Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 적 | jeok | [t͡ɕʌ̹k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 구적 | gujeok | [kud͡ʑʌ̹k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 원수 | wonsu | [ˈwɘ(ː)nsʰu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [wʌ̹nsʰu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
|
| 원쑤 | wonssu | [wɔns͈u] (North Korea, narrow) | North Korea |
The word 적 is a general term for an enemy and is frequently used in military, political or abstract contexts. It can refer to both personal enemies and national adversaries. To describe a feeling of being hostile or antagonistic, you can use the adjective form 적대적.
Which one should you use?
While 적 is a general term, 원수 carries much more emotional weight, referring specifically to a personal enemy or a mortal enemy that one holds a deep, long-standing grudge against. Additionally, 구적 is another form provided for enemy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
원쑤 is the North Korean spelling and pronunciation of the word for enemy, which is written as 원수 in the South.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can create the word for enemy forces or the enemy army by adding the suffix 군 (meaning army or troops) to 적, resulting in 적군.
How do you pronounce it?
jeok
Did you know?
- In Korean, the word 원수 can be quite confusing because it has a double meaning. Depending on the character used, it can mean a 'mortal enemy' or a 'high-ranking official' or even a 'prime minister'.
- The word 적 also serves as a homonym for a traditional flute, creating a stark contrast between the sound of music and the concept of an adversary.
- In Korean, the word for 'enemy' 적 is a homonym for 'red' 적, meaning a speaker must rely on context to know if someone is referring to a foe or a color.
Examples in context
- 요새가 적의 손아귀에 들어왔다.The fortress fell into the hands of the enemy.This sentence illustrates the use of 적 regarding a fortress falling to an enemy.Tatoeba #11107054 by intertime, translation #5022772 by AlanF_US
- 초목까지 모두 적군으로 보인다.Every bush and tree looks like an enemy.This sentence shows how 적 can be used when describing something appearing as an enemy.Tatoeba #13611631 by LeviHighway, translation #13611629 by LeviHighway
- 나는 너의 가장 친한 친구도 가장 나쁜 적도 될 수 있어.I can be your best friend or your worst enemy.This sentence demonstrates the use of 적 to contrast a friend and an enemy.Tatoeba #1533231 by mysonhs, translation #1410193 by CM
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are discussing a competitive game.
- 민준 Min-jun이제 적이 어디 있는지 보여?ije jeogi eodi inneunji boyeo?Can you see where the enemy is now?
- 민지 Min-ji아니, 아직 안 보여.ani, ajik an boyeo.No, I can't see them yet.
- 민준 Min-jun적을 조심해, 뒤에 있을지도 몰라.jeogeul josimhae, dwie isseuljido molla.Watch out for the enemy, they might be behind you.
- 민지 Min-ji알았어, 내가 처리할게.arasseo, naega cheorihalge.Got it, I'll handle it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “enemy” translations and entries 적, 구적, 원수, 원쑤, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
