기회
gihoe[kiβwe̞]
The English word "chance" can be translated into Korean as 기회 (gihoe) or 찬스.
Meaning: an opportunity or possibility (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 기회 | gihoe | [kiβwe̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [kiɦø̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 찬스 | chanseu | [t͡ɕʰa̠nsʰɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The word 기회 refers to a general opportunity. To say that an opportunity has arisen or that you have gotten a chance, you can use the phrase 기회가 생기다.
Which one should you use?
기회 is the standard word for a general opportunity. In contrast, 찬스 is a loanword borrowed from English that is often used in games, sports or specific promotional contexts, such as a 'bonus chance'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the idea of missing or losing an opportunity, you can use the verb 놓치다 with the object 기회 (to miss a chance).
How do you pronounce it?
gihoe
Did you know?
- The word 기회 contains a hidden metaphor of a mechanical hinge. It is composed of the characters for 'hinge' and 'meeting', suggesting that an opportunity is a specific moment where a mechanical turning point occurs.
- In Korean variety shows, a 'chance' 찬스 is often a specific mechanic where a contestant can call a friend or expert for help.
- Korean speakers rarely use 찬스 to describe a 'random chance' or 'luck', which requires different words like 운 or 우연.
Examples in context
- 한 번 더 기회를 줘.Give me a second chance.This sentence shows how to use 기회 to express asking for a second chance.Tatoeba #13250459 by qiwiwi, translation #31490 by CK
- 네게 기회를 주고 싶었어.I wanted to give you a chance.This sentence shows how to use 기회 to express wanting to give someone a chance.Tatoeba #8549569 by okja, translation #2013974 by CK
- 톰과 대화할 기회라도 생겼어?Did you get a chance to talk with Tom?This sentence shows how to use 기회 to ask if an opportunity arose to talk with someone.Tatoeba #8357739 by Eunhee, translation #4012338 by CK
- 저는 그 프로젝트에 참여하고 싶어서 기회를 노려보고 있어요.I'm looking for a chance to participate in that project.
- 저기에서 기회 한 번 얻을 수 있을 것 같아요?Do you think I can get a chance over there?
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are discussing a job offer.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈 씨, 이번에 기회가 왔어요.Subin-ssi, ibeone gihoe-ga wasseoyo.Subin, an opportunity has come this time.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말요? 너무 기뻐요!Jeongmallyo? Neomu gippeoyo!Really? I am so happy!
- 지훈 Ji-hun놓치지 말고 꼭 잡으세요.Nochiji malgo kkok jabeuseyo.Don't miss it, be sure to grab it.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 최선을 다할게요.Ne, choeseoneul dahalgeyo.Yes, I will do my best.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chance” translations and entries 기회, 찬스, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 기회, 찬스, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
