건물
geonmul[ˈkɘ(ː)nmuɭ]
The English word building can be translated into Korean as 건물 (geonmul) or 빌딩.
Meaning: closed structure with walls and a roof (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 건물 | geonmul | [ˈkɘ(ː)nmuɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 빌딩 | bilding | [piɭdiŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Both terms refer to a closed structure with walls and a roof, but they are used in different contexts. 건물 is a general term that can describe any type of structure, including residential buildings, commercial spaces or public institutions. 빌딩 specifically refers to tall, modern buildings, such as commercial skyscrapers or large office buildings, often found in urban areas.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 건물 is composed of the Hanja 건 (建), meaning 'to build' and 물 (物), meaning 'thing/object'.
Which one should you use?
건물 is the standard, native Korean term for any building. In contrast, 빌딩 is a loanword from the English 'building' and is most commonly used to refer to large, modern or high-rise structures.
How do you pronounce it?
geonmul
Did you know?
- The word 건물 shares its roots with Japanese, as it was originally an orthographic borrowing from the Japanese word 'tatemono'.
- If you are talking about a traditional Korean house, you should avoid using the word 건물 as it sounds too modern and industrial.
- While English speakers use 'building' for any structure, calling a small house a 빌딩 in Korean would sound very strange because that word is reserved for modern, high-rise structures.
Examples in context
- 이 건물의 지붕은 초록색이야.This building has a green roof.This sentence uses 건물 to describe the roof of a building.Tatoeba #8365111 by Eunhee, translation #8217676 by Hybrid
- 저 빌딩에는 아무도 살지 않는다.No one lives in that building.This sentence uses 빌딩 to describe a building where no one lives.Tatoeba #11105204 by intertime, translation #397848 by CK
- 이것은 이 도시에서 가장 높은 빌딩이다.It's the highest building in this city.This sentence uses 빌딩 to describe the highest building in a city.Tatoeba #11105291 by intertime, translation #59080 by CK
- 이 건물은 아주 오래된 건축물입니다.This building is a very old architectural structure.
- 저녁에 빌딩에서 멋진 야경을 볼 수 있어.You can see a beautiful night view from the building in the evening.
- 학교 앞에 있는 건물에서 치킨을 파는 가게가 있어.There's a shop selling chicken in the building in front of the school.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are walking in the city and looking for a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun민지야, 저 건물 보여?Minji-ya, jeo geonmul boyeo?Minji, do you see that building?
- 민지 Min-ji응, 저 건물에 카페가 있는 것 같아.Eung, jeo geonmul-e kap-e-ga inneun geot gat-a.Yes, I think there is a cafe in that building.
- 민준 Min-jun정말이네, 저 건물로 가자.Jeongmal-ine, jeo geonmul-lo gaja.You're right, let's go to that building.
- 민지 Min-ji그래, 민준아, 저기로 가자.Geurae, Minjun-a, jeogiro gaja.Okay, Minjun, let's go over there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “building” translations and entries 건물, 빌딩, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 건물, 빌딩, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
