겁쟁이
geopjaeng'i[kʌ̹p̚t͡ɕ͈ɛŋi]
The English word coward is translated into Korean as 겁쟁이 (geopjaeng'i). If unsure, use 겁쟁이. Wiktionary also lists 비겁자 (bigeopja) and 겁꾸러기 (geopkkureogi).
Meaning: a person who lacks courage (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 겁쟁이 | geopjaeng'i | [kʌ̹p̚t͡ɕ͈ɛŋi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [kʌ̹p̚t͡ɕ͈e̞ŋi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 비겁자 | bigeopja | [ˈpi(ː)ɡʌ̹p̚t͡ɕ͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 겁꾸러기 | geopkkureogi | [kʌ̹p̚k͈uɾʌ̹ɡi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 겁보 | geopbo | |
| 겁부 | geopbu |
The term can be used to describe a person's general personality or a specific instance of them being afraid.
What does it mean word for word?
겁쟁이 is composed of 겁, meaning fear and the suffix 쟁이, which denotes a person with a certain characteristic.
Which one should you use?
겁쟁이 refers to someone who is easily frightened, whereas 비겁자 refers to someone who acts in a cowardly or dishonorable manner.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
겁쟁이 is a common and acceptable term in informal situations, often used in a teasing or lighthearted way in casual conversation. 비겁자 is a more formal and serious term, often used in literature or when criticizing someone's lack of integrity.
How do you pronounce it?
geopjaeng'i
Did you know?
- The character 怯 (geop) used in these words is a shared Hanja (Chinese character) that relates to the concept of a trembling or shaking body due to fright.
- The term 겁꾸러기 sounds much more childish and cute than its English equivalent, often used by parents to tease children who are afraid of the dark.
- The word 비겁 in 비겁자 literally combines the characters for 'lowly' and 'fear'.
Examples in context
- 그 사람은 겁쟁이입니다.That person is a coward.
- 그 친구는 진짜 소심쟁이야!That friend is a real coward!
- 그는 정말 겁쟁이야.geuneun jeongmal geomjaengiya.He is a real coward.
- 겁쟁이처럼 행동하지 마.geomjaengicheoreom haengdonghaji ma.Don't act like a coward.
- 나는 겁쟁이가 되고 싶지 않아.naneun geomjaengiga doego sipji ana.I don't want to be a coward.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Hyeonwoo are talking about watching a horror movie.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 공포 영화 볼래요?Hyeon-u ssi, gongpo yeonghwa bollaeyo?Hyeonwoo, do you want to watch a horror movie?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아니요, 저는 무서운 게 싫어요.aniyo, jeoneun museoun ge silheoyo.No, I hate scary things.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 겁쟁이시네요!jeongmal geopjaengisineyo!You really are a coward!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그냥 조심스러운 거예요.geunyang josimseureoun geoyeyo.I'm just being cautious.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coward” translations and entries 겁쟁이, 비겁자, 겁꾸러기, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 겁꾸러기, 겁쟁이, 비겁자, CC BY-SA 4.0.
