악
ak[a̠k̚]
The English word 'evil' is translated into Korean as 악 (ak).
악 represents a general sense of evil or wickedness.
Meaning: morally corrupt (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
It becomes the adjective 악한 when it is used to modify a noun in a sentence. You can also form the possessive 악의, which means 'of evil' or 'evil's'. Additionally, the prefix 최 (meaning 'most') can be added to form 최악, which means 'the worst' or 'the worst case'.
How do you pronounce it?
ak
Did you know?
- The word 악 is a homonym for a common Korean onomatopoeia used to represent a scream of pain or shock.
- The phrase 악을 쓰다 literally means 'to use evil' but is actually an idiom meaning to scream or struggle desperately.
- In Korean, the term 최악 ('the worst') is frequently used as a standalone exclamation to describe a disastrous or awkward situation.
Examples in context
- 돈을 사랑하는 마음이 모든 악의 근원이다.Love of money is the root of all evil.This sentence shows how to use 악 to describe the root of all evil.Tatoeba #7345069 by H_Liliom, translation #3501315 by CK
- 악한 것은 보지도 말고, 듣지도 말고, 말하지도 말라.See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil.This sentence demonstrates the use of 악 in the context of the 'See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil' proverb.Tatoeba #6487983 by LeeSooHa, translation #6487970 by LeeSooHa
- 그는 감정적으로 사악한 행동을 합니다.He engages in emotionally evil behavior.
- 이 조직은 악의 세력으로 알려져 있습니다.This organization is known for its evil influence.
- 너는 진짜로 나쁜 사람이야.You are a really bad person.
- 그 영화에 나오는 캐릭터는 악랄한 모습으로 그려졌어.The character portrayed in that movie was depicted with an evil appearance.
Example conversation
Ji-hoon and Min-ji are discussing a character in a movie.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이 영화의 악역은 정말 악해 보여요.I yeonghwa-ui agyeogeun jeongmal akhae boyeoyo.The villain in this movie looks truly evil.
- 민지 Min-ji맞아요. 행동이 너무 잔인해요.Majayo. Haengdong-i neomu janinhaeyo.You're right. His actions are too cruel.
- 지훈 Ji-hun어떻게 그렇게 악한 사람이 될 수 있을까요?Eotteoke geureoke akhan sarami doel su isseulkkayo?How could someone become such an evil person?
- 민지 Min-ji그게 바로 영화의 반전 포인트겠죠.Geuge baro yeonghwa-ui banjeon pointeu-getjyo.That must be the plot twist of the movie.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 악, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
