벌레
beolle[pʌ̹ɭɭe̞]
In Korean, the word for bug is 벌레 (beolle).
벌레 is a colloquial name used for various arthropods and other similar creeping creatures. In certain contexts, it can also be used to mean "worm". Specific examples of creatures include 개미 (ant), 나비 (butterfly), 모기 (mosquito), 벌 (bee) and 거미 (spider).
Meaning: a colloquial name for various arthropods and other similar creeping creatures (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 벌레 is a general, colloquial term for any creeping creature, 곤충 is the formal and scientifically accurate term for "insect".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
벌레 is a counter-less noun, meaning it does not change form to indicate plurality. The same word is used for both one bug and many bugs.
How do you pronounce it?
beolle
Did you know?
- In modern Korean internet slang, 벌레 is often used as a derogatory suffix to label people with undesirable traits or behaviors.
- In traditional Korean culture, certain 벌레 like the cicada are viewed as symbols of rebirth and immortality rather than pests.
- While 곤충 is the scientific term for insect, it is a loanword based on Chinese characters, whereas 벌레 is a native Korean word.
Examples in context
- 곤충들은 자연 생태계에서 중요한 역할을 합니다.Bugs play an important role in the natural ecosystem.
- 벌레 싫어하는 친구가 많아.Many friends dislike bugs.
- 벌레가 너무 많아요.beol-le-ga neo-mu man-a-yo.There are too many bugs.
- 작은 벌레가 나타났어요.ja-geun beol-le-ga na-ta-nat-eo-yo.A small bug appeared.
- 벌레를 싫어해요.beol-le-reul sil-eo-hae-yo.I hate bugs.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Minji are walking in a garden.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨, 저기 벌레가 있어요!Min-ji ssi, jeo-gi beol-le-ga it-eo-yo!Minji, there is a bug over there!
- 민지 Min-ji어머, 정말 작고 귀여운 벌레네요.eo-meo, jeong-mal jak-go gwi-yeo-un beol-le-ne-yo.Oh my, it's a really small and cute bug.
- 도현 Do-hyeon저는 벌레를 무서워해요.jeo-neun beol-le-reul mu-seo-wo-hae-yo.I am afraid of bugs.
- 민지 Min-ji걱정 마요, 도현 씨.geok-jeong ma-yo, Do-hyeon ssi.Don't worry, Dohyun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bug” translations and entries 벌레, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
