How to Say "Eunuch" in Korean

환관

hwan'gwan[ɸwa̠nɡwa̠n]

The English word "eunuch" is translated into Korean as 환관 (hwan'gwan).

The term 환관 is used primarily in a historical context, specifically referring to the eunuchs who served in the royal courts of East Asian dynasties.

Meaning: castrated man (noun)

Did you know?

In the Joseon Dynasty, the role of 환관 was often hereditary, meaning the sons of eunuchs were frequently recruited into the service as well.
Because 환관 served in the inner courts, they were often the only men allowed to communicate directly with the Queen or the concubines. This made them one of the most politically powerful groups in the Joseon dynasty.
The Hanja characters for 환관 (宦官) can also be read as 'officials' or 'government clerks' in different contexts. This reveals that the term originally referred to their status as palace officials rather than just their physical condition.

그는 조선 시대의 환관이었다.
geuneun joseon sidaeui hwangwanieotda.
He was a eunuch in the Joseon Dynasty.
드라마 속 환관의 역할이 흥미롭다.
deurama sok hwangganui yeokhari heungmiropda.
The role of the eunuch in the drama is interesting.
왕궁에는 많은 환관이 살았다.
wanggunge-neun maneun hwanggani saratda.
Many eunuchs lived in the royal palace.

Dohyun and Seoyeon are discussing a historical movie.

도현 Do-hyeon

이 영화의 환관 역할이 정말 인상적이에요.
i yeonghwa-ui hwangwan yeokhal-i jeongmal insangjeogieyo.
The role of the eunuch in this movie is really impressive.
서연 Seo-yeon

맞아요, 연기를 아주 잘하시더라고요.
majayo, yeongi-reul aju jalhasideoragoyo.
You're right, they acted very well.
도현 Do-hyeon

당시 환관의 삶은 정말 힘들었을 거예요.
dangsi hwangwan-ui salmeun jeongmal himdeureosseul geoyeyo.
The life of a eunuch back then must have been very hard.
서연 Seo-yeon

그렇겠죠, 정말 슬픈 운명인 것 같아요.
geureotgetjyo, jeongmal seulpeun unmyeong-in geot gatayo.
I imagine so, it seems like a truly sad fate.

Sources

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