컴퓨터
keompyuteo[kʰʌ̹mpʰjutʰʌ̹]South Korea
The English word 'computer' is translated into Korean as 컴퓨터 (keompyuteo). Wiktionary also lists 전자계산기 (jeonjagyesan'gi) and 콤퓨터 (kompyuteo).
Meaning: programmable electronic device (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 컴퓨터 | keompyuteo | [kʰʌ̹mpʰjutʰʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | South Korea |
| 전자계산기 | jeonjagyesan'gi | [ˈt͡ɕɘ(ː)ɲd͡ʑa̠ɡje̞(ː)sʰa̠nɡi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈt͡ɕɘ(ː)ɲd͡ʑa̠ɡe̞(ː)sʰa̠nɡi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
|
| 콤퓨터 | kompyuteo | [kʰo̞mpʰjutʰʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | North Korea |
| 뗀노 | ttenno | [t͈e̞nno̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | Yanbian |
The primary way to say computer is through the loanword 컴퓨터. Other related technology terms you might encounter include 노트북 (laptop), 키보드 (keyboard), 마우스 (mouse), 이메일 (email) and 인터넷 (internet).
Which one should you use?
While 컴퓨터 is the standard loanword used in everyday conversation, 전자계산기 is a more formal or technical term that literally means 'electronic calculator'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The spelling 콤퓨터 is the standard form used in North Korea, while the term 뗀노 is used in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in China.
How do you pronounce it?
keompyuteo
Did you know?
- The term 뗀노 used in Yanbian is actually a transliteration of the Chinese word for computer, which literally translates to 'electric brain'.
- In South Korea, the word for laptop is 노트북, which is a loanword from 'notebook' rather than a translation of 'laptop'.
- The phrase 컴퓨터를 하다 can be used to mean 'to use a computer' or 'to surf the web', treating the noun as a general activity.
Examples in context
- 톰은 자기 컴퓨터를 껐어.Tom turned off his computer.This sentence shows how to describe someone turning off their computer using 컴퓨터.Tatoeba #8363706 by Eunhee, translation #2543338 by CK
- 어제 내 컴퓨터는 고장났어요.My computer broke yesterday.This sentence describes a computer breaking down using 컴퓨터.Tatoeba #6305034 by Queserasera, translation #6728431 by jej13b
- 내 컴퓨터 쓰고 싶으면 써도 돼.You may use my computer if you want to.This sentence expresses permission to use someone's computer using 컴퓨터.Tatoeba #8363703 by Eunhee, translation #6244040 by CK
- 저는 개발자로서 매일 컴퓨터 앞에서 일합니다.As a developer, I work in front of a computer every day.
- 내일 컴으로 게임을 할 거야!Tomorrow, I'm going to play games on my computer!
- 노트북 사양이 좋아서 게임하기 편하다.The laptop has good specifications, making it convenient for gaming.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jihoon asks Jieun if she has a laptop for a project.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨, 혹시 컴퓨터 있어요?Jieun ssi, hoksi kompyuteo isseoyo?Jieun, do you happen to have a computer?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 노트북 컴퓨터 있어요.Ne, noteubuk kompyuteo isseoyo.Yes, I have a laptop computer.
- 지훈 Ji-hun다행이다. 같이 과제 해요.Dahaeng-ida. Gati gwaje haeyo.That's a relief. Let's do the assignment together.
- 지은 Ji-eun좋아요. 카페에서 만나요.Joayo. Kape-eseo mannayo.Sounds good. Let's meet at the cafe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “computer” translations and entries 컴퓨터, 전자계산기, 콤퓨터, 뗀노, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 뗀노, 전자계산기, 컴퓨터, 콤퓨터, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
