붐
bum[pum]
The English word "boom" is translated into Korean as 붐 (bum).
붐 is used to describe an abrupt, low-pitched sound. It is also used in the phrases 경제 붐 (economic boom) and 문화 붐 (cultural boom).
Meaning: abrupt, low-pitched sound (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is bum.
Did you know?
- In Korean, the word 붐 is almost exclusively used for metaphorical 'booms', like a 'marketing boom' or 'economic boom', rather than for physical explosions.
- When describing a sudden increase in popularity, Koreans might use the native word 열풍 (yeol-pung), which literally translates to 'heat wind'.
- Because it is a recent loanword, using 붐 in a sentence often gives the speech a very modern, Westernized, or 'trendy' feeling.
Examples in context
- 베이비붐 세대The baby boom generationThis sentence is useful for how to refer to the 붐 in the context of the baby boom generation.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are walking outside when they hear a loud noise.
- 지훈 Ji-hun방금 무슨 붐 소리가 들렸어?banggeum museun bum sori-ga deullyeosseo?Did you just hear a boom sound?
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 나도 들었어. 정말 컸어.eung, nado deureosseo. jeongmal keosseo.Yes, I heard it too. It was really loud.
- 지훈 Ji-hun어디서 난 소리일까?eodiseo nan sori-ilkka?I wonder where that sound came from?
- 서연 Seo-yeon공사장에서 난 것 같아.gongsajang-eseo nan geot gata.I think it came from the construction site.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 붐, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
