, or 옷을 잘 입다, to dress well. | |||
| condition (a requirement) | 조건 | 컨디션 | how you feel physically on a given day; your form |
| 어제 잠을 못 자서 오늘 컨디션이 안 좋아요.I couldn’t sleep last night, so I’m not feeling great today.A condition in a contract or an offer is a 조건. A medical condition is an illness, a 병. | |||
| maniac (a madman) | 미치광이 | 마니아 | an enthusiast, a devoted fan of something |
| 제 동생은 축구 마니아라서 경기를 다 봐요.My brother is a football fanatic, so he watches every match.It is a compliment, or at worst a tease. A frightening madman is a 미치광이. | |||
One English word, two Korean ones
Where English has one verb or adjective and Korean has two or more, and the dictionary hands you the wrong one. The word you chose is a real word and nearly fits, which is why these mistakes outlast all the others.
| You mean | That is | Not this one | Because that means |
|---|---|---|---|
| to wear (shoes, socks) | 신다 | 입다 | to wear or put on clothes for the body: a shirt, trousers, a coat |
| 급하게 바지를 입다가 넘어질 뻔했어요.I nearly fell over putting my trousers on in a hurry.Korean chooses the verb by where it goes: 신다 for the feet, 쓰다 for the head and the face, 끼다 for gloves and rings, 차다 for a watch, 매다 for a tie. | |||
| hot (spicy) | 맵다 | 뜨겁다 | hot to the touch: soup, a pan, a bath |
| 물이 너무 뜨겁다면 찬물을 조금 넣으세요.If the water is too hot, add a little cold.Chilli heat is 맵다: 이거 매워요?, is this spicy? Hot weather is 덥다. | |||
| cold (of the weather) | 춥다 | 차갑다 | cold to the touch: a drink, water, a hand |
| 손이 차갑다고 친구가 장갑을 빌려줬어요.My friend said my hands were cold and lent me her gloves.When you feel cold, or the weather is cold, it is 춥다: 오늘 추워요. | |||
| tall (of a person) | 키가 크다 | 높다 | high: a mountain, a building, a price |
| 이 근처에서 저 건물이 제일 높다고 해요.They say that building is the tallest around here.A person is not high but has a big height: 키가 커요, and short 키가 작아요. | |||
| thin (of a person) | 마르다 | 얇다 | thin, of a thing: paper, a book, a coat |
| 이 코트는 얇다고 생각했는데 입어 보니까 따뜻해요.I thought this coat was thin, but now I’ve tried it on it’s warm.A thin person is 말랐어요, in the past form; slim, as a compliment, is 날씬하다. | |||
| old (of a person) | 나이가 많다 | 낡다 | worn out, shabby: old shoes, an old bag |
| 가방이 낡다 보니 지퍼가 자주 고장 나요.The bag is so worn that the zip keeps breaking.A person is not worn out but has many years: 나이가 많다, and politely 연세가 많으시다. Old in the sense of long ago is 오래되다. | |||
| to play (a game, an instrument) | 하다, 치다 | 놀다 | to play as children play; to have fun, to hang out; to have time off |
| 아이들이 공원에서 놀다가 비가 와서 들어왔어요.The children were playing in the park and came in when it started to rain.A game or a sport is done, 축구를 하다, or struck, 테니스를 치다; the piano is struck too. 놀다 takes no game and no instrument. | |||
| to know (how to do something) | 할 줄 알다 | 알다 | to know a fact or a person — not a skill |
| 다들 알다시피 내일은 수업이 없어요.As you all know, there are no lessons tomorrow.A skill takes -ㄹ 줄 알다: 수영할 줄 알아요, I can swim. 수영을 알아요 would mean you know what swimming is. | |||
| to take (a tablet) | 먹다 | 받다 | to receive: a present, a letter, a parcel, a phone call |
| 택배를 받다가 상자를 떨어뜨렸어요.I dropped the box as I was taking in the parcel.Medicine is eaten, even a tablet: 약을 먹어요; and to an older person, honorifically, 약을 드세요. | |||
| to open (a book, an umbrella) | 펴다 | 열다 | to open a door, a window, a box, a shop |
| 창문을 열다가 화분을 떨어뜨렸어요.I knocked a flowerpot off as I was opening the window.What unfolds takes 펴다: 책을 펴세요, open your books; 우산을 펴다. A light or the television is switched on with 켜다. | |||
