완곡한 표현
wan'gokhan pyohyeon
The English phrase 'euphemism' is translated into Korean as 완곡한 표현 (wan'gokhan pyohyeon). If unsure, use 완곡한 표현. Wiktionary also lists 완곡어 (wan'gogeo).
Meaning: word or phrase that is used to replace another in this way (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 완곡한 표현 | wan'gokhan pyohyeon |
| 완곡어 | wan'gogeo |
A euphemism is a word or phrase used to replace another. For example, the word 모텔 (Motel) is used as a euphemism for Love hotel. You can also use the verb phrase 완곡하게 말하다 to mean 'to speak euphemistically' or in a roundabout way.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 완곡한 표현 literally translates to 'indirect expression'. The word 완곡한 means indirect or roundabout and 표현 means expression.
Which one should you use?
While 완곡한 표현 is a descriptive phrase meaning 'indirect expression', 완곡어 is a more technical, single-word noun specifically meaning 'euphemism'.
How do you pronounce it?
wan'gokhan pyohyeon
Did you know?
- Korean employs a complex system of honorifics that functions as a built-in form of 완곡한 표현, where changing a verb ending can act as a euphemism for social distance.
- In Korean, a euphemism is often described as 'round' or 'curved' through the word 완곡한. This implies that instead of a sharp, direct strike of truth, the speaker 'curves' their words around the subject.
- Korean speakers frequently use 완곡한 표현 when discussing death, such as using the word 돌아가시다 to mean 'returning' instead of 'dying'.
Examples in context
- 그것은 아주 완곡한 표현이에요.geugeoseun aju wankokhan pyohyeoni-eyo.That is a very euphemistic expression.
- 직설적인 말보다 완곡한 표현이 좋아요.jikseoljeogin malboda wankokhan pyohyeoni joayo.I prefer euphemistic expressions over blunt words.
- 상대방을 배려한 완곡한 표현을 사용하세요.sangdaebangeul baeryeohan wankokhan pyohyeoneul sayonghaseyo.Please use a euphemism to be considerate of the other person.
Example conversation
Subin and Hyunwoo are discussing how to write a polite email.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨, 이 문장은 너무 직접적이지 않아요?Hyunwoo ssi, i munjang-eun neomu jikjeopjeok-iji an-ayo?Hyunwoo, isn't this sentence too direct?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그럼 어떤 완곡한 표현을 쓰는 게 좋을까요?Geureom eotteon wankokhan pyohyeoneul sseuneun ge joeulkkayo?Then what kind of euphemism should I use?
- 수빈 Su-bin조금 더 부드러운 완곡한 표현으로 바꿔보세요.Jogeum deo budeureoun wankokhan pyohyeoneuro bakkwo-boseyo.Try changing it to a slightly softer euphemism.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo알겠어요, 수빈 씨 말씀대로 고쳐볼게요.Algesseoyo, Subin ssi malsseumdaero gochyeobolgeyo.I see, I will try to fix it as you suggested, Subin.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “euphemism” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
