나비
nabi[na̠bi]
The English phrase butterfly is translated into Korean as 나비 (nabi). Wiktionary also lists 호접 (hojeop).
Meaning: insect (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 나비 | nabi | [na̠bi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 호접 | hojeop | [ɸʷo̞d͡ʑʌ̹p̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The word refers to the insect. You can also use the phrase 나비처럼 to mean "like a butterfly".
Which one should you use?
While 나비 is the common word for butterfly, 호접 is a more formal or literary term often used in classical contexts or specific names.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is nabi.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- 이 나비종은 이미 멸종됐다.This species of butterfly has already gone extinct.This sentence is useful for discussing the extinction of a specific 나비 species.Tatoeba #3681061 by JangSungHyuk, translation #2656878 by FeuDRenais2
- 나비 빨라.The butterfly flutters.This sentence is useful for describing how a 나비 moves.Tatoeba #2478223 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2478219 by al_ex_an_der
- 그 나비는 아름답습니다.That butterfly is beautiful.
- 나비야, 놀러갈래?Butterfly, do you want to go out and play?
- 꽃 위에 나비가 앉아 있어요.kkot wie nabi-ga anja isseoyo.A butterfly is sitting on the flower.
Example conversation
Minji and Jihun are walking in a park.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 저기 나비 좀 보세요!Jihun ssi, jeogi nabi jom boseyo!Jihun, look at that butterfly over there!
- 지훈 Ji-hun와, 색깔이 정말 화려하네요.wa, saekkkari jeongmal hwaryeohaneyo.Wow, the colors are really vivid.
- 민지 Min-ji나비가 꽃 위에 앉았어요.nabiga kkot wie anjasseoyo.The butterfly sat on the flower.
- 지훈 Ji-hun사진으로 찍고 싶어요.sajineuro jjigo sipeoyo.I want to take a photo of it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “butterfly” translations and entries 나비, 호접, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 나비, 호접, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
