오로라
orora
The English word aurora can be translated into Korean as either 오로라 (orora) or 극광.
Meaning: atmospheric phenomenon (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 오로라 | orora | |
| 극광 | geukgwang | [kɯk̚k͈wa̠ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The word refers to the atmospheric phenomenon known as an aurora. In addition to the phenomenon, the form 오로라 can also be used as a female given name.
What does it mean word for word?
The formal term 극광 is composed of the characters for 'pole' (극) and 'light' (광), literally meaning 'polar light'.
Which one should you use?
오로라 is the common loanword used in everyday speech, whereas 극광 is the formal, scientific term for the aurora.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
orora
Did you know?
- The character 광 in 극광 is shared with words for 'crazy' or 'madness' in certain contexts, though in this phrase it strictly means 'light'.
- In Korean pop culture and gaming, 오로라 is often used to describe a shimmering or iridescent aesthetic effect, moving beyond the literal atmospheric light.
- While English speakers use 'Northern Lights' and 'Southern Lights', Korean uses 극광 to cover both, emphasizing the 'pole' (극) rather than the direction.
Examples in context
- 오늘 밤에 오로라가 보였어요.The Aurora was visible tonight.
- 오로라는 정말 아름다워요.orora-neun jeongmal areumdawoyo.The aurora is truly beautiful.
- 아이슬란드에서 오로라를 봤어요.aiseulland-eseo orora-reul bwasseoyo.I saw the aurora in Iceland.
- 오로라를 직접 보고 싶어요.orora-reul jikjeop bogo sipeoyo.I want to see the aurora in person.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their travel bucket lists.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨는 가보고 싶은 곳이 있어요?hyeonu ssi-neun gabogo sipeun gosi isseoyo?Hyunwoo, is there a place you want to visit?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 저는 오로라를 보고 싶어요.ne, jeoneun orora-reul bogo sipeoyo.Yes, I want to see the aurora.
- 수빈 Su-bin와, 정말 멋진 꿈이네요!wa, jeongmal meotjin kkum-ineyo!Wow, that is a wonderful dream!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo수빈 씨는 어디에 가고 싶어요?subin ssi-neun eodie gago sipeoyo?Subin, where do you want to go?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “aurora” translations and entries 극광, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
