문화
munhwa[munβwa̠]
The English phrase culture is translated into Korean as 문화 (munhwa).
문화 is a noun referring to the beliefs, values, behavior and material objects that constitute a people's way of life. You can use the related form 문화적 to mean "cultural", and the phrase 문화 행사 to mean "cultural event".
Meaning: the beliefs, values, behavior and material objects that constitute a people's way of life (noun)
Did you know?
- The Korean word 문화 is a borrowing from the Japanese word bunka, which in turn was a translation of the Western concept of 'culture'.
- The characters used in 문화 (文 / 文 and 化) can be broken down into 'writing/letters' and 'to become'. Literally, the word implies the process of 'becoming civilized through letters or education'.
- Korean has a specific term called 정, which is often described as a core element of Korean 문화 that has no single-word equivalent in English.
Examples in context
- 문화가 언어를 망친다.Culture destroys language.This sentence uses 문화 to show how culture impacts language.Tatoeba #6305012 by Queserasera, translation #320029 by CM
- 한국의 엔터테인먼트 문화는 세계적으로 인기를 끌고 있어요.Korean entertainment culture is popular worldwide.This sentence uses 문화 to describe the popularity of Korean entertainment culture.Tatoeba #13518803 by LeviHighway, translation #13803751 by haohao
- 한국의 문화는 다양하고 아름답습니다.The culture of Korea is diverse and wonderful.
- 저는 문화 생활을 즐기는 것을 좋아해요.I enjoy engaging in cultural activities.
- 한국의 전통문화에 대해 알고 싶어요.I want to learn about traditional Korean culture.
- 영화와 음악은 인도의 대표적인 문화입니다.Movies and music are representative of Indian culture.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are talking about their travel plans.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈 씨는 일본 문화에 관심이 많아요?Subin ssi-neun ilbon munhwa-e gwansimi manayo?Subin, are you very interested in Japanese culture?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 그래서 이번 휴가에 일본에 가요.ne, geuraeseo ibeon hyuga-e ilbon-e gayo.Yes, that's why I'm going to Japan this vacation.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 좋겠네요. 가서 많은 것을 체험하세요.jeongmal joketneyo. gaseo maneun geoseul cheheomhaseyo.That sounds great. Experience many things while you're there.
- 수빈 Su-bin고마워요, 지훈 씨. 다녀와서 이야기해 줄게요.gomawo-yo, Jihoon ssi. danyeowaseo iyagihae julgeyo.Thank you, Jihoon. I'll tell you all about it when I return.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 문화, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 문화, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
