앱
aep[ɛp̚]
In Korean, the word for "app" is 앱 (aep). Wiktionary also lists 애플리케이션 (aepeullikeisyeon) and 모바일 앱 (mobail aep).
Meaning: small computer application (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 앱 | aep | [ɛp̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [e̞p̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 애플리케이션 | aepeullikeisyeon | [ɛpʰɯʎʎikʰe̞iɕʰʌ̹n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [e̞pʰɯʎʎikʰe̞iɕʰʌ̹n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 모바일 앱 | mobail aep |
The term refers to a small computer application. When talking about software on a device, you can use the phrase 앱을 설치하다 to mean "to install an app" and 앱을 삭제하다 to mean "to delete an app".
Which one should you use?
While 앱 is the common everyday term, 애플리케이션 is the full transliteration of "application" and is used in more formal or technical contexts. You may also see 모바일 앱.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is aep.
Did you know?
- Korean users often refer to 'app-tech' using the term 앱테크, a portmanteau of 앱 and 'technology' that refers to making small amounts of money through reward apps.
- In Korea, the word 앱 is often used to describe a specific type of social service, such as 소개팅 앱 for dating apps, which have a distinct cultural role in matchmaking for young adults.
- When referring to a 'super-app' that combines many services, Koreans use the term 슈퍼앱, reflecting the trend of apps like Kakao which integrate banking, taxi hailing and messaging.
Examples in context
- 컴퓨터 앱을 다운로드했습니다.I downloaded a computer app.
- 오늘 새로운 어플을 발견했어!I discovered a new app today!
- 이 앱 정말 유용해요.i aep jeongmal yu-yong-hae-yo.This app is really useful.
- 새로운 앱을 설치했어요.sae-ro-un aep-eul seol-chi-haess-eo-yo.I installed a new app.
- 그 앱은 무료인가요?geu aep-eun mu-ryo-in-ga-yo?Is that app free?
Example conversation
Dohyun and Seoyeon are talking about a useful tool on their phones.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연 씨, 이 앱 써 봤어요?Seoyeon ssi, i aep sseo bwasseoyo?Seoyeon, have you tried this app?
- 서연 Seo-yeon아니요, 어떤 앱이에요?aniyo, eotteon aebieyo?No, what kind of app is it?
- 도현 Do-hyeon일정을 관리하는 앱이에요.iljeongeul gwallihaneun aebieyo.It's an app for managing schedules.
- 서연 Seo-yeon저도 지금 설치할게요.jeodo jigeum seolchihalkeyo.I will install it right now too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “app” translations and entries 앱, 애플리케이션, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
