폭탄
poktan[pʰo̞k̚tʰa̠n]
The English phrase "bomb" is translated into Korean as 폭탄 (poktan).
폭탄 refers to a device filled with explosives. If you are engaged in technical or official discussions, you might use the term 폭발물 to refer specifically to an explosive device.
Meaning: device filled with explosives (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 폭탄 is the standard word for a bomb, 폭발물 is used when referring to an explosive device in a more technical or official capacity.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
poktan
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, particularly regarding heavy drinking, the term 폭탄주 (bomb drink) refers to a cocktail where one alcohol is dropped into another to mix them instantly.
- In the context of beauty and fashion, 폭탄 describes a hairstyle with extreme, wild volume, specifically the 폭탄 머리 or 'bomb hair'.
- The character 彈 in 폭탄 is also the root for the Korean word for 'elasticity' and 'springs', linking the idea of a projectile to the tension of a spring.
Examples in context
- 폭탄이 터졌을 때, 나는 그곳에 있었다.When the bomb exploded, I happened to be there.This sentence is useful for seeing the use of 폭탄 in the context of an explosion.Tatoeba #11104912 by intertime, translation #282614 by CM
- 경찰이 의심스러운 폭탄을 발견했다.gyeongchari uisimseureoun poktaneul balgyeonhaetda.The police discovered a suspicious bomb.
- 그 건물은 폭탄에 의해 파괴되었다.geu geonmureun poktane uihae pagwedoeeotda.The building was destroyed by a bomb.
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are watching an action movie together.
- 민준 Min-jun저 폭탄이 언제 터질까?jeo poktan-i eonje teojilkka?I wonder when that bomb will explode?
- 지은 Ji-eun아마 곧 터질 것 같아.ama got teojil geot gata.I think it will probably explode soon.
- 민준 Min-jun주인공이 폭탄을 멈춰야 해.juingong-i poktan-eul meomchwoya hae.The main character has to stop the bomb.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 긴장되는 순간이다.jeongmal ginjang-doeneun sungan-ida.This is such a tense moment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bomb” translations and entries 폭탄, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
