황소
hwangso[ɸwa̠ŋsʰo̞]
The English word "bull" is translated into Korean as 황소 (hwangso).
The term 황소 refers to an uncastrated adult male bovine. Beyond describing the animal, it is often used metaphorically to describe someone with great physical strength or a very stubborn personality.
Meaning: uncastrated adult male bovine (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 소 (so) is the general term for cattle, 황소 (hwangso) specifically refers to a large, powerful male ox or bull.
How do you pronounce it?
hwangso
Did you know?
- The bull is a central figure in the 'Ten Bulls' series of Zen Buddhist paintings, where the act of catching a bull symbolizes the process of attaining enlightenment.
- The word 황소 (hwangso) was originally a combination of the Middle Korean words for 'big' and 'bull', but it was later reinterpreted as meaning 'yellow bull' through the Hanja character 황 (hwang).
- In Korean folk belief, the bull is often depicted as a symbol of diligence and patience, appearing frequently in traditional paintings to represent the ideal agrarian worker.
Examples in context
- 황소를 잡을 때는 뿔 부분을 잡아야 한다.You have to take the bull by the horns.This sentence shows how to use 황소 when discussing handling the animal.Tatoeba #3675136 by Eunhee, translation #809938 by TomSFox
- 황소는 수컷 소를 일컫는다.A bull is a male cattle.This sentence provides a definition of 황소 as a male cattle.
- 그것은 황소입니다.It's a bull.This sentence demonstrates a simple identification using 황소.Tatoeba #11011955 by janTuki, translation #8825923 by danepo
Example conversation
At a traditional farm, Minji and Dohyeon are looking at a cow.
- 민지 Min-ji저기 황소가 있어요.jeogi hwangso-ga isseoyo.There is a bull over there.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 힘이 세 보이네요.jeongmal himi se boineyo.It looks really strong.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨는 황소를 무서워하나요?Dohyeon ssi-neun hwangso-reul museowo-hanayo?Dohyeon, are you afraid of bulls?
- 도현 Do-hyeon조금 무서워요.jogeum museowoyo.I am a little afraid.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bull” translations and entries 황소, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 황소, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
