입구
ipgu[ip̚k͈u]
The Korean word for "entrance" is 입구 (ipgu).
입구 refers to a place of entering. In contexts like subway stations, you may also see the term 출입구, which refers to an entrance or an exit.
Meaning: place of entering (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 입구 refers specifically to an entrance, the word for exit is 출구.
How do you pronounce it?
ipgu
Did you know?
- The word 입구 is a Sino-Korean term derived from Chinese characters, but its specific use as a noun for 'entrance' was borrowed from the Japanese word 入口.
- The word 입구 is a Sino-Korean compound where 입 means 'enter' and 구 means 'mouth'.
- When referring to the entrance of a house, Koreans often use the term 현관, which specifically refers to the vestibule or entryway area rather than just the door.
Examples in context
- 입구는 어디에 있나요?Where is the entrance?
- 공원 입구는 어디 있나요?Where is the entrance to the park?
- 죄송하지만, 병원의 입구를 찾을 수 있을까요?Excuse me, could you help me find the entrance to the hospital?
- 건물 입구가 어디예요?geonmul ipguga eodiyeyo?Where is the building entrance?
- 편의점 입구에서 만나요.pyeonijeom ipgu-eseo mannayo.Let's meet at the convenience store entrance.
- 공원 입구가 바로 앞이에요.gongwon ipguga baro apieyo.The park entrance is right in front.
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are looking for each other at a large mall.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 지금 어디예요?Hyunwoo ssi, jigeum eodiyeyo?Hyunwoo, where are you now?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo쇼핑몰 입구 앞에 있어요.syopingmol ipgu ape isseoyo.I am in front of the shopping mall entrance.
- 민지 Min-ji아, 저도 입구 쪽으로 갈게요.A, jeodo ipgu jjogeuro galgeyo.Ah, I will go toward the entrance too.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 여기서 기다릴게요.Ne, yeogiseo gidarilgeyo.Okay, I will wait here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “entrance” translations and entries 입구, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 입구, CC BY-SA 4.0.