| to turn off (the light) | 끄다 | 닫다 | to close: a door, a window, a shop |
| 문을 닫다가 손가락을 찧었어요.I banged my finger as I was shutting the door.What is switched off takes 끄다: 불 좀 꺼 주세요. 닫다 closes only what opens. | |||
| to wash (your hair) | 감다 | 씻다 | to wash your hands, face or body; to wash vegetables |
| 손을 씻다가 반지를 떨어뜨렸어요.I dropped my ring as I was washing my hands.Hair is washed with 감다, clothes with 빨다 or 빨래하다, the dishes with 설거지하다, and teeth are brushed with 닦다. | |||
| to brush (your teeth) | 닦다 | 빗다 | to brush or comb your hair |
| 아침에 머리를 빗다가 흰머리를 발견했어요.Brushing my hair this morning I found a grey hair.Teeth are polished, 이를 닦다 — the same verb as for wiping a table or cleaning shoes. | |||
| to lose (a game) | 지다 | 잃어버리다 | to lose something: keys, a wallet, an umbrella |
| 지갑을 잃어버리는 바람에 집까지 걸어왔어요.I lost my wallet, so I had to walk home.A game or an argument is lost with 지다: 어제 경기에서 졌어요. Losing weight is 살이 빠지다. | |||
| to win (a prize) | 타다, 받다 | 이기다 | to beat somebody; to win a game, a match or an argument |
| 전반전에는 이기다가 후반전에 졌어요.We were winning in the first half and lost in the second.A prize is received: 상을 받다, or 상을 타다. Winning the lottery is 복권에 당첨되다. | |||
| to lend | 빌려주다 | 빌리다 | to borrow |
| 도서관에서 책을 빌리다가 친구를 만났어요.I ran into a friend while I was borrowing books at the library.Lending is borrowing for somebody: 빌려주다. 펜 좀 빌려주세요, could you lend me a pen? | |||
| to call (on the phone) | 전화하다 | 부르다 | to call out to somebody; to call somebody by a name; to sing |
| 노래를 부르다가 가사를 잊어버렸어요.I forgot the words while I was singing.Calling on the phone is 전화하다; calling a taxi can be 택시를 부르다, because there you call it to come. | |||
| to change (trains) | 갈아타다 | 바꾸다 | to exchange one thing for another; to change a plan |
| 계획을 바꾸다 보니 일정이 좀 복잡해졌어요.Changing the plan has made the schedule a bit complicated.Trains and buses are changed with 갈아타다, clothes with 갈아입다, and money with 환전하다. | |||
| rice (cooked) | 밥 | 쌀 | uncooked rice grains |
| 마트에서 쌀을 한 포대 샀어요.I bought a sack of rice at the supermarket.Cooked rice is 밥, and so is a meal: 밥 먹었어요?, have you eaten? | |||
| brother (a woman’s older brother) | 오빠 | 형 | a man’s older brother; also an older male friend of a man |
| 저는 형이 한 명 있어요.I have one older brother.The word depends on who is speaking: a woman’s older brother is her 오빠, a man’s his 형. A younger brother is a 남동생 for both. | |||
| sister (a man’s older sister) | 누나 | 언니 | a woman’s older sister; also an older female friend of a woman |
| 제 언니는 저보다 세 살 많아요.My older sister is three years older than me.A man’s older sister is his 누나. A younger sister is a 여동생 for both. | |||
| to drive (somebody somewhere) | 태워 주다 | 운전하다 | to drive, to be at the wheel |
| 운전하다가 졸리면 휴게소에서 쉬었다 가세요.If you get sleepy at the wheel, take a break at a service station.Driving somebody is giving them a ride: 역까지 태워 줄게요, I will drive you to the station. | |||
| to move (house) | 이사하다 | 움직이다 | to move your body or an object; to stir |
| 무거운 책상을 움직이다가 허리를 다쳤어요.I hurt my back moving a heavy desk.Moving house is 이사하다: 다음 달에 이사해요. Moving a thing to another place is 옮기다. | |||
| to stop (smoking) | 끊다 | 그만두다 | to quit something you do: a job, a course, lessons |
| 민수 씨가 회사를 그만두다니 정말 놀랐어요.I was really surprised that Minsu quit his job.A habit is cut off: 담배를 끊다, 술을 끊다. Stopping in the middle of a movement is 멈추다. | |||
