항상
hangsang[ha̠ŋsʰa̠ŋ]
The English word 'always' can be translated into Korean using 항상 (hangsang), 늘 or 언제나.
Meaning: at all times (adv)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 항상 | hangsang | [ha̠ŋsʰa̠ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 늘 | neul | [nɯɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 언제나 | eonjena | [ˈɘ(ː)ɲd͡ʑe̞na̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
All three forms are adverbs used to express that something happens at all times.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 언제나 is a compound of 언제, meaning 'when' and the particle 나, which means 'even' or 'also', literally translating to 'whenever' or 'at any time'.
Which one should you use?
항상 is the most standard and slightly more formal option. 언제나 is used for emphasis and highlights the 'at any time' aspect of 'always', making it more suitable for poetic or emphatic contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
hangsang
Did you know?
- In very old Korean texts, 늘 was sometimes used to describe the act of stretching or extending, which relates to the idea of something continuing without end.
- The Sino-Korean word 항상 is composed of two different Chinese characters that both mean 'always', effectively doubling the emphasis through redundancy.
- The particle 나 in 언제나 is the same one used to create 'whatever' or 'any' in other time-related words, like 어디나 for 'everywhere'.
Examples in context
- 그녀는 안다. 늘 안다.She knows. She always knows.This example shows how to use 늘 to describe a continuous state of knowing.Tatoeba #3681002 by Uwe, translation #1693726 by CK
- 나는 늘 열심히 공부해.I always study hard.This sentence demonstrates using 늘 to describe a habitual action like studying.Tatoeba #8362076 by Eunhee, translation #66085 by CK
- 걔는 항상 반에서 꼴찌야.She is always at the bottom of the class.This example illustrates the use of 항상 to describe a consistent status or position.Tatoeba #4963092 by rainbow4us, translation #310387 by darinmex
- 제가 늘 당신을 응원합니다.I will always support you.
- 저희 팀은 승리하기 위해 언제나 최선을 다합니다.Our team always gives our best to win.
- 언제나 여러분의 안전을 최우선으로 생각합니다.We always prioritize your safety.
- 나는 너를 항상 사랑해.I always love you.
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Min-jun are talking about their morning routines.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준 씨는 항상 일찍 일어나요?Minjun ssineun hangsang iljjik ireonayo?Do you always wake up early, Min-jun?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 저는 매일 6시에 일어나요.Ne, jeoneun maeil yeoseotsie ireonayo.Yes, I wake up at 6 every day.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 부지런하시네요.Jeongmal bujireonhasineyo.You are really diligent.
- 민준 Min-jun고마워요, 지은 씨.Gomawoyo, Jieun ssi.Thank you, Ji-eun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “always” translations and entries 항상, 늘, 언제나, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 늘, 언제나, 항상, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
