If you are learning Korean or planning to visit South Korea, it’s essential to know how to say basic words and phrases. One of these fundamental words is “building.” In this guide, we will explore how to say “building” in Korean, including formal and informal ways. We will also provide relevant tips, examples, and regional variations when necessary. Let’s dive into the world of Korean vocabulary!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Building
When addressing someone in a formal context or using polite speech, it is important to use proper honorifics. In Korean, there are a few different ways to say “building” formally: “빌딩” (bildeing), “건물” (geonmul), and “대지상” (daeji-sang).
1. 빌딩 (bildeing)
The term “빌딩” (bildeing) is a borrowed word from English and is widely used in South Korea. It specifically refers to tall, modern buildings, often associated with urban areas. This term can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly used in casual conversation.
Example:
“그 빌딩은 서울에서 가장 높은 건물 중 하나에요.” (Geu bildeing-eun Seoul-eseo gajang nopeun geonmul jung hanaeyo.) – “That building is one of the tallest buildings in Seoul.”
2. 건물 (geonmul)
The word “건물” (geonmul) is a more general and formal term used to refer to buildings in Korean. It can be used for any kind of structure such as residential buildings, commercial spaces, or public institutions. This word is commonly used in formal or academic contexts.
Example:
“이 건물은 아주 오래된 건축물입니다.” (I geonmul-eun aju oraedoen geonchungmul-imnida.) – “This building is a very old architectural structure.”
Informal Ways to Say Building
In informal or casual settings, you can use less formal language to say “building.” Here are a few informal ways to express this term: “빌딩” (bildeing), “건물” (geonmul), and “집” (jip).
1. 빌딩 (bildeing)
As mentioned earlier, “빌딩” (bildeing) is a commonly used term in informal speech when referring to tall and modern buildings. It is widely understood and used by the general Korean population of all age groups.
Example:
“저녁에 빌딩에서 멋진 야경을 볼 수 있어.” (Jeonyeok-e bildeing-eseo meotjin yagyeong-eul bol su isseo.) – “You can see a beautiful night view from the building in the evening.”
2. 건물 (geonmul)
Similarly, “건물” (geonmul) can also be used informally to refer to buildings. However, it is less commonly used in casual conversations compared to “빌딩” (bildeing).
Example:
“학교 앞에 있는 건물에서 치킨을 파는 가게가 있어.” (Hakgyo-ap-e issneun geonmul-eseo chikin-eul paneun gagega isseo.) – “There’s a shop selling chicken in the building in front of the school.”
3. 집 (jip)
Sometimes you may hear Koreans refer to their own homes as “집” (jip). While “집” primarily means “house,” it can also be used informally to refer to buildings in general.
Example:
“우리 동네에 큰 빌딩 많이 지어지더니 경치가 실화처럼 좋아졌어.” (Uri dongne-e keun bildeing manhi jieojideoni gyeongchiga silhwacheoreom johajyeosseo.) – “After many tall buildings were built in our neighborhood, the scenery became unbelievably beautiful.”
Regional Variations
Korean dialects and regional variations can sometimes have different words or pronunciation for “building.” However, these variations are not commonly used or understood outside their respective regions. Therefore, we will focus on the standard Korean language, known as “Seoul Standard Korean” (SSK) or “Pyojuneo.”
Summary
To summarize, when it comes to saying “building” in Korean, there are a few options based on formality and context. In formal settings, you can use “빌딩” (bildeing) or “건물” (geonmul). For informal conversations, “빌딩” (bildeing), “건물” (geonmul), or even “집” (jip) can be used. Remember that “빌딩” often refers to tall, modern buildings, while “건물” is a more general term. Additionally, “집” is primarily used for one’s own home but can also be used informally for buildings in general. Practice using these words in different sentences to improve your Korean vocabulary!
By learning these various ways to say “building” in Korean, you’ll be well-equipped to communicate effectively in both formal and informal situations. Enjoy your journey of language learning and make sure to explore more fascinating Korean words and phrases!
