이모지
imoji[imo̞d͡ʑi]
The English word "emoji" is translated into Korean as 이모지 (imoji). Wiktionary also lists 에모지 (emoji).
Meaning: digital graphic icon (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 에모지 | emoji | [e̞mo̞d͡ʑi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 이모지 | imoji | [imo̞d͡ʑi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term refers to a digital graphic icon.
Which one should you use?
The pack provides two transliterations: 에모지 and 이모지. 이모지 is the default form.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is romanized as imoji.
Did you know?
- The phonetic similarity between 이모지 and the Korean word 이모 (imoo), which means 'aunt', can occasionally lead to humorous misunderstandings in text-based jokes or puns.
- In professional Korean emails, using 이모지 is often seen as too casual and can be interpreted as a lack of respect toward a superior.
- While Korean uses the transliteration 이모지, many Koreans also use the word 이모티콘 (emoticon) to refer to the same digital graphics. The distinction between a single character and a larger sticker-style graphic is often blurred in daily conversation.
Examples in context
- 이모티콘을 사용해서 감정을 표현해봐요.Try expressing your emotions using emojis.
- 이 이모지 정말 귀여워요.i imoji jeongmal gwiyeowoyo.This emoji is really cute.
- 새로운 이모지가 추가되었어요.saeroun imoji ga chugadoeeosseoyo.A new emoji has been added.
- 그 이모지는 무슨 뜻이에요?geu imoji neun museun tteusieyo?What does that emoji mean?
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Hyeon-woo are chatting on a messaging app.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 이 이모지 봤어요?hyeonu ssi, i imoji bwasseoyo?Hyeon-woo, have you seen this emoji?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아, 저 이모지 정말 웃겨요.a, jeo imoji jeongmal utgyeoyo.Ah, that emoji is really funny.
- 지은 Ji-eun맞아요, 정말 재미있어요.majayo, jeongmal jaemiisseoyo.Right, it's really funny.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo자주 사용하고 싶어요.jaju sayonghago sipeoyo.I want to use it often.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “emoji” translations and entries 에모지, 이모지, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
