대화
daehwa[ˈtɛ(ː)βwa̠]
The English phrase "conversation" can be translated into Korean as 대화 (daehwa). Wiktionary also lists 회화 (hoehwa).
Meaning: expression and exchange of individual ideas through talking with other people (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 대화 | daehwa | [ˈtɛ(ː)βwa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈte̞(ː)βwa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 회화 | hoehwa | [ˈɸwe̞(ː)βwa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈhø̞(ː)βwa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
대화 refers to the social or interpersonal exchange of ideas between people. A common colocation is 대화를 나누다, which means "to engage in/have a conversation".
Which one should you use?
While 대화 refers to a general social or interpersonal exchange of ideas, 회화 refers specifically to the act of speaking a language or a formal dialogue used in linguistic contexts, such as "English conversation" (영어 회화).
How do you pronounce it?
daehwa
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, 대화 often involves 'reading the air' or 눈치 'nunchi'. This means understanding the other person's mood and unspoken thoughts is as important as the spoken words.
- The word 회화 is a homonym that can also mean 'painting' or 'picture'.
- The verb used with 대화 is often 나누다, which means 'to divide' or 'to share'. This frames a conversation as something shared equally between people.
Examples in context
- 어색한 대화를 나누었다.We had an awkward conversation.This sentence is useful for demonstrating the use of 대화.
- 어젯밤에 저는 중요한 대화를 나눴어요.I had an important conversation last night.
- 이 회의에서 다양한 의견을 나눠 보세요.Please share various opinions in this meeting.
- 너한테 좀 얘기할 거 있어.I have something to tell you.
- 오랜만에 수다 좀 하자!Let's have a chat after a long time!
- 일상 대화daily conversation
- 우리는 즐거운 대화를 나누었어요.urineun jeulgeoun daehwareul nanueosseoyo.We had an enjoyable conversation.
- 그 대화는 매우 흥미로웠다.geu daehwaneun maeun heungmirowotda.That conversation was very interesting.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are talking about their relationship.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨, 우리 진지하게 대화해요.jieun ssi, uri jinjihage daehwahae-yo.Jieun, let's have a serious conversation.
- 지은 Ji-eun좋아요. 무슨 일이에요?joayo. museun ireyeyo?Okay. What's going on?
- 지훈 Ji-hun솔직한 대화가 필요해요.soljikhan daehwaga piryohaeyo.I need an honest conversation.
- 지은 Ji-eun알겠어요. 이야기해 보세요.algesseoyo. iyagihae boseyo.I understand. Please tell me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “conversation” translations and entries 대화, 회화, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
