게임
geim[k͈e̞im]
The English word 'game' is translated into Korean as 게임 (geim).
게임 is the most common way to say 'game' in Korean, typically referring to an activity described by a set of rules for entertainment.
Meaning: activity described by a set of rules, especially for the purpose of entertainment (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 게임 is the standard term, you might encounter other words depending on the context: 경기 is used specifically when referring to sports games or matches and 놀이 can denote the concept of 'play' or 'playing' in formal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of playing a game, you use the construction 게임을 하다, which combines 게임 (game) with the verb 하다 (to do).
How do you pronounce it?
geim
Did you know?
- The phrase 게임 끝 (game over) is frequently used as a slang expression to signal that a situation is decided or a person has been completely defeated in an argument.
- In very formal or traditional settings, an activity might be described as 유희, a much more literary and sophisticated way to describe 'play' or 'amusement' than the common 게임.
- In certain contexts, calling a social interaction a 게임 can imply that the situation is being treated as a competitive or calculated maneuver rather than a sincere connection.
Examples in context
- 이 게임 마음에 들어.I'm liking this game.This sentence shows how to express that you like a specific 게임.Tatoeba #11133295 by Eunhee, translation #11165277 by Layla
- 게임의 룰 알고 있어?Do you know the rules of the game?This sentence is useful for asking if someone knows the rules of a 게임.Tatoeba #13248390 by qiwiwi, translation #9189246 by DJ_Saidez
- 톰은 게임을 하고 있어.Tom is playing a game.This sentence demonstrates how to say someone is playing a 게임.Tatoeba #8361459 by Eunhee, translation #7733482 by CK
- 올림픽 경기 를 보는 걸 좋아해요.I enjoy watching Olympic games.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jieun and Jihun are deciding what to do at home.
- 지은 Ji-eun우리 같이 게임 할까?uri gachi geim halkka?Shall we play a game together?
- 지훈 Ji-hun좋아, 어떤 게임을 할까?joa, eotteon geimeul halkka?Okay, what game shall we play?
- 지은 Ji-eun새로 나온 게임이 있어.saero naon geimi isseo.There is a new game that came out.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은아, 그 게임 재미있어?jieun-a, geu geim jaemiisseo?Jieun, is that game fun?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 게임, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
