Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 역법 | yeokbeop | [jʌ̹k̚p͈ʌ̹p̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| -력 | -ryeok | ||
| 력법 | ryeokbeop | North Korea |
In Korean, there is a distinction between the theoretical system of timekeeping and the physical object. 역법 refers to the scientific or theoretical system by which time is divided. For the physical object you hang on a wall or keep on a desk, the term 달력 is the most commonly used word.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 역법 is composed of 역, meaning calendar or astronomy and 법, meaning law, method or system.
Which one should you use?
역법 is used when discussing the scientific system of timekeeping, whereas 달력 is used for the physical calendar object or a specific year's calendar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The spelling 력법 is used in North Korea, while 역법 is the standard spelling in South Korea.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix -력 can be attached to other nouns to form specific types of calendars, such as 양력 (solar calendar) or 음력 (lunar calendar).
How do you pronounce it?
yeokbeop
Did you know?
- Many Koreans still use the lunar calendar 음력 to determine the dates of traditional holidays like 추석 and 설날. This means these major holidays fall on different dates in the Gregorian calendar every year.
- The word 달력 for a physical calendar is a combination of 달, meaning 'moon', and 력, meaning 'calendar'. It literally translates to 'moon calendar', reflecting the ancient reliance on lunar cycles.
- In Korea, the distinction between 역법 and 달력 is so strict that using 역법 to describe a paper calendar would sound like you are talking about a mathematical law rather than an object.
Examples in context
- 나는 내 달력에 일정을 기록한다.I note down my schedule in my calendar.
- 오늘의 일정을 확인하려면 달력을 사용하세요.Use the calendar to check today's schedule.
- 이 나라는 독특한 역법을 사용합니다.i naraneun dokteukhan yeokbeobeul sayonghamnida.This country uses a unique calendar system.
- 고대 역법은 천문학에 기초했습니다.godae yeokbeobeun cheonmunhage gichahaetseumnida.Ancient calendars were based on astronomy.
- 새로운 역법을 연구하고 있어요.saeroun yeokbeobeul yeonguhago isseoyo.I am studying a new calendar system.
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are studying history at a library.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 이 나라의 역법은 정말 복잡해요.Dohyun ssi, i nara-ui yeokbeop-eun jeongmal bokjap-haeyo.Dohyun, this country's calendar system is really complex.
- 도현 Do-hyeon맞아요. 이해하기 쉽지 않네요.majayo. ihae-hagi swipji an-neyo.You're right. It is not easy to understand.
- 수빈 Su-bin어떤 역법을 기준으로 계산해야 할까요?eotteon yeokbeop-eul gijun-euro gyesan-haeya halkkayo?Which calendar system should we use as the basis for calculation?
- 도현 Do-hyeon교과서에 나온 역법을 따라가 보세요.gyogwaseo-e naon yeokbeop-eul ttaraga boseyo.Try following the calendar system mentioned in the textbook.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “calendar” translations and entries 역법, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
