동맹
dongmaeng[to̞ŋmɛŋ]
The English word 'ally' is translated into Korean as 동맹 (dongmaeng).
동맹 refers to a person, group, concept, etc., which is associated with another as a helper.
Meaning: person, group, concept, etc., which is associated with another as a helper (noun)
Which one should you use?
동맹국 means 'ally nation' to emphasize formality. The term 정치 동지 can be used to refer to political allies.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In North Korea, the word 동맹 is used to describe an ally in a similar way to South Korea.
How do you pronounce it?
dongmaeng
Did you know?
- In modern South Korean slang, the concept of an ally is often expressed as being 내 편, which literally means 'on my side'. This is used far more frequently in daily life than the formal 동맹.
- In many historical Korean dramas, you will hear characters use the term 혈맹 to describe a 'blood alliance' or a sacred bond between warriors.
- In historical contexts, particularly during the Joseon Dynasty, the idea of an ally was often tied to 사대, a philosophy of 'serving the great'. This shaped how Korea traditionally viewed its alliance with China.
Examples in context
- 미국과 한국은 오랜 시간 동맹 관계를 유지해 왔습니다.The United States and Korea have maintained a long-standing alliance.
- 동맹 강국들은 더 나은 세계를 위해 협력해야 합니다.Alliance nations must cooperate for a better world.
- 우리는 동맹국에게 평화를 보장해야 합니다.We must ensure peace to our ally nation.
- 동지들과 함께하는 시간은 항상 즐거웠습니다.Spending time with comrades is always enjoyable.
- 우리는 정치 동지들과 미래를 위해 협력해야 합니다.We must cooperate with political allies for the future.
- 그 나라는 새로운 동맹을 찾고 있어요.geu naraneun saeroun dongmaengeul chatgo isseoyo.That country is looking for a new ally.
- 두 회사는 전략적 동맹을 맺었습니다.du hoesaneun jeollyakjeok dongmaengeul maetseumnida.The two companies formed a strategic alliance.
Example conversation
Ji-hun and Ji-eun are discussing a strategic partnership for a project.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨, 우리 서로 동맹이 될까요?Ji-eun ssi, uri seoro dongmaeng-i doelkkayo?Ji-eun, shall we become allies?
- 지은 Ji-eun좋아요. 같이 하면 더 쉽겠어요.joayo. gati hamyeon deo swipgess-eoyo.Sounds good. It will be easier if we do it together.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이제 든든한 동맹이 생겼네요.ije deundeunhan dongmaeng-i saenggyeonneyo.Now I have a reliable ally.
- 지은 Ji-eun함께 최선을 다해 봐요.hamkke choeseoneul daha bwayo.Let's both do our best together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 동맹, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
