양초
yangcho[ja̠ŋt͡ɕʰo̞]
The English word 'candle' is translated into Korean as 양초 (yangcho). Wiktionary also lists 초 (cho) and 납촉 (napchok).
Meaning: a light source (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 양초 | yangcho | [ja̠ŋt͡ɕʰo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 초 | cho | [t͡ɕʰo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 납촉 | napchok | ||
| 랍촉 | rapchok | North Korea |
The term is used to describe a light source in the form of a candle.
Which one should you use?
While 양초 specifically refers to a Western-style candle, the shorter form 초 can refer more broadly to any candle or even a wick.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form 랍촉 is a North Korean spelling variation of the word for candle.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing the action of lighting a candle, you use the verb 켜다 with 양초 to form the phrase 양초를 켜다.
How do you pronounce it?
yangcho
Did you know?
- In Korean, the verb 켜다 used to light a 양초 is the same verb used to 'turn on' a light switch or a computer.
- In Korean, the same syllable 초 can mean 'candle', 'second' (as in time), or 'beginning' depending on the Hanja character used.
- The word 양초 literally translates to 'Western candle', where 양 means 'Ocean' or 'Western'.
Examples in context
- 양초를 하나 켰어요.yangchoreul hana kyeosseoyo.I lit a candle.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are preparing for a small celebration.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨, 양초가 있어요?Minji-ssi, yangchoga isseoyo?Minji, do you have any candles?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 여기 있어요.ne, yeogi isseoyo.Yes, here they are.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo고마워요, 이제 불을 켤게요.gomawoyo, ije bul-eul kilgeyo.Thank you, I will light them now.
- 민지 Min-ji불 조심하세요.bul josim-haseyo.Be careful with the fire.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “candle” translations and entries 양초, 초, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
