방탄소년단
Bangtansonyeondan
The phrase "bulletproof boy scouts" in Korean is 방탄소년단 (Bangtansonyeondan).
방탄소년단 is the name of the popular South Korean boy band. While this is the full name, the group is most commonly referred to by the abbreviation BTS in both Korean and English contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 방탄 (bangtan) literally means "bulletproof".
Which one should you use?
The full name is 방탄소년단, while 방탄 (Bangtan) serves as an informal short form of the name.
How do you pronounce it?
Bangtansonyeondan
Did you know?
- The word 방탄 (bangtan) is a Sino-Korean word, meaning its roots come from Chinese characters 防彈 meaning 'prevent' and 'bullet'.
- The term 방탄 (bangtan) refers to the concept of a 'bulletproof vest' rather than a person who cannot be shot. The name was chosen to suggest that the group would shield their younger generation from the 'bullets' of prejudice and social pressure.
- While 'BTS' is a global brand, the shorthand 방탄 (bangtan) is used by Korean fans as a specific term of endearment that carries a warmer, more personal feeling than the official English initials.
Examples in context
- 오늘 밤에 비티에스의 콘서트가 있어요.Tonight, there is a BTS concert.
- 한국에서 비티에스를 처음 듣게 되었어요.I first heard of Bulletproof Boy Scouts in Korea.
- 나 방탄 팬이야!I'm a fan of Bangtan!
- 방탄소년단 노래를 정말 좋아해요.Bangtan Sonyeondan noraeleul jeongmal joahaeyo.I really love 방탄소년단 songs.
- 방탄소년단은 세계적으로 유명해요.Bangtan Sonyeondeureun segyejeogeuro yumyeonghaeyo.방탄소년단 is famous worldwide.
- 어제 방탄소년단 콘서트를 봤어요.Eoje Bangtan Sonyeondan konseoteureul bwasseoyo.I saw the 방탄소년단 concert yesterday.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about music at a cafe.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 방탄소년단 알아요?Jihun ssi, Bangtan Sonyeondan arayo?Jihun, do you know 방탄소년단?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 당연히 알죠!Ne, dangyeonhi aljyo!Yes, of course I do!
- 수빈 Su-bin저도 방탄소년단 팬이에요.Jeodo Bangtan Sonyeondan paenieyo.I am also a 방탄소년단 fan.
- 지훈 Ji-hun우리는 정말 음악 취향이 같네요.Urineun jeongmal eumak chwihyangi gatneyo.We really have the same taste in music.
