박쥐
bakjwi[ˈpa̠(ː)k̚t͡ɕ͈ɥi]
The English word 'bat' (the flying mammal) is translated into Korean as 박쥐 (bakjwi). Wiktionary also lists 편복 (pyeonbok).
Meaning: small flying mammal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 박쥐 | bakjwi | [ˈpa̠(ː)k̚t͡ɕ͈ɥi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈpa̠(ː)k̚t͡ɕ͈y] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 편복 | pyeonbok | [pʰjʌ̹nbo̞k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
박쥐 is used to refer to the small flying mammal.
Which one should you use?
박쥐 is the standard, everyday word for the animal, whereas 편복 is another term for the same creature.
How do you pronounce it?
bakjwi
Did you know?
- In traditional Korean art and embroidery, images of the 박쥐 were often used as symbols of luck and happiness.
- The word 박쥐 is a compound that includes the word 쥐, which means 'rat' or 'mouse'.
- While 박쥐 is the animal, the Korean word for 'bat' in sports is a completely different word, 배트, borrowed directly from English.
Examples in context
- 박쥐를 보았어요.I saw a bat.
- 박쥐가 나무에 매달려 있어요.bakjiga namue maedallyeo isseoyo.A bat is hanging from a tree.
- 어두운 동굴에 박쥐가 많아요.eoduun donggwale bakjiga manhayo.There are many bats in the dark cave.
- 박쥐는 밤에 활동해요.bakjineun bame hwaldonghaeyo.Bats are active at night.
Example conversation
Two people are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- 민지 Min-ji저기 박쥐가 보여요?jeogi bakjiga boyeoyo?Do you see that bat over there?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 정말 작네요.ne, jeongmal jakneyo.Yes, it is really small.
- 민지 Min-ji박쥐는 무섭지 않아요?bakjineun museopji anayo?Are you not scared of bats?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo조금 무섭지만 귀여워요.jogeum museopjiman gwiyeowoyo.I'm a little scared, but they are cute.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bat” translations and entries 박쥐, 편복, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 박쥐, 편복, CC BY-SA 4.0.