| free (costing nothing) | 무료 | 자유 | freedom, liberty |
| 주말에는 자유 시간이 많아서 좋아요.I like the weekends because I have lots of free time.Free of charge is 무료 or, in speech, 공짜: 입장료는 무료예요. Free in the sense of not busy is 한가하다. | |||
| busy (crowded, of a place) | 붐비다 | 바쁘다 | busy, of a person with a lot to do |
| 언니는 요즘 바쁘다고 연락을 잘 안 해요.My sister says she’s busy these days and hardly gets in touch.A street or a shop full of people is 붐비다 or 사람이 많다. A phone line that is busy is 통화 중. | |||
| different | 다르다 | 틀리다 | to be wrong, to be mistaken |
| 자꾸 틀리다 보면 실력이 늘어요.If you keep getting things wrong, you get better.Many Koreans say 틀리다 for different in speech, and it is still counted a mistake. Different is 다르다: 생각이 달라요, we see it differently. | |||
| to look (tired, happy) | 피곤해 보이다 | 보다 | to look at, to watch, to see |
| 텔레비전을 보다가 잠들었어요.I fell asleep watching television.Seeming takes -아/어 보이다: 피곤해 보여요, you look tired; 맛있어 보여요, it looks delicious. | |||
| to try (a dish, to see what it is like) | 먹어 보다 | 노력하다 | to make an effort, to work hard at something |
| 꾸준히 노력하다 보면 좋은 결과가 있을 거예요.If you keep working at it, you’ll get good results.Trying something out takes -아/어 보다: 한번 먹어 보세요, have a taste; 입어 봐도 돼요?, can I try it on? | |||
Carried over word for word
Everyday English phrases that come out wrong, too blunt or too intimate when translated word by word — because Korean says who is speaking to whom in every sentence.
| You mean | That is | Not this one | Because that means |
|---|---|---|---|
| you (to your teacher) | 선생님 | 당신 | you — between married couples, in songs and adverts, and in a quarrel |
| 여보, 당신도 커피 마실래요?Darling, would you like a coffee too?Korean addresses people by their title or name: 선생님도 오세요?, are you coming too, sir? Said to a stranger, 당신 starts a fight. | |||
| I (to somebody older) | 저 | 나 | I — to friends, to younger people, and in thought |
| 친구야, 나도 같이 갈래.Hey, I want to come along too.To anybody you speak to politely it is 저: 저는 학생이에요. My is 제, beside the casual 내. | |||
| my (my mum, my house) | 우리 | 내 | my — of something that is yours and nobody else’s, among friends |
| 이건 내 우산이야. 네 건 저기 있어.This is my umbrella. Yours is over there.Family, home, school and country are shared: 우리 엄마, 우리 집, 우리 학교 — even for somebody without brothers or sisters. Married people say 우리 남편 too. | |||
| please (when asking for something) | 주세요 | 제발 | please! — begging, pleading |
| 제발 조용히 좀 해 주세요.Please, could you be quiet!An ordinary request is made with 주세요: 물 좀 주세요, some water, please. 좀 softens it further. | |||
| excuse me (to get a waiter’s attention) | 저기요 | 실례합니다 | excuse me — when you interrupt, pass in front of somebody or enter a room |
| 실례합니다. 잠깐 들어가도 될까요?Excuse me. May I come in for a moment?In a restaurant you call 저기요! or, less often, 여기요!. Getting past somebody on a crowded train, say 잠시만요. | |||
| sorry (I’m sorry to hear that) | 안됐다 | 미안하다 | sorry — an apology for something you did |
| 늦어서 미안하다고 문자를 보냈어요.I texted to say sorry for being late.Sympathy is a different word: 정말 안됐네요, I am so sorry to hear that. An apology to somebody older is 죄송합니다. | |||
| enjoy your meal | 맛있게 드세요 | 즐기세요 | enjoy it — of a holiday, a show or a party |
| 휴가 잘 즐기세요!Enjoy your holiday!At the table: 맛있게 드세요, eat it deliciously. Before eating you say 잘 먹겠습니다, and afterwards 잘 먹었습니다. | |||
| good morning (to your colleagues) | 안녕하세요 | 좋은 아침 | a good morning — heard among friends and in messages, but not the greeting you use with everyone |
