새장
saejang[sʰɛd͡ʑa̠ŋ]
The English word "cage" is translated into Korean as 새장 (saejang).
새장 refers specifically to a cage used for birds.
Meaning: enclosure (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 새장 is a compound consisting of 새, meaning "bird" and 장, meaning "cage" or "enclosure".
Which one should you use?
While 새장 refers to a bird cage, a general enclosure used for other animals is typically called 우리.
How do you pronounce it?
saejang
Did you know?
- The word 우리 (the general term for an enclosure) is also a very common Korean word meaning 'we' or 'us'. This can create humorous confusion in spoken sentences if not phrased carefully.
- The word 장 in 새장 comes from the Hanja character 欌, which specifically relates to wooden cabinetry or shelving.
- If you use the word 새장 to describe a way to trap a person, it will sound highly poetic or literary rather than literal. In everyday speech, a person feeling trapped is more likely to say they are in a 'prison' or a 'tight spot'.
Examples in context
- 이 앵무새는 왜 케이지에 안 들어가 있지?Why isn't this parrot inside the cage?
- 새장이 너무 작아요.saejangi neomu jagayo.The birdcage is too small.
- 새장을 깨끗이 닦았어요.saejangeul kkaekkeusi dakasseoyo.I cleaned the birdcage thoroughly.
- 새장에 예쁜 새가 있어요.saejange yeppeun saega isseoyo.There is a pretty bird in the cage.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Do-hyeon are looking at a pet shop window.
- 지은 Ji-eun저 새장 정말 예쁘네요.jeo saejang jeongmal yeppeuneyo.That birdcage is really pretty.
- 도현 Do-hyeon맞아요, 디자인이 아주 좋아요.majayo, dijaini aju joayo.True, the design is very good.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨도 저 새장이 마음에 들어요?do-hyeon ssi-do jeo saejangi maeume deureoyo?Do you like that cage too, Do-hyeon?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 정말 마음에 들어요.ne, jeongmal maeume deureoyo.Yes, I really like it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 새장, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 새장, CC BY-SA 4.0.
