드럼
deureom[tɯɾʌ̹m]
The English word 'drum' can be translated into Korean as 드럼 (deureom) or 북.
Meaning: musical instrument (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 드럼 | deureom | [tɯɾʌ̹m] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 북 | buk | [puk̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, there are two different words for a drum depending on the type of instrument you are describing.
Which one should you use?
The loanword 드럼 (deureom) specifically refers to the Western-style drum kit or modern drum set used in pop and rock music. In contrast, the native Korean word 북 (buk) is typically used to refer to traditional Korean percussion instruments or generic-sounding drums.
How do you pronounce it?
deureom
Did you know?
- The native Korean word 북 may be etymologically related to the verb 부풀다, which means 'to swell' or 'to bulge'. This describes the physical shape of the drum's skin when it is tightened.
- In traditional Korean music, the 북 is often played by a drummer who also sings, as seen in pansori storytelling.
- Traditional Korean drums like the 북 are often made using animal skins, specifically ox hide, to achieve their deep resonance.
Examples in context
- 우리 공연에 북을 추가하면 어떨까요?How about adding a drum to our performance?
- 그는 드럼을 정말 잘 쳐요.geuneun deoreumeul jeongmal jal chyeoyo.He plays the drums really well.
- 새로 산 드럼이 집에 왔어요.saero san deureumi jibe wasseoyo.The new drum set arrived at my house.
- 드럼 소리가 아주 커요.deureom soriga aju keoyo.The sound of the drum is very loud.
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are talking about their hobbies.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨는 무슨 악기를 연주해요?Jihun ssineun museun akgireul yeonjuhayeoyo?Jihun, what instrument do you play?
- 지훈 Ji-hun저는 드럼을 연주해요.jeoneun deureomeul yeonjuhayeoyo.I play the drums.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 멋있네요!jeongmal meosisitneyo!That's really cool!
- 지훈 Ji-hun감사합니다, 수빈 씨.gamsahamnida, Subin ssi.Thank you, Subin.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “drum” translations and entries 드럼, 북, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 드럼, 북, CC BY-SA 4.0.
