은하
eunha[ɯnɦa̠]
The English phrase 'galaxy' is 은하 (eunha) in Korean. Wiktionary also lists 은하계 (eunhagye).
Meaning: collection of billions of stars, galactic dust, black holes, etc (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 은하 | eunha | [ɯnɦa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 은하계 | eunhagye | [ɯnɦa̠ɡje̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ɯnɦa̠ɡe̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
은하 is the term used for a galaxy, a collection of billions of stars, galactic dust, black holes and more. It is commonly used in scientific, educational or academic contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 은하 literally means 'silver river', composed of the characters 은 (silver) and 하 (river). This reflects the historical concept of the 'Silver River' in the sky.
Which one should you use?
While 은하 refers to a galaxy in general, 은하계 is often used to refer specifically to the Milky Way or a particular galactic system.
How do you pronounce it?
eunha
Did you know?
- The word 미리내 comes from 미리, meaning dragon, and 내, meaning stream, describing the galaxy as a 'dragon stream'.
- In modern Korean pop culture, the word 은하 is a common and feminine given name for people.
- The 'Silver River' concept in 은하 is shared with ancient Chinese culture, where the Milky Way was seen as a celestial river that separated the lovers Gyeon-u and Jik-nyeo.
Examples in context
- 은하는 무한한 우주의 요소입니다.The galaxy is an infinite element of the universe.
- 저 은하가 정말 아름다워요.jeo eun-ha-ga jeong-mal a-reum-da-wo-yo.That galaxy is truly beautiful.
- 우리 은하는 나선형이에요.u-ri eun-ha-neun na-seon-hyeong-i-e-yo.Our galaxy is spiral-shaped.
- 먼 은하를 망원경으로 봤어요.meon eun-ha-reul mang-won-gyeong-eu-ro bwat-eo-yo.I saw a distant galaxy through a telescope.
Example conversation
Two people are looking at the night sky through a telescope.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 저 은하가 보여요?ji-hun ssi, jeo eun-ha-ga bo-yeo-yo?Jihoon, can you see that galaxy?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 민지 씨. 정말 신기하네요.ne, min-ji ssi. jeong-mal sin-gi-ha-ne-yo.Yes, Minji. It is truly amazing.
- 민지 Min-ji은하의 모양이 참 독특해요.eun-ha-ui mo-yang-i cham dok-teuk-hae-yo.The shape of the galaxy is very unique.
- 지훈 Ji-hun우주에는 은하가 아주 많아요.u-ju-e-neun eun-ha-ga a-ju man-a-yo.There are many galaxies in the universe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “galaxy” translations and entries 은하, 은하계, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
