꿀벌
kkulbeol[k͈uɭbʌ̹ɭ]
The English phrase 'baby honey' (referring to a young honey bee) is translated into Korean as 꿀벌 (kkulbeol).
The term 꿀벌 refers specifically to a honey bee. Note that if you are looking for an informal term of endearment such as 'baby', 'honey' or 'darling' to address a person, the term 자기야 is used instead.
How do you pronounce it?
kkulbeol
Did you know?
- If you use 자기야 to call someone 'honey', be aware that 자기 originally meant 'self' or 'oneself' in a philosophical context.
- While 꿀벌 means honey bee, the word 꿀 is frequently used as a slang prefix to mean 'sweet' or 'easy', such as 꿀팁 for a 'honey tip' or a great life hack.
- The word 벌 for bee is a homonym with the word for 'punishment' and the counter used for counting clothes or sets of items.
Examples in context
- 자기야, 점심은 뭐 먹을까요?Honey, what shall we eat for lunch?
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are looking at a garden.
- 민지 Min-ji민준, 저기 꿀벌이 있어요!Minjun, jeogi kkulbeori isseoyo!Minjun, there is a honey bee over there!
- 민준 Min-jun정말 작고 귀엽다.jeongmal jakgo gwiyeopda.It is really small and cute.
- 민지 Min-ji꽃에서 꿀을 먹고 있어요.kkoteseo kkureul meokgo isseoyo.It is eating nectar from the flower.
- 민준 Min-jun꿀벌이 열심히 일하네요.kkulbeori yeolsimhi ilhaneyo.The honey bee is working hard.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 꿀벌, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
