귀
gwi[kɥi]
In Korean, the word for "ears" is 귀 (gwi).
귀 refers to the organs on the sides of the head used for hearing. You may encounter the expression 귀가 밝다, which literally translates to "ears are bright" and is used to describe someone who is very good at hearing or is quick to pick up on sounds/rumors.
How do you pronounce it?
gwi
Did you know?
- There is a Korean expression 귀가 가렵다, meaning 'one's ears are itching', used when you suspect someone is talking about you behind your back.
- In Korean, the word 귀 is also used to describe the handles of a cup or a pot, treating these objects as if they have 'ears'.
- The word 귀 can also mean 'ghost' or 'spirit' when written with a different Chinese character, creating a homonym that is distinguished by context.
Examples in context
- 쇠귀에 경 읽기As useless as reciting a sutra to the ears of a cow.This sentence illustrates a proverb using 귀 to describe a futile effort.
- 저는 귀가 좋아요.I have good ears.
- 귀 뒤가 간지럽다.The back of my ears is itchy.
- 귀가 정말 커요.gwiga jeongmal keoyo.The ears are really big.
- 귀가 아파요.gwiga apayo.My ears hurt.
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyun are at a doctor's office.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨, 어디가 아파요?Minji ssi, eodiga apayo?Minji, where does it hurt?
- 민지 Min-ji왼쪽 귀가 너무 아파요.oenjjok gwiga neomu apayo.My left ear hurts a lot.
- 도현 Do-hyeon제가 귀 안을 볼게요.jega gwi aneul bolgeyo.I will look inside your ear.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 부탁드려요.ne, butakdeuryeoyo.Yes, please.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 귀, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
