동
dong[to̞(ː)ŋ]
In Korean, the word for east is 동 (dong). Wiktionary also lists 새 (sae).
Meaning: compass point (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 동 | dong | [to̞(ː)ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 새 | sae | [sʰɛ(ː)] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [sʰe̞(ː)] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The single syllable 동 is typically used as a prefix in compound words for specific locations or names, such as 동서울 (East Seoul). The term 동쪽 is the standard way to refer to the direction itself in a sentence, and it can also be used to mean the east side.
Which one should you use?
While 동 can be a prefix, 동쪽 is the standard way to refer to the direction itself in a sentence. The form 새 is also a way to express east.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix –쪽 to the root 동 creates the common noun for 'the east' or 'the east direction'. Adding the particle –으로 to 동쪽 turns the noun into an adverbial phrase meaning 'towards the east'.
How do you pronounce it?
dong
Did you know?
- In Korea, the direction east is traditionally associated with the color blue, which represents the east in the five elements theory.
- The character for east 東 is a pictograph that originally depicted a tree under the sun, symbolizing the place where the sun rises.
- The word 동 is a homonym in Korean and can mean 'copper', 'the same', 'ridgepole' or 'village' depending on the Hanja character used.
Examples in context
- 동서울East SeoulThis example shows how 동 is used in the name of a location.
- 동쪽에는 무지개가 있습니다.There is a rainbow in the east.This sentence uses 동 to indicate the direction where a rainbow is located.Tatoeba #12373689 by LeeSooHa, translation #12373684 by LeeSooHa
- 동쪽으로 가세요Go east
- 해는 동에서 떠요.hae-neun dong-eseo tteoyo.The sun rises in the east.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a map in a park.
- 수빈 Su-bin지도가 여기 있어요.jido-ga yeogi isseoyo.The map is right here.
- 도현 Do-hyeon동은 어디예요?dong-eun eodi-yeyo?Where is east?
- 수빈 Su-bin이쪽이 동이에요.i-jjok-i dong-i-eyo.This way is east.
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워요, 수빈 씨.gomawoyo, Subin ssi.Thank you, Subin.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “east” translations and entries 동, 새, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 동, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
