다람쥐
daramjwi[ta̠ɾa̠md͡ʑɥi]
The Korean word for chipmunk is 다람쥐 (daramjwi).
다람쥐 is a noun used to refer to the rodent known as a chipmunk.
Meaning: rodent (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 다람쥐 specifically refers to the small, striped chipmunk species, in general Korean usage, it is also used to refer to squirrels.
How do you pronounce it?
daramjwi
Did you know?
- The word 다람쥐 is a compound that literally translates to 'running mouse' or 'running rat' because it combines 달음 (running) and 쥐 (mouse/rat).
- In Korean pop culture and children's stories, 다람쥐 are often depicted as incredibly hardworking and diligent creatures because of how they store nuts.
- Because 다람쥐 is often associated with being small and quick, it is frequently used in Korean nicknames or literature to describe a person with cute, fast-moving characteristics.
Examples in context
- 다람쥐가 나무 위를 달려요.daramjwiga namu wireul dallyeoyo.A chipmunk is running up the tree.
- 산에서 귀여운 다람쥐를 봤어요.saneseo gwiyeoun daramjwireul bwasseoyo.I saw a cute chipmunk in the mountains.
- 다람쥐는 도토리를 아주 좋아해요.daramjwineun dotorireul aju joahae-yo.Chipmunks love acorns very much.
Example conversation
Two friends are watching wildlife in a park.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨, 저기 다람쥐가 있어요!Minjun ssi, jeogi daramjwiga isseoyo!Minjun, there is a chipmunk over there!
- 민준 Min-jun정말 작고 귀여운 다람쥐네요.jeongmal jakgo gwiyeoun daramjwi-neyo.It is a really small and cute chipmunk.
- 민지 Min-ji다람쥐가 도토리를 먹고 있어요.daramjwiga dotorireul meokgo isseoyo.The chipmunk is eating an acorn.
- 민준 Min-jun정말 귀엽네요.jeongmal gwiyeopneyo.It's so cute.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chipmunk” translations and entries 다람쥐, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 다람쥐, CC BY-SA 4.0.
