공기
gonggi[ko̞ŋɡi]
The Korean word for air is 공기 (gonggi).
공기 refers to the mixture of gases that makes up the Earth's atmosphere.
Meaning: mixture of gases making up the atmosphere of the Earth (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
gonggi
Did you know?
- The word 공기 can have two completely different meanings depending on the Hanja used. It can mean 'air' or it can mean 'a bowl', such as a rice bowl.
- The character 기 in 공기 is the same root used in 기공 (Qigong), referring to the vital energy flow in the body.
- Korean distinguishes between 공기 for the atmosphere and 공중 for the space in the air above us.
Examples in context
- 인간은 공기 없인 살 수 없어.Humans can't live without air.Tatoeba #8361862 by Eunhee, translation #7908305 by shekitten
- 여기에 공기가 충분하기를 바랍니다.I hope there's enough air in here.Tatoeba #12401328 by gratified3539, translation #3723175 by CM
- 달에는 공기가 없으니까 소리도 전혀 없어.Since there is no air on the moon, there is no sound at all.Tatoeba #8365770 by Eunhee, translation #238803 by CK
- 오늘은 공기가 상쾌하네요.The air feels refreshing today.
- 큰 도시에서는 공기가 많이 오염되었어요.The air is highly polluted in big cities.
- 공기 맑아?Is the air clear?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Jihoon are hiking up a high mountain.
- 서연 Seo-yeon산 정상이라서 공기가 아주 상쾌해요.san jeongsang-ira-seo gong-gi-ga aju sang-kwae-hae-yo.Since we are at the mountain peak, the air is very refreshing.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말이네요. 공기가 맑은 것 같아요.jeong-mal-i-ne-yo. gong-gi-ga mal-geun geot gat-a-yo.It really is. The air seems clear.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈 씨도 느껴지나요?ji-hun ssi-do neu-kkyeo-ji-na-yo?Do you feel it too, Jihoon?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 기분이 정말 좋아요.ne, gi-bun-i jeong-mal jo-a-yo.Yes, I feel really good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “air” translations and entries 공기, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 공기, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
