도시
dosi[to̞ɕʰi]
The English word 'city' is translated into Korean as 도시 (dosi). Wiktionary also lists 시내 (sinae) and 시 (si).
Meaning: large settlement (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 도시 | dosi | [to̞ɕʰi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 시내 | sinae | [ˈɕʰi(ː)nɛ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈɕʰi(ː)ne̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
|
| 시 | si | [ɕʰi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ɕʰi(ː)] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
compound |
The term 도시 is used to refer to a city as a general geographical entity or large settlement. In contrast, 시내 refers specifically to the downtown or central business area of a city. Additionally, the loanword 시티 is used for specific branding or proper names, such as the London financial district 'The City'.
Which one should you use?
While 도시 describes a city in a broad sense, 시내 is the term you should use when you mean 'downtown' or the city center. The form 시티 functions differently, serving as a loanword for specific names and branding.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 시 functions as a suffix when attached to the names of specific administrative cities. For example, 부산시 (Busan-si) or 서울시 (Seoul-si).
How do you pronounce it?
dosi
Did you know?
- The word 도시 is composed of two different characters for 'city'. The first represents a fortress or capital and the second represents a market.
- Korean differentiates between a city as a physical place 도시 and a city as a governance entity 시.
Examples in context
- 일본에서 도쿄보다 큰 도시는 없다.No other city in Japan is as large as Tokyo.This sentence uses 도시 to compare the size of cities in Japan.Tatoeba #11106012 by intertime, translation #281330 by CM
- 저는 도시에서 사는 거 안 좋아해요.I don't like living in the city.This sentence uses 도시 to express a preference regarding living in a city.Tatoeba #14034719 by Ldyhippo, translation #6664002 by CK
- 해가 도시 위로 떠오는 것을 지켜봤다.I watched the sun rise over the city.This sentence uses 도시 to describe the sun rising over a city.Tatoeba #4568867 by imjcooper, translation #4567906 by Hybrid
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are talking about their hometowns.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨는 고향이 어디예요?Jieun ssineun gohyangi eodiye-yo?Jieun, where is your hometown?
- 지은 Ji-eun저는 작은 도시에서 왔어요.Jeoneun jageun dosieseo wasseoyo.I came from a small city.
- 민준 Min-jun정말요? 저는 큰 도시가 좋아요.Jeongmallyo? Jeoneun keun dosiga joayo.Really? I like big cities.
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아요, 도시는 정말 편리하죠.Majayo, dosineun jeongmal pyeonlihajyo.That's true, cities are very convenient.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “city” translations and entries 도시, 시내, 시, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 도시, 시, 시내, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
