Language/Korean/Vocabulary/Colors
Hi Korean learners! π
In this lesson, we will learn Korea's most commonly used colors, with their pronunciations and translations. Knowing colors in a foreign language is not only useful for daily conversations but it also helps better understanding a country's culture. Let's get started!
Don't forget, to improve your Korean Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
Basic Colors[edit | edit source]
The basic color names are not too difficult to learn but some of them are similar to each other. Don't worry, we will give you some tips to easily differentiate them.
Korean | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
κ²μ | geomjung | Black |
ν°μ | huinsaek | White |
λΉ¨κ° | ppalgang | Red |
μ£Όν© | juhwang | Orange |
λ Έλ | norang | Yellow |
μ΄λ‘ | chorok | Green |
νλ | parang | Blue |
λ³΄λΌ | bora | Purple |
The following adjectives describing color are commonly used:
Korean | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
κ²λ€ | geomtta | To be black |
ν¬λ€ | huida | To be white |
νμλ€ | hayata | To be white |
λΆλ€ | buktta | To be red |
λΉ¨κ°λ€ | ppalgata | To be red |
λ Έλλ€ | norata | To be yellow |
νΈλ₯΄λ€ | pureuda | To be green, to be blue |
νλλ€ | parata | To be blue |
Tip: - The Korean word for green (μ΄λ‘) contains the word μ΄ meaning beginning or start. You can remember it as fresh beginnings and new grass.
Here is an example dialogue:
- Person 1: μ΄ μ¬ν·μ λΉ¨κ°λ° μ΄λμ? (I jaekis-eun ppalgande eottaeyo?) (How do you like my red jacket?)
- Person 2: μ λ§ μμλ€. (Jeongmal yeppeuda.) (It's very pretty.)
Intermediate Colors[edit | edit source]
These colors will help you to better describe what you see, and are useful when you want to express more specific colors. Get ready to expand your vocabulary!
Korean | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
μ°λμ | yeondusaek | Lime green |
μ€λ μ§μ | orenjisaek | Orange |
λ°μ λΉ¨κ° | balgeun ppalgang | Bright red |
μ§ν νλ | jinhan parang | Dark blue |
μ°ν λ Έλ | yeonhan norang | Light yellow |
νν¬ | pingkeu | Pink |
νμ | hoesaek | Grey |
κ°μ | galsaek | Brown |
νλμ | haneulssaek | Sky blue |
μ²λ‘μ | cheongnokssaek | Turquoise |
Tip: - The Korean word for pink (νν¬) is pinku. This is a borrowed word from English.
Here is an example dialogue:
- Person 1: μΈλ, κ·Έ μ·μ νν¬μμ? (Eonni, geu oseun pinku-yeyo?) (Sister, is that dress pink?)
- Person 2: λ€, μ΄ μ·μ νν¬μμ. (Ne, i oseun pinku-yeyo.) (Yes, this dress is pink.)
Cultural Significance of Colors in Korea[edit | edit source]
Colors are important in every culture, and Korea is no exception. Here are some examples of the significance of colors in Korea:
Red[edit | edit source]
Red is considered an auspicious color in Korea, and is often used during special occasions such as weddings and other celebrations. In particular, red is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
White[edit | edit source]
Traditionally, Koreans wear white during funerals and show their respect by dressing in muted and subdued tones.
Yellow[edit | edit source]
Yellow is the color of royalty and was worn exclusively by the royal family during the Joseon Dynasty.
Green[edit | edit source]
Green symbolizes new beginnings, and is often associated with spring, new growth, and vitality.
Black[edit | edit source]
Black is a somber color often associated with mourning, although it is also worn as a sign of respect and formality.
And that's it for today's lesson on Korean colors. If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
β‘ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. π
Videos[edit | edit source]
Color (μ, μκΉ) Names in Korean - Korean Vocabulary - YouTube[edit | edit source]
νκ΅μ΄ Learn Korean | Korean Words & Phrases: Color - YouTube[edit | edit source]
How to say colors in Korean - YouTube[edit | edit source]
"Colors Lesson" (Korean Lesson 05) CLIP -- Teach Colour Names ...[edit | edit source]
When should I add the Korean word μ (saek) to colors? - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Animal
- Food
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Body
- Count to 10
- Education
- Drinks
- How to say Good Bye?
- Geography
- Animals
Sources[edit | edit source]
- KoreanClass101. (n.d.). Korean colors: Everything you need to know. https://www.koreanclass101.com/korean-vocabulary-lists/colors/
- How to Learn a Rainbow of Colors in Korean
- Colors in Korean - Complete list with all shades [2023]
- Colors in Korean - Rocket Languages