| 좋은 아침이에요! 오늘 날씨 정말 좋네요.Good morning! What lovely weather today.Korean has one greeting for the whole day: 안녕하세요. In a formal setting, 안녕하십니까. | |||
| how are you? (passing a neighbour) | 안녕하세요 | 어떻게 지내요 | how have you been? — to somebody you have not seen for a while |
| 오랜만이에요. 요즘 어떻게 지내요?It’s been ages. How have you been?Between people who see each other every day, 안녕하세요 is enough, or the friendly 식사하셨어요?, have you eaten? | |||
| what’s your name? (to an older person) | 성함이 어떻게 되세요 | 이름이 뭐예요 | what’s your name? — to a child, or to somebody your own age |
| 선생님이 아이에게 "이름이 뭐예요?" 하고 물었어요.The teacher asked the child, “What’s your name?”To somebody older or to a customer: 성함이 어떻게 되세요? — with the honorific word for name. | |||
| how old are you? (to an older person) | 연세가 어떻게 되세요 | 몇 살이에요 | how old are you? — to a child, or to somebody about your own age |
| 동생은 몇 살이에요?How old is your younger brother?To somebody clearly older: 연세가 어떻게 되세요?. Age matters in Korean because it decides who speaks to whom how politely. | |||
| I don’t know (politely, to a customer) | 잘 모르겠어요 | 몰라요 | I don’t know — flat, and it can sound as if you do not care |
| 몰라요, 저도 처음 들었어요.No idea, it’s the first I’ve heard of it.잘 모르겠어요, I am not sure, leaves room for the other person; at work, 잘 모르겠습니다. | |||
| no (to “Aren’t you coming?”, when you are coming) | 아니요 | 네 | yes — that is right; it agrees with the question, so after a negative question it means you are not |
| 내일 안 와요? 네, 저는 못 가요.Aren’t you coming tomorrow? No, I can’t make it.네 says the question is right, 아니요 that it is wrong. To an English ear 네 even sounds like “nay”, which makes it worse. | |||
| Mr Park (to your manager) | 박 부장님 | 박 씨 | Mr or Ms Park — polite between equals, too low for somebody above you, and blunt with the surname alone |
| 동료인 민수 씨에게 서류를 건넸어요.I handed the papers to my colleague Minsu.A manager is addressed by surname and job title with 님: 박 부장님, 김 과장님. 씨 goes after the full name or the given name. | |||
| goodbye (when you leave and they stay) | 안녕히 계세요 | 안녕히 가세요 | goodbye — to somebody who is leaving |
| 손님, 안녕히 가세요.Goodbye, take care.Korean has two goodbyes: go in peace, 안녕히 가세요, to whoever leaves, and stay in peace, 안녕히 계세요, to whoever stays. | |||
| to eat (of your grandmother) | 드시다 | 먹다 | to eat — of yourself, friends and children |
| 밥을 먹다가 전화를 받았어요.I took a phone call in the middle of my meal.Of somebody you honour: 할머니께서 진지를 드세요, grandmother is having her meal. | |||
| to sleep (of your grandfather) | 주무시다 | 자다 | to sleep — of yourself and anyone you need not honour |
| 아기가 자다가 깨서 울었어요.The baby woke up and cried.Of somebody older: 할아버지께서 주무세요. Good night to them is 안녕히 주무세요. | |||
| hello (answering the phone) | 여보세요 | 안녕하세요 | hello — when you meet somebody face to face |
| 안녕하세요, 처음 뵙겠습니다.Hello, pleased to meet you.On the phone: 여보세요? — and only on the phone, or to call out to somebody who has not heard you. | |||
| fine (very well, thank you) | 잘 지내요 | 괜찮아요 | it is all right; no thanks — also how you turn down an offer |
| 더 드릴까요? 아니요, 괜찮아요.Would you like some more? No, I’m fine, thanks.Asked how you are, say 잘 지내요. 괜찮아요 with a smile, after an offer, usually means no. | |||
Sounds like English
Short native Korean words that sound like an English word and have nothing to do with it. Nobody confuses them in writing; in a fast sentence the ear hears the English one first.
