화학
hwahak[ˈɸwa̠(ː)ɦa̠k̚]
The Korean word for chemistry is 화학 (hwahak).
화학 refers to the branch of natural science that studies the properties and behavior of matter.
Meaning: branch of natural science (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
hwahak
Did you know?
- While 화학 refers to the science, Koreans use the English loanword 케미 'chemi' to describe the romantic spark or social rapport between two people.
- The word 화학 is composed of two Hanja characters: 화 (change/transform) and 학 (study). Literally, it describes the 'study of change'.
- The concept of 'chemical reactions' in Korean is often expressed using the word 반응 (reaction), which is also the word used for 'response' in social situations.
Examples in context
- 나는 화학이 싫다.I hate chemistry.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for the subject 화학.Tatoeba #10603242 by ssuss32, translation #1445 by CK
- 저는 화학에 대해 공부하고 있어요.I am studying chemistry.
- 그는 화학을 전공하고 있어요.geuneun hwahageul jeon-gonghago isseoyo.He is majoring in chemistry.
- 화학 수업은 정말 재미있어요.hwahak sueobeun jeongmal jaemi-isseoyo.Chemistry class is really fun.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Jieun are discussing their school schedules.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은 씨는 화학 수업을 들어요?Jieun ssineun hwahak sueobeul deureoyo?Jieun, are you taking a chemistry class?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 그런데 너무 어려워요.ne, geureonde neomu eoryeowoyo.Yes, but it is too difficult.
- 도현 Do-hyeon저도 화학이 정말 힘들어요.jeodo hwahagi jeongmal himdeureoyo.I find chemistry really hard too.
- 지은 Ji-eun우리 같이 공부할까요?uri gachi gongbuhalkkayo?Shall we study together?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chemistry” translations and entries 화학, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 화학, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
