등급
deunggeup[tɯŋɡɯp̚]
In Korean, the word 'class' can be translated in different ways depending on the context. The default form is 등급 (deunggeup). Wiktionary also lists 종류 (jongnyu).
Meaning: group, collection, category or set sharing characteristics or attributes (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 등급 | deunggeup | [tɯŋɡɯp̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 종류 | jongnyu | [ˈt͡ɕo̞(ː)ŋɲu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
When 'class' refers to a collection or set of things sharing common characteristics, you choose between 등급 and 종류 based on whether you are emphasizing hierarchy or variety. If you are referring to a 'class' as in a school lesson or an educational course, you must use a different word entirely.
Which one should you use?
Use 등급 when you mean 'class' in terms of a hierarchy, rank or a specific level of quality, such as a grade of meat or a skill level. Use 종류 when you mean 'class' in terms of a category, kind, type or a variety of things that share common characteristics.
How do you pronounce it?
deunggeup
What mistakes should you avoid?
If you mean 'class' in the sense of a school lesson or a course, do not use 등급 or 종류. Use 수업 instead.
Did you know?
- In Korea, if you want to say you are 'of a high class' regarding social status, using 등급 might sound like you are describing a product's quality rather than your person.
- The character used in 종류 for 'kind', known as 종, is the same character used in the word for 'seed', reflecting the idea of a 'type' being a fundamental unit.
- In Korean gaming culture, 등급 is frequently used to describe the rarity 'class' of an item, such as 'legendary' or 'epic'.
Examples in context
- 저는 수업에 갔어요I went to class.
- 우리 수업은 오후 2시에 시작해요Our class starts at 2 p.m.
- 오늘 강의가 없어I don't have class today.
- 친구랑 수업 듣고 식당에 갈 거야I will go to a restaurant with my friend after class.
- 나 오늘 학원 가야 돼I have to go to class today.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Minjun are looking at a menu for a membership service.
- 서연 Seo-yeon민준 씨, 어떤 등급을 선택할 거예요?Minjun ssi, eotteon deunggeubeul seontaekhal geoyeyo?Minjun, which class are you going to choose?
- 민준 Min-jun저는 기본 등급이면 충분해요.jeoneun gibon deunggeub-imyeon chungbunhaeyo.The basic class is enough for me.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그럼 혜택이 너무 적지 않을까요?geureom hyetaegi neomu jeokji aneulkkayo?Then wouldn't the benefits be too few?
- 민준 Min-jun그냥 제일 싼 걸로 할게요.geunyang jeil ssan geollo halgeyo.I'll just go with the cheapest one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “class” translations and entries 등급, 종류, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
