억양
eogyang[ʌ̹ɡja̠ŋ]
The English word 'accent' can be translated into Korean as 억양 (eogyang) or 말씨.
Meaning: distinctive pronunciation associated with a region, social group, etc. (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 억양 | eogyang | [ʌ̹ɡja̠ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 말씨 | malssi | [ˈma̠(ː)ɭɕ͈i] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term 억양 is used in a more technical or linguistic sense to describe the intonation, stress and rhythm of speech, specifically focusing on the rise and fall of pitch. In contrast, 말씨 is a more descriptive term referring to a person's overall way of speaking or their manner of speech, often conveying the character or impression of how they talk, such as whether their speech sounds polite or rough.
Which one should you use?
억양 is the preferred term when discussing the technical aspects of speech like pitch and intonation patterns. 말씨 is used to describe the broader manner or style of someone's speech, encompassing their accent and habitual way of talking.
How do you pronounce it?
eogyang
Did you know?
- In Korean, 말씨 is often used to judge a person's character. Someone with a 'good' 말씨 is perceived as having a kind or noble heart, regardless of their regional dialect.
- The word 말씨 is etymologically linked to the act of 'writing' through the root 쓰-, suggesting that a person's manner of speech is something carved or imprinted, much like one's handwriting.
- In Korean media, the use of 사투리 (regional accent) is often a stylistic shorthand to signal that a character is stubborn, rustic or honest.
Examples in context
- 이 게임에선 말야, 네가 만들 캐릭터의 국적을 무엇으로 고르든 간에 모두 미국식 억양으로 말하게 될 거야.In this game, no matter what nationality you choose for your character, they will still speak in an American accent.This sentence uses 억양 to discuss how a character in a game will speak with a specific American accent.Tatoeba #8775514 by Eunhee, translation #6167880 by sabretou
- 스코틀랜드 억양은 일반 미국 억양과 다르게 모음 뒤의 r을 발음합니다.The Scottish accent pronounces the r after vowels differently to the General American accent.This sentence uses 억양 to compare the way the letter r is pronounced in a Scottish accent versus a General American accent.
- 그의 억양은 부드럽고 세련되었다.His accent is smooth and sophisticated.
- 그의 말투에는 동네 사투리가 끼어 있다.His speech has a regional dialect.
- 이 남자 발음이 정말 재밌어.This guy's accent is so funny.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Minji are talking about a new coworker.
- 도현 Do-hyeon새로 오신 분은 억양이 특이하시네요.saero osin buneun eogyangi teugihasineyo.The new person has a unique accent.
- 민지 Min-ji맞아요. 어느 지역 분이실까요?majayo. eoneu jiyeok bunisilkkayo?True. I wonder which region they are from.
- 도현 Do-hyeon경상도 억양 같아서 계속 듣게 돼요.gyeongsangdo eogyang gataseo gyesok deutge dwaeyo.It sounds like a Gyeongsang-do accent, so I keep listening.
- 민지 Min-ji그 억양은 정말 매력적인 것 같아요.geu eogyangeun jeongmal maeryeokjeogin geot gatayo.I think that accent is really charming.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “accent” translations and entries 억양, 말씨, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 말씨, 억양, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
