커플
keopeul[kʰʌ̹pʰɯɭ]
The English phrase couple can be translated into Korean as 커플 (keopeul) or 부부.
Meaning: two partners (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 커플 | keopeul | [kʰʌ̹pʰɯɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 부부 | bubu | [pubu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term refers to two romantic partners. While 커플 is a general term for any romantic partners, including those who are dating but not yet married, there are more specific ways to describe a pair depending on their relationship status.
Which one should you use?
Use 부부 specifically to refer to a married couple. In contrast, 커플 is used more generally for any romantic couple.
How do you pronounce it?
keopeul
When do people say it?
The term 커플 is often used in the compound 커플룩 to refer to 'couple looks', which are matching outfits worn by romantic partners.
Did you know?
- Korean culture has a specific term 썸 to describe the 'something' happening between two people before they officially become a 커플.
- Romantic partners who are a 커플 often celebrate '100-day anniversaries' rather than just yearly ones, marking the milestone with gifts and dates.
- In Korean, it is common to use the word 우리 (uri), meaning 'our', when talking about one's spouse, such as 'our husband' or 'our wife', rather than 'my' husband or 'my' wife.
Examples in context
- 부부가 함께 있습니다.The couple is together.
- 그들은 연인입니다.They are a couple.
- 나랑 애인이랑 영화를 보러 갈래?Do you want to go watch a movie with me and my significant other?
- 저 커플은 정말 보기 좋아요.jeo keopeul-eun jeongmal bogi joayo.That couple looks really good together.
- 우리는 공식적인 커플이에요.urineun gongsikjeogin keopeul-ieyo.We are an official couple.
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are looking at a photo of their friends.
- 수빈 Su-bin이 커플 정말 잘 어울려요.i keopeul jeongmal jal eoullyeoyo.This couple looks really good together.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아요. 분위기가 비슷해요.majayo. bunwigiga biseuthaeyo.You're right. They have a similar vibe.
- 수빈 Su-bin둘이 언제부터 커플이 됐을까요?dul-i eonjebuteo keopeul-i dwaesseulkkayo?I wonder when the two of them became a couple?
- 지훈 Ji-hun작년 겨울쯤인 것 같아요.jangnyeon gyeoul-jjeumin geot gatayo.I think it was around last winter.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “couple” translations and entries 커플, 부부, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