| You mean | That is | Not this one | Because that means |
|---|---|---|---|
| gym (a place to work out) | 헬스장 | 짐 | luggage, baggage; something heavy to carry |
| 짐이 많아서 택시를 탔어요.I had a lot of luggage, so I took a taxi.The gym is a 헬스장 or, in a school, a 체육관. | |||
| key (to a door) | 열쇠 | 키 | height — how tall somebody is; as a loanword, a key card or a key on a keyboard |
| 제 동생은 키가 커요.My younger brother is tall.A door key is a 열쇠. A hotel key card is a 카드 키, where the loanword comes back. | |||
| moon | 달 | 문 | a door |
| 나갈 때 문을 꼭 닫아 주세요.Please make sure you close the door when you leave.The moon is 달, and the same word means a month. | |||
| son | 아들 | 손 | a hand |
| 밥 먹기 전에 손을 씻으세요.Wash your hands before you eat.A son is an 아들, a daughter a 딸. An old word for a guest sounds the same and lives on in 손님. | |||
| noon | 정오 | 눈 | an eye; snow |
| 어젯밤에 눈이 많이 왔어요.It snowed a lot last night.Noon is 정오, or in everyday speech 낮 열두 시. Snow and eye are said slightly differently, with a long vowel for snow, but few people still make the difference. | |||
| sun | 해 | 산 | a mountain |
| 주말에 가족들이랑 산에 갔어요.At the weekend I went to the mountains with my family.The sun is 해, or the more formal 태양; sunshine is 햇빛. | |||
| ill (unwell) | 아프다 | 일 | work; a matter, a thing to do; also the number one |
| 오늘은 일이 많아서 늦게 끝나요.I’ve got a lot of work today, so I’ll finish late.Being ill is 아프다: 어디가 아프세요?, where does it hurt? | |||
| pal (a friend) | 친구 | 팔 | an arm; also the number eight |
| 무거운 가방을 들어서 팔이 아파요.My arms hurt from carrying a heavy bag.A friend is a 친구, at any age, and only between people of about the same age. | |||
| bee | 벌 | 비 | rain |
| 비가 와서 우산을 썼어요.It rained, so I put up my umbrella.A bee is a 벌, and honey 꿀. Rain comes, it does not fall: 비가 와요. | |||
| bull | 황소 | 불 | fire; a light |
| 방에 불 좀 켜 주세요.Could you switch the light on in the room?A bull is a 황소, and cattle in general 소. | |||
| mall (a shopping mall) | 쇼핑몰 | 말 | words, what somebody says; also a horse |
| 그 사람 말이 맞아요.What he says is right.A shopping centre is a 쇼핑몰, and a department store a 백화점. | |||
| she | 그녀 | 시 | o’clock; also a poem, and a city |
| 지금 몇 시예요?What time is it now?그녀 belongs to books and songs. In speech Koreans use the name, or 그분 or 그 사람. | |||