오락
orak[ˈo̞(ː)ɾa̠k̚]
The English word entertainment can be translated into Korean as 오락 (orak) or 엔터테인먼트.
Meaning: activity designed to give pleasure or relaxation (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 오락 | orak | [ˈo̞(ː)ɾa̠k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 엔터테인먼트 | enteoteinmeonteu | [e̞ntʰʌ̹tʰe̞inmʌ̹ntʰɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Entertainment refers to activities designed to provide pleasure or relaxation. The term 오락 refers to general recreational activities, while 엔터테인먼트 is a loanword specifically used for the professional entertainment industry, such as music, film or talent agencies.
Which one should you use?
오락 is a traditional term used for simple amusement, games or recreational activities like board games or arcade games. In contrast, 엔터테인먼트 is used when referring to the modern entertainment industry, such as an 'entertainment company' (엔터테인먼트 회사).
How do you pronounce it?
orak
Did you know?
- The Sino-Korean word 오락 is composed of the characters for 'five' and 'pleasure'.
- The root character for pleasure in 오락, 樂, is a homonym that can also mean 'music' depending on how it is pronounced.
- K-pop fans often shorten 엔터테인먼트 to 엔터 when referring to the agencies that manage their favorite idols.
Examples in context
- 시골에는 오락이 없다.There's no entertainment in the countryside.This sentence shows how to describe a lack of entertainment in a rural setting using 오락.Tatoeba #13248456 by qiwiwi, translation #1771686 by Scott
- 한국의 엔터테인먼트 문화는 세계적으로 인기를 끌고 있어요.Korean entertainment culture is popular worldwide.This sentence illustrates the use of the loanword 엔터테인먼트 when discussing the global popularity of the Korean entertainment industry.Tatoeba #13518803 by LeviHighway, translation #13803751 by haohao
- 연예 산업entertainment industry
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are talking about their weekend plans.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이번 주말에 뭐 할 거야?ibeon jumare mwo hal geoya?What are you doing this weekend?
- 수빈 Su-bin집에서 오락이나 하려고.jibeseo orakina haryeogo.I'm thinking of just playing some games at home.
- 지훈 Ji-hun심심하지 않겠어?simsimhaji angetseo?Won't you be bored?
- 수빈 Su-bin아니, 나한테는 이게 최고의 오락이야.ani, nahanteneun ige choegoui orakiya.No, this is the best entertainment for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “entertainment” translations and entries 오락, 엔터테인먼트, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 엔터테인먼트, 오락, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